Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first black African musician to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Beninese music icon was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, marking another milestone in a career that has spanned more than four decades.
With 16 albums, Kidjo has cemented herself as one of Africa’s most celebrated musical icons, while continuing to use her art to showcase the richness and diversity of the continent.
Her music style draws inspiration from West African rhythms, Fon and Yoruba music, Afrobeat, Afropop, jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, gospel and Latin music.
Kidjo now joins the likes of South African actress Charlize Theron, who received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2005, as one of the African stars who were honoured.
But while her music has earned her global recognition, Kidjo has also established herself as a style icon in her own right.
The 65-year-old Beninese icon continues to embrace fashion as an extension of her identity.
For Kidjo, African heritage is not simply an aesthetic choice. It is woven into the way she presents herself to the world. Her style prioritises presence over trends, communicating confidence, cultural pride and individuality.
Whether in a tailored suit or a flowing gown, Kidjo’s fashion is defined by intention and a fearless mastery of colour.
Let’s explore some of our favourite Kidjo’s fashion highlights:
Grammy Awards 2026
For the 2026 Grammys, Kidjo wore a deep burgundy velvet men’s suit designed for her by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton.
The look featured sharp lapels, flared trousers and a matching traditional headwrap, creating a striking balance between classic tailoring and African-inspired styling.
The rich burgundy shade sat perfectly between warmth and depth, looking an undeniable sense of luxury without becoming overwhelming.
The matching headwrap completed the monochromatic effect, creating a seamless flow from head to toe.
Birthday look
For her birthday in July, Kidjo embraced one of fashion’s most commanding colours, as she wore a striking red gown designed by Ivorian designer Imane Ayissi.
The long-sleeved dress featured dramatic fringed raffia detailing on the arms, bringing movement and texture to the otherwise elegant silhouette.
She paired the gown with a blue headwrap that gave an unexpected yet harmonious contrast to the fiery red gown, adding a layer of personality that showcased her fearless approach to colour.
At the Met Museum
Kidjo also brought her signature approach to fashion to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she appeared for the opening of the museum’s African art gallery in 2025.
For the occasion, she once again turned to Imane Ayissi, wearing one of the designer’s creations that featured the iconic fringed raffia.
The colourful ensemble was paired with a green headwrap, which matched the green fringed raffia design on her arms.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Kidjo once again chose Imane Ayissi for her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
The singer wore a vibrant orange gown featuring the designer’s signature fringed raffia detailing on the arms, giving the elegant silhouette a dramatic and distinctly African-inspired finish.
The orange shade immediately commanded attention, bringing warmth and energy to the occasion while complementing Kidjo’s skin tone beautifully.
A blue headwrap provided a bold contrast to the orange gown, adding a polished yet playful touch while honouring her cultural identity.
kamogelo.makhura@nationalmg.co.za