( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) The Grammy-Winning Singer Reconnects with her West African Roots
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kirah Smith
Photo Credit: Benin Presidency/XNY/Star Max (Getty Images)
Pop and R&B icon Ciara has officially become a citizen of Benin, a West African nation renowned for its rich history and culture. The singer received her citizenship in a deeply moving ceremony held on Saturday, July 27, in Cotonou, the country’s largest city. The moment was part of a larger initiative by the Beninese government to welcome descendants of the African diaspora back to their ancestral roots.
Dressed in a vibrant traditional outfit and visibly moved, Ciara called the experience “incredibly powerful” and said she felt “incredibly proud.” “The significance of this moment is so special and so powerful, I feel inspired,” she shared during the ceremony. Her husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, and their children were present to support her.
Photo by Benin Presidency
The event featured traditional music, dance performances, and symbolic blessings from local dignitaries and cultural leaders. Ciara’s citizenship is part of Benin’s “Return to the Roots” campaign, which aims to strengthen ties with the African diaspora by offering honorary citizenship to prominent figures of African descent.
The singer, known for hits like “Level Up” and “1, 2 Step,” has long expressed interest in exploring her ancestry. She recently participated in a cultural tour of West Africa, including stops in Ghana and Nigeria, where she engaged with local communities and learned about the region’s deep historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
Photo by XNY/Star Max (Getty Images)
Ciara’s journey highlights a growing movement among Black celebrities and individuals across the diaspora to reclaim and celebrate their African identity. In receiving Beninese citizenship, she joins a growing list of stars who have made similar pilgrimages, including Idris Elba and Ludacris.
“I feel incredibly proud to be part of the importance of this moment,” Ciara stated.
Her emotional acceptance highlights the profound connection between heritage, identity, and belonging. As she returns to the U.S. with dual citizenship, Ciara says she hopes to use her platform to amplify African culture and continue building bridges between Africa and the global Black community.
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