Getting a star in Hollywood is an honor few ever get to enjoy and on Tuesday, Angélique Kidjo made history by becoming the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Kidjo’s recognition carries particular weight as over the course of her four-decade career, she has helped propel the careers of African artists on the global stage.
From actor Willem Dafoe, who called her “the hottest working-woman in show business” to producer Harvey Mason Jr. who shared memories of her performances, there were tributes from luminaries who gathered in Hollywood to celebrate the iconic singer.
“I’ve seen her perform in clubs and huge venues. I’ve seen people jump out of their chairs. She has an ability to bring people together. She always brings it and never disappoints and she is one the greatest performers we have,” shared Dafoe.
Kidjo, who hails from Benin, is widely revered as “Africa’s premier diva” and is a Grammy award winner who has eighteen albums to her name. 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.
“Everyone once in a while you experience someone whose impact extends beyond the stage,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammy Awards. “She has shaped the sound and stories of Africa and has impacted our world and brought people together through her music. Her music unites us in ways few other things can. What makes her special is her purpose. She understands music, inspires, educates and knows how to use her platform for something other than herself. The star is a permanent symbol of your achievements. Thank you for showing us what music can do.”
“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,” shared Kidjo who also talked about the impact of African music.
Kidjo, who also travels the world advocating on behalf of children as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF is a spokesperson for the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa.
