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Ciara just made history, not on stage, though, but in Benin.
The Grammy-winning singer officially became one of the first public figures to gain citizenship under a new law in the West African country, which offers citizenship to descendants of slaves. The emotional ceremony took place Saturday in Cotonou as part of Benin’s effort to reconnect with the global Black diaspora and honour its complex role in the transatlantic slave trade.
“By legally recognizing these children of Africa, Benin is healing a historical wound,” said the country’s justice minister.
The "Level Up" singer later walked the haunting Slave Route to the Door of No Return in Ouidah, calling the experience “a profound return to what truly matters.”
Benin’s new citizenship law, passed in 2023, is open to adults who can provide proof of ancestry linked to the slave trade. The initiative is also tied to the country’s growing “memorial tourism,” inviting Afro-descendants to explore, reflect, and reclaim their roots.
The "Goodies" superstar, who is not only known for her hits but is also recognised for her philanthropy and impact on fashion, is now a proud citizen of Benin.
Congrats, CeCe!