Angélique Kidjo first black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has go the archetypal achromatic African performer to beryllium selected for a prima connected the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kidjo, who comes from the West African state of Benin and has won 5 Grammy awards, was among the 35 names announced arsenic portion of the Walk of Fame's people of 2026 list.

The 64-year-old was hailed arsenic Africa's "premier diva" during a property league announcing the database connected Wednesday.

Singer Miley Cyrus, histrion Timothée Chalamet, histrion Demi Moore and erstwhile hoops subordinate Shaquille O'Neal are besides among those acceptable to beryllium honoured with a prima connected Los Angeles' celebrated walk.

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Kidjo receives the honour aft making euphony for much than 4 decades and releasing 16 albums.

The songstress has won fans crossed the satellite with her commanding dependable and quality to fuse West African styles with the likes of funk, jazz and R&B.

Her agelong database of collaborators includes forces specified arsenic Burna Boy, Philip Glass, Sting and Alicia Keys.

Kidjo joins Charlize Theron, a achromatic South African actress, successful representing Africa connected the Walk of Fame. Theron received her prima successful 2005.

The day connected which Kidjo volition spot her prima unveiled connected the Walk of Fame has not yet been announced.

After recipients person been selected for a star, they person 2 years to docket induction ceremonies.

Kidjo grew up successful Benin, but near for Paris successful 1983, citing oppression from the country's past communist government.

"From the infinitesimal the communist authorities arrived successful Benin, I became alert that the state we bask tin beryllium snatched distant successful a second," she told the BBC successful 2023.

She said she has been driven by curiosity since childhood, adding: "my nickname was 'when, why, how?'. I privation to recognize things, to recognize my spot successful this world."

Kidjo worked arsenic a backing vocalist successful France earlier striking retired arsenic a solo creator successful 1990, with the medium Parakou.

She is simply a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and has her ain charity, Batonga, which is dedicated to supporting the acquisition of young girls successful Africa.