Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African performer to be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kidjo, who comes from the West African country of Benin and has won five Grammy awards, was among the 35 names announced as part of the Walk of Fame's class of 2026 list. The 64-year-old was hailed as Africa's "premier diva" during a press conference announcing the list on Wednesday. Singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore and former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal are also among those set to be honoured with a star on Los Angeles' famous walk. Kidjo receives the honour after making music for more than four decades and releasing 16 albums. The songstress has won fans across the world with her commanding voice and ability to fuse West African styles with the likes of funk, jazz and R&B. Her long list of collaborators includes forces such as Burna Boy, Philip Glass, Sting and Alicia Keys. Kidjo joins Charlize Theron, a white South African actress, in representing Africa on the Walk of Fame. Theron received her star in 2005. The date on which Kidjo will see her star unveiled on the Walk of Fame has not yet been announced. After recipients have been selected for a star, they have two years to schedule induction ceremonies. Kidjo grew up in Benin, but left for Paris in 1983, citing oppression from the country's then communist government. "From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,"she told the BBC in 2023. She said she has been driven by curiosity since childhood, adding: "my nickname was 'when, why, how?'. I want to understand things, to understand my place in this world." Kidjo worked as a backing singer in France before striking out as a solo artist in 1990, with the album Parakou. She is a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and has her own charity, Batonga, which is dedicated to supporting the education of young girls in Africa. Go toBBCAfrica.comfor more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter@BBCAfrica, on Facebook atBBC Africaor on Instagram atbbcafrica
Angélique Kidjo first black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star
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"Angélique Kidjo Becomes First Black African Performer Honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Angélique Kidjo, the renowned musical artist from Benin, has made history by becoming the first black African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is part of the Walk of Fame's class of 2026, which was announced recently and includes other notable figures such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore. Kidjo, who has been a significant figure in the music industry for over four decades and has released 16 albums, is celebrated for her powerful voice and her unique ability to blend traditional West African music with genres like funk, jazz, and R&B. Her collaborations with prominent artists, including Burna Boy, Sting, and Alicia Keys, have further solidified her status as a global music icon. The specific date for her star unveiling has yet to be disclosed, but typically, recipients have two years to organize their induction ceremonies.
Born in Benin, Kidjo left her home country in 1983 due to political oppression from the communist regime. She has since expressed a lifelong curiosity about the world, which she attributes to her formative experiences in Benin. Kidjo started her career in France as a backing singer before launching her solo career with her debut album, "Parakou," in 1990. In addition to her musical achievements, she is also a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador and founded her charity, Batonga, which focuses on promoting education for young girls in Africa. Kidjo's recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame not only highlights her contributions to music but also serves as an inspiration for many aspiring artists from the African continent. Her legacy is a testament to the impact of cultural exchange and the celebration of diversity in the arts.
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