US Grammy winner Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under new slavery descendants law
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Ciara becomes Beninese citizen under new law for descendants of slaves.
US Grammy winner Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under new slavery descendants law
OMEGA TV UK- US Grammy-winner singer Ciara has been officially granted citizenship of Benin, becoming one of the first public figures to benefit from the country’s new law recognizing descendants of slaves. The initiative, which seeks to reconnect with the African diaspora, is part of Benin’s broader efforts to strengthen cultural ties and boost tourism.
Ciara expresses gratitude for the honour
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the R&B and pop artist known for hits like Goodies and 1,2 Step, described the recognition as an honour. “Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me,” she wrote. Her naturalisation was marked with a formal ceremony held in the coastal city of Cotonou.
Government underscores deep cultural significance
Benin’s government emphasized the emotional and historical meaning behind the gesture, stating: “This act, which is symbolic, humane and historic, is not merely an administrative gesture. It is a gesture of the soul, a return to one’s roots, a hand extended to those whom history, in its brutality, had torn from this land.” The statement underlined the importance of reconciling with painful historical events like the transatlantic slave trade.
The My Afro Origins Law and its vision
The legal framework behind Ciara’s new citizenship, known as the My Afro Origins Law, was passed last year. It enables individuals who can trace their ancestry to African slaves to apply for Beninese nationality. With this move, Benin joins the ranks of other West African nations, including Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, in formally welcoming members of the diaspora.
Digital access for global applicants
To streamline the process, the government has launched a dedicated website where eligible descendants can apply for citizenship. This step aims to widen access and foster reconnection among millions of people with African heritage worldwide.
Spike Lee named diaspora ambassador
In a related effort to elevate its global profile, Benin recently appointed acclaimed American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as official ambassadors to represent African-Americans in the United States. Their roles are part of a larger campaign to reconnect African-Americans with their ancestral roots.
Benin’s historical role in the slave trade
Benin’s southern coastline was once known as the Slave Coast, a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Between 1580 and 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah located on what is now Benin’s coast is believed to have exported over one million Africans to the Americas, including the US, the Caribbean, and Brazil.
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