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Angelique Kidjo becomes first Black African to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy winner, 66, was honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday, where she celebrated the power of music to unite people across cultures.
Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy winner unveiled her star on Tuesday at a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, an event described by Africa News and France 24 as glitzy, held under palm trees and picture-perfect California skies.
The honor places Kidjo among over 2,800 stars on the Walk of Fame, according to AllAfrica, which cited the News Agency of Nigeria. The BBC noted that Kidjo joins South African actress Charlize Theron as one of only two artists representing Africa on the Walk. RFI put the number of stars at more than 2,700.
A career spanning four decades
Kidjo, 66, was born in Benin and has built an international career spanning more than four decades and 18 albums, blending influences from her native country with funk, jazz and pop. She left Benin for Paris in 1983, citing oppression from the country's then-communist government.
Her career includes collaborations with artists such as Burna Boy, John Legend, Bono and Alicia Keys. Her latest album, HOPE!!, released earlier this year, features tracks produced by Pharrell Williams and collaborations with Ayra Starr, Quavo, Nile Rogers and Diane Warren.
Voices from the ceremony
At the ceremony, Kidjo emphasized the global influence of African music. "We Africans don't know what we've given to the world," she said, as reported by multiple outlets. "Without us, there's no music possible on this planet." She also spoke of her vision of a connected world, saying, "The star for me means that my vision of the world as a small village is a reality... It's one human family."
In an interview with RFI after the ceremony, Kidjo described the honor as "a door opening" at a time of global turmoil. "I never imagined I'd be here – never," she said. "In this moment of chaos we're living through, moments like this give me hope, a reminder that when we work together and set aside the rhetoric of hatred and division, we create beauty everywhere." She also said the star was not only for Africa and Benin but also for France, where she restarted her career after arriving in 1983 and where she married a Frenchman.
Actor Willem Dafoe praised Kidjo's energy and dedication, calling her "the hardest-working woman in show business." He noted her humanitarian work through the Batonga Foundation, which strives to empower girls and young women in Africa. Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy described her as a "rare artist," saying her work has "elevated our global music community."
Recognition beyond music
Kidjo's honors extend beyond music. She has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, one of Africa's 50 most iconic figures by the BBC, and one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian. She won the Polar Music Prize in 2023 and is a goodwill ambassador for Unicef and Oxfam.
How each outlet told it
Africa News
Framing: Emphasizes she is the first black African honored, similar to France 24 but with slightly different wording. — Celebratory and admiring, with phrases like 'feted by film stars' and 'rare artist'.
Facts Included:
Angelique Kidjo became the first Black African to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.
She is a five-time Grammy winner, aged 66.
The ceremony was glitzy, under palm trees and picture-perfect California skies.
She said: 'We Africans don't know what we've given to the world... Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.'
She offered thanks to her team and family, then erupted into song.
Born in Benin, she has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums.
She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, one of Africa's 50 most iconic figures by the BBC, and one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian.
Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy hailed her as a 'rare artist' and gave a speech with quotes about 'permanent symbol' and 'legacy'.
Willem Dafoe praised her energy and dedication to the Batonga Foundation, calling her 'the hardest-working woman in show business'.
Framing: Focuses on the future event and the historic title of first African musician, using 'to Become' to indicate anticipation. — Informative and forward-looking, with a neutral tone typical of news announcements.
Facts Included:
Angélique Kidjo is set to become the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
According to Billboard, the ceremony will be on Tuesday at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The star will be in the Recording category.
The recognition will make her the first African musician and first Black African to receive a star.
The ceremony is expected to feature actor Willem Dafoe and music executive Harvey Mason Jr. as guest speakers.
Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award winner.
She has built an international career spanning music, culture, and humanitarian advocacy.
She has used her music to promote African culture and support social causes.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,800 terrazzo-and-brass stars.
The Walk of Fame star is a permanent, five-pointed pink-and-charcoal monument.
Framing: Emphasizes Kidjo making history for Africa with the star, highlighting the continental significance rather than her individual achievement or other aspects. — Celebratory and respectful, supported by quotes like 'made history' and 'musical icon'.
Facts Included:
Angélique Kidjo made history as the first African musician to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She is a five-time Grammy award winner.
Kidjo, 66, comes from Benin.
She was joined by family, friends, and stars such as Willem Dafoe, Djimon Hounsou (also from Benin), and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold.
Kidjo's career spans more than four decades, blending influences from Benin with funk, jazz, and pop.
She left Benin for Paris in 1983, citing oppression from the country's then-communist government.
Quote from Kidjo: 'We Africans just don't know what we've given to the world... Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.'
Quote from Kidjo: 'The star for me means that my vision of the world as a small village is a reality... It's one human family.'
Quote from Kidjo (2023 BBC interview): 'From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second.'
Her collaborations include Burna Boy, John Legend, Bono, and Alicia Keys.
Her latest album is HOPE!!, released earlier this year, with tracks produced by Pharrell Williams and collaborations with Ayra Starr, Quavo, Nile Rogers, and Diane Warren.
She has released 18 albums and has been nominated for 17 Grammy awards, winning five.
She won the 2023 Polar Music Prize and was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2021.
Willem Dafoe's quote: 'She is without a doubt the hardest working woman in showbusiness.'
Dafoe likened her energy to that of soul singer James Brown.
She is a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and co-founder of the Batonga Foundation.
Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, praised her: 'She's connected cultures...'
Kidjo joins Charlize Theron, a white South African actress, in representing Africa on the Walk of Fame, which comprises more than 2,800 stars.
Framing: Emphasizes Kidjo making history for Africa with the star, highlighting the continental significance rather than her individual achievement or other aspects. — Celebratory and respectful, supported by quotes like 'made history' and 'musical icon'.
Facts Included:
Angélique Kidjo made history as the first African musician to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She is a five-time Grammy award winner.
She is from Benin.
She was joined by family, friends, and stars such as Willem Dafoe, Djimon Hounsou (also from Benin), and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold.
Her career spans more than four decades, blending influences from Benin with funk, jazz, and pop.
She left Benin for Paris in 1983, citing oppression from the country's then-communist government.
Quote from Kidjo: 'We Africans just don't know what we've given to the world... Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.'
Quote from Kidjo: 'The star for me means that my vision of the world as a small village is a reality... It's one human family.'
Quote from Kidjo (2023 BBC interview): 'From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second.'
Her collaborations include Burna Boy, John Legend, Bono, and Alicia Keys.
Her latest album is HOPE!!, released earlier this year, with tracks produced by Pharrell Williams and collaborations with Ayra Starr, Quavo, Nile Rogers, and Diane Warren.
She has released 18 albums and has been nominated for 17 Grammy awards, winning five.
She won the 2023 Polar Music Prize and was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2021.
Willem Dafoe's quote: 'She is without a doubt the hardest working woman in showbusiness.'
Dafoe likened her energy to that of soul singer James Brown.
She is a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and co-founder of the Batonga Foundation.
Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, praised her: 'She's connected cultures...'
Kidjo joins Charlize Theron, a white South African actress, in representing Africa on the Walk of Fame, which comprises more than 2,800 stars.
Framing: Emphasizes that she is the first Black African to receive the honor, focusing on racial/continental identity. — Celebratory and admiring, with quotes like 'feted by film stars' and 'rare artist'.
Facts Included:
Angélique Kidjo became the first Black African to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday.
She is a five-time Grammy winner, aged 66.
The ceremony was glitzy, under palm trees and picture-perfect California skies.
She said: 'We Africans don't know what we've given to the world... Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.'
She offered thanks to her team and family, then erupted into song.
Born in Benin, she has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums.
She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, one of Africa's 50 most iconic figures by the BBC, and one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian.
Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy hailed her as a 'rare artist' and gave a speech with quotes about 'permanent symbol' and 'legacy'.
Willem Dafoe praised her energy and dedication to the Batonga Foundation, calling her 'the hardest-working woman in show business'.
Framing: Emphasizes Kidjo's statement that the star is 'for Africa, but also for France', highlighting a dual-nationality angle. — Personal and reflective, with quotes like 'a huge amount of emotion, and disbelief' and 'that's the power of music'.
Facts Included:
Angélique Kidjo became the first black African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She told RFI the honor represented 'a door opening' at a time of global turmoil.
The ceremony was on Tuesday, attended by film stars and music industry figures.
She is a five-time Grammy winner, aged 66, born in Benin.
She said: 'I never imagined I'd be here – never.'
She said: 'In this moment of chaos we're living through, moments like this give me hope, a reminder that when we work together and set aside the rhetoric of hatred and division, we create beauty everywhere.'
She has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums.
She has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people.
She said: 'If anyone had told me one day I'd have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I'd never have believed them.'
She said: 'That's the power of music. Music takes you to unexpected places, makes things happen.'
She told the crowd: 'We Africans don't know what we've given to the world... Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.'
Harvey Mason Jr of the Recording Academy described her as a 'rare artist' and gave a speech with quotes about 'permanent symbol' and 'legacy'.
Willem Dafoe praised her energy on stage and her humanitarian work through the Batonga Foundation.
She joins Charlize Theron in representing Africa on the Walk of Fame, among more than 2,700 other stars.
She said the honor belonged not only to Africa and Benin but also to France, where she restarted her career after arriving in 1983, citing oppression from the country's then communist government.
She said: 'This star isn't just for Africa and my country – it's for France too, because I've spent so much time there, and I married a Frenchman.'
She mentioned French songwriters Claude Nougaro and Charles Aznavour as influences.
She said young African musicians now have opportunities that were not available when she began her career, with the internet enabling instant success.
She mentioned younger artists including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid, with whom she has recorded duets.
She said: 'Probably – through the work I did before them, and because they grew up listening to my music. I think it gave them a work ethic too.'
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimAngélique Kidjo became the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
ClaimKidjo told the BBC in 2023: 'From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second.'
ClaimKidjo's latest album is HOPE!!, released earlier this year, with tracks produced by Pharrell Williams and collaborations with Ayra Starr, Quavo, Nile Rogers, and Diane Warren.
ClaimHarvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, said: 'She's connected cultures, she's crossed borders, she's reminded audiences everywhere that while we may come from different backgrounds, her music unites in a way that few other things can.'
ClaimHarvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy said: 'Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it's connection.'
ClaimHarvey Mason Jr. said: 'This star is a permanent symbol; it's not going anywhere, and it's a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy, it lives in the people that you've touched, that you've inspired, the barriers that you've broken, the connections you've created all around the world.'
ClaimDafoe said: 'This is not a token celebrity involvement; it is an extension of what she does with her music. She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we're all connected, and that love and understanding is the way.'
ClaimKidjo said: 'In this moment of chaos we're living through, moments like this give me hope, a reminder that when we work together and set aside the rhetoric of hatred and division, we create beauty everywhere.'
ClaimKidjo said: 'This star isn't just for Africa and my country – it's for France too, because I've spent so much time there, and I married a Frenchman.'
ClaimKidjo said young African musicians now have opportunities that were not available when she began her career, with the internet enabling instant success.
ClaimKidjo said: 'Probably – through the work I did before them, and because they grew up listening to my music. I think it gave them a work ethic too.'