Ouagadougou: Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo became, on Tuesday, the first African musical artist to receive a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, USA. The 66-year-old artist unveiled her star at a ceremony held at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, attended by, among others, American actor Willem Dafoe and Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. She received the 2,854th star on the famous boulevard, in the "Recording" category, dedicated to artists in the music industry.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this distinction crowns more than four decades of an international career marked by 18 albums and five Grammy Awards. Angelique Kidjo is among the most awarded African artists on the international music scene. She received her fifth Grammy Award in 2022 for the album "Mother Nature", which was named best world music album.
Throughout her career, the singer has collaborated with several major figures in international music, including Alicia Keys, Bono, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Burna Boy, and Davido. Her work draws inspiration from the rhythms and traditions of Benin, while also incorporating elements of jazz, funk, reggae, soul, pop, and Afrobeat music.
Angelique Kidjo, who began singing at the age of six, moved to France in 1983 before continuing her career in the United States. She has also distinguished herself through her commitment to children's rights, girls' education, and the empowerment of African women.
During the ceremony, the artist dedicated this award to Africa, her family, and younger generations, encouraging them to believe in their dreams. She also highlighted the African continent's contribution to world music.
Angelique Kidjo's recognition comes after several other international awards, including the Polar Music Prize and her ranking in 2021 among the 100 most influential people in the world by the American magazine Time. With this star, the Beninese singer further cements her place in the history of African and world music. She becomes the first African female musician to be featured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an iconic location with over 2,800 stars dedicated to figures who have made their mark on the entertainment industry.