Mainland Block Party, the organization behind some of Nigeria's biggest parties, will host its New York event for the second consecutive year later this month. Tagged The Machine and The Big Apple, the event is scheduled for July 26. It will merge the vibrant energy of Nigeria's most celebrated party with the thrum of the city that never sleeps, with OkayAfrica joining as a collaborator as part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations.

This year’s block party will be headlined by Nigerian superstar ODUMODUBLVCK, continuing a fruitful partnership between the rap artist and the organizers. Earlier this year, the Mainland Block Party was the main collaborator as Odumodu embarked on the “Greatest School Tour Ever,” of about a dozen universities in Nigeria, a rare feat in a country where extensive touring has nearly gone extinct due to economic and security reasons.

Arguably the biggest rap artist in Nigeria, with viral hits like “Declan Rice” and “Cast” with Shallipopi, Odumodu has built his bonafides in recent years as an irreverent hit-maker, combining grimy lyricism and slang with groovy beats and a melodic bent. He’s also an energetic performer, giving concert attendees and partygoers something to look forward to. The New York event will be an opportunity to take his synergy with the Mainland Block Party to higher heights.

Mainland Block Party is known for setting up charged atmospheres, featuring lively DJ sets, raucous hypeman-led chants, and memorable live performances. Superstar artists like Seyi Vibez, Ruger, and Victony, as well as South African DJ Tyler ICU, have headlined events. Last summer’s New York event had Zlatan and BOJ on the bill.

This year’s collaboration with OkayAfrica represents a significant milestone as the platform commemorates 15 years of curating and covering African music and culture, bringing together two solid organizations committed to elevating culture and connecting the diaspora to the motherland.

“Bringing The Machine to New York is special for us as a celebration of how far the culture has come," says Tobi Mohammed, founder of the Mainland BlockParty series and managing partner at The Plug. "Mainland BlockParty has always been about connection, and doing this with OkayAfrica, a platform that’s been pushing the culture globally, makes it even more powerful. It’s about bringing our homegrown energy to a city that knows all about movement and momentum.”

In addition to Odumodu, the event will feature New York’s top DJs, MCs, and special surprise guests.

Global music icon Angélique Kidjo has been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first African musician to be honored in this way. The Beninese singer, known for her powerful voice and commitment to social justice, was named as part of the Walk of Fame Class of 2026 under the ‘Recording’ category.

The announcement was made in Los Angeles by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The organization, which oversees the Walk of Fame, confirmed that Kidjo joins a list of 2026 honorees that includes Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Miley Cyrus, and Intocable.

Kidjo’s selection marks a major moment in music history. While artists from Africa have long shaped global culture, few have been acknowledged by institutions like the Walk of Fame. This inclusion, overdue as it may be, once again brings a strong voice from the African continent into focus.

"I may be the first African singer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but I am certain I won’t be the last," she tells OkayAfrica. "Many will follow, and it fills my heart with joy!"

Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo began her career in West Africa before moving to France in the 1980s. She rose to fame through a unique blend of Afrobeat, funk, and pop. Her lyrics, sung in Fon, Yoruba, French, and English, explore themes such as identity and liberation.

She has released more than a dozen albums over the course of her career. Her projects have included reinterpretations of classic works, such as her reimagining of the Talking Heads’ Remain in Light, and tributes to women and African heritage on albums like Eve and Mother Nature. She has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, and has collaborated with artists such as Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Philip Glass, and Carlos Santana.

Beyond music, Kidjo is known for her humanitarian work. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which supports the education of girls across Africa. Her advocacy for women’s rights and cultural equity has earned her awards from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the World Economic Forum.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, which began in 1960, features over 2,700 stars along Hollywood Boulevard. Receiving a star is considered one of the highest honors in American popular culture. The Walk celebrates contributions to entertainment in categories such as film, television, radio, live theatre, and recordings.

With this recognition, Kidjo takes her place among the most celebrated performers of our time.