Angélique Kidjo, the international music star from Benin, made history when she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles this week.
The five-time Grammy-winner became the first African musician to receive a star on the Boulevard.
Kidjo’s musical career spans four decades, 18 albums and a long list of honours including being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
Joining her as guest speakers at the Hollywood occasion were Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe and acclaimed songwriter and producer Harvey Mason Jr.
Reflecting on her latest accolade after the event, Kidjo said she had not arrived at that moment by herself:
“This star goes to all the people that have supported me throughout the years: to the artists that inspired me when I started and to the young African artists who are inspiring me today!”
Most of all, Kidjo said, her thanks went to her country Benin and her continent Africa “that have been feeding me with an incredible culture that the world doesn’t know about”.
At the ceremony, Kidjo burst into a spontaneous typically high-energy performance as percussionists drummed in the background.
The Walk of Fame organisers said the Kidjo honour arrived at a defining moment for African music, as artists from across the continent reach new audiences and “reshape popular music around the world”.
“Kidjo’s recognition carries particular weight: over the course of her four-decade career, she has helped open pathways for African artists on the global stage, making this star both a celebration of her singular legacy and a reflection of the movement she helped advance.”
In his speech, Dafoe highlighted her energy and hard work, also drawing attention to her role as an activist.
Along with her electrifyig performances around the world, Kidjo travels the globe advocating on behalf of children as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
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