Singer Ciara becomes citizen of Benin under a ‘slavery’ descendant law

American singer and Grammy winner Ciara has officially become a citizen of Benin, marking a powerful personal and cultural milestone.

The ceremony, which was held in the country’s economic heart, Cotonou, was filled with traditional rites and heartfelt moments. Ciara was welcomed by local leaders and citizens as part of Benin’s “My Afro Origins” initiative, a government-backed program inviting descendants of enslaved Africans to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.

Benin was once a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade; now offering a path home. The new law allows members of the African diaspora to apply for citizenship, residency, or dual nationality, creating bridges across centuries of separation.

Ciara, who visibly moved during the event, described the experience as an “honor” and spoke about the personal importance of returning to the land of her ancestors.

According to authorities in Benin, the initiative is not just about formal citizenship but an effort by to deepen ties with the global Black diaspora. The aim is to encourage cultural exchange, tourism, and honest reflection on a painful shared past.

Benin is now welcoming millions across the world who are tracing their ancestral roots.