ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Angélique Kidjo to the Hollywood Walk of Fame," stated Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer. “Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents. We are proud to honor her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.” — Ana Martinez, Producer, Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo is one of the most influential and acclaimed artists in international music, a creative force whose four-decade career has bridged cultures, generations, and genres. With eighteen albums to her name, Kidjo was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the world. The BBC included her among the African continent’s 50 most iconic figures, while The Guardian recognized her as one of the 100 most inspiring women in the world. Forbes has also recognized Kidjo as the most influential woman in Africa. Her many international honors include the 2015 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award; the 2018 German Sustainability Award; the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music; and the 2023 Polar Music Prize.

As a performer, Kidjo’s commanding voice, electrifying stage presence, and fluency across cultures and languages have earned the respect of her peers and built a global following. Throughout her career, she has brought the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin into conversation with American R&B, funk, jazz, and gospel, as well as music from Europe, Latin America, and across the African diaspora.

After exploring the musical roads of Africa’s diaspora, reimagining Talking Heads’ landmark album Remain in Light, paying tribute to iconic salsa singer Celia Cruz, and collaborating with generations of artists, Kidjo continues her expansive creative journey on her latest album, HOPE!! The 18th album in her widely acclaimed discography features Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson, IZA, PJ Morton, and more. A music video for album standout “Bando,” featuring Pharrell Williams and Quavo, is also forthcoming. The project affirms Kidjo as a truly essential artist, one whose unbridled joy serves as a unifying force.

“I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life,” says Kidjo, who hails from the West African nation of Benin. “With this album I wanted to put some fire back in people’s hearts and show how much we need that joy and hope to keep our humanity going.”

Dedicated to Kidjo’s late mother, HOPE!! emerged from a period shaped by grief and renewal. “My mother used to tell me that hope is the bedrock of our existence,” says Kidjo. As the latest offering in a catalog that’s continually shown the transformative power of music, HOPE!! solidifies Kidjo’s legacy as a visionary artist whose sense of purpose has only grown stronger over time.

Kidjo also travels the world advocating on behalf of children as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. At the 2019 G7 Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron named her a spokesperson for the AFAWA initiative, or Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa, which works to help close the financing gap for women entrepreneurs across the continent. Kidjo also founded the Batonga Foundation, which has built a powerful, locally led movement advancing the education, leadership, and economic empowerment of girls and young women across Benin and Senegal, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and redefining what is possible for the next generation.

THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S WALK OF FAME  

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of art, entertainment, and all things Hollywood. Star ceremonies are broadcast worldwide, connecting fans with their favorite artists. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. Honorees are selected by a committee of their peers. Sponsors fund the star, the ceremony, and the maintenance of the legendary attraction. The Walk of Fame is free to all. To learn more and find your favorite stars, visit www.walkoffame.com.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HCC) 

Founded in 1921, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic vitality, cultural richness, and civic well-being of Hollywood. Representing nearly 700 member organizations that collectively employ more than 148,000 people, the Chamber is Hollywood's largest and most influential business organization.

As the leading advocate for Hollywood's business community, the Chamber convenes leaders across industries to champion initiatives that strengthen the local economy, enhance quality of life, and elevate Hollywood's position as the world's premier destination for entertainment, tourism, investment, and innovation.

The Chamber is also the proud steward of two of the world's most recognizable cultural landmarks—the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and the legendary Hollywood Sign—preserving and promoting these global symbols on behalf of Hollywood and its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Ron Frierson serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, Dan Halden serves as Chief Operating Officer, and Jerry Neuman serves as Chair of the Board for the 2026–2027 term.

To learn more or become involved, visit www.hollywoodchamber.net.