Angélique Kidjo (Cotonou, 1960) is a Beninese singer, songwriter and activist who has been one of Africa's most influential voices for over four decades. She blends West African rhythms with funk, jazz, Afrobeat and pop, and has collaborated with artists ranging from Peter Gabriel and Alicia Keys to Pharrell Williams. A five-time Grammy winner - and Guinness World Record holder as the most-awarded artist in the Global Music Album category - she also received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. In August 2026 she became the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On August 18, 2026, Angélique Kidjo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as the first African musician and first Black African, the 2,854th star in the Recording category.
Kidjo released her eighteenth studio album HOPE!!, dedicated to her deceased mother, featuring collaborations with Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Ayra Starr and Quavo, among others.
Kidjo announced a world tour for 2026, with dates in North America and Europe from March through autumn.
Kidjo won the Polar Music Prize 2023 and set a Guinness World Record as the most awarded artist in the Grammy Global Music Album category, with five awards to her name.
