Ciara just made history in West Africa. During a recent trip to Benin, the Grammy-winning singer officially became a citizen of the country, marking a powerful connection to her ancestral roots. The ceremony took place on Saturday, with top Beninese officials like the Minister of Tourism, Jean Michele Abimbola, and the Minister of Justice, Yvon Detchenou, in attendance.
Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old artist reflected on the moment, saying, “I feel incredibly proud. The significance of this moment is so special.”
Ciara’s journey was organized in collaboration with RollingStone Africa and the tour company Explore Benin. Her travels took her to the port city of Cotonou and the historic town of Ouidah—home to the Slave Route and the Door of No Return. Explore Benin welcomed her with the powerful message: “Ciara walks the land of her ancestors for the first time.”
This citizenship is part of a new effort by the Beninese government to offer nationality to descendants of enslaved Africans. “This initiative translates the willingness of Benin to assume its historical responsibility, to reconnect with its children scattered around the world, and to make its territory a land of welcome, memory and future,” Explore Benin stated.
On Sunday, Ciara posted a video from the ceremony to Instagram, showing her proudly holding her certificate. “July 26, history was made,” she captioned it. “On this year’s United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, I was honored to receive Beninese citizenship, becoming the first person in the world granted nationality under this new initiative.”
Her husband, Russell Wilson, also showed love on his Instagram Story: “So proud of you baby! @ciara ❤️ Africa.” Ciara reposted the message, writing, “I love you baby!”
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