Five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo became the first African musician and first Black African individual to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The honour is a recognition of Kidjo’s contribution to music and her role as a cultural ambassador for Africa.
Kidjo’s star is a significant milestone for African music. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most prestigious cultural landmarks in the world, and Kidjo’s star will serve as a permanent reminder of the influence of African music. The recognition is a testament to her talent and her role as a trailblazer for African artists.
This echoes the 2019 induction of African artists into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which also recognised the contribution of African musicians. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a growing recognition of African music.
The winners: Angélique Kidjo, who has received a historic honour; and African music, which gains recognition. The losers: the artists who have not yet been recognised; and the Nigerian government, which must support the creative economy.
Bottom Line: Angélique Kidjo has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. African music is being celebrated. The question is whether this will open doors for more African artists.