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Ciara Traces Her Roots to Benin Republic 

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American singer Ciara has officially traced her roots to the Benin Republic, and on July 26, 2025, she became the first person to receive Beninese citizenship under a new law welcoming Afro-descendants back to their ancestral homeland.

The moment was part of a national ceremony held in Cotonou, organized to celebrate the United Nations International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent. It was also a chance for Benin to begin putting a new law into action, one that gives African descendants of enslaved people the right to return and claim Beninese nationality.

Ciara

Ciara

Ciara shared her joy in an Instagram post that same day, writing:

Indescribable Joy. July 26, history was made. 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!

 

To be welcomed by His Excellency President Patrice Talon, the office of Benin Tourism, and the beautiful people of Benin is a moment I will never forget. Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me. See you soon. Je suis béninoise.”

 

Ciara

Ciara with her Benin people

The singer was officially granted citizenship in a formal event attended by President Talon and Benin’s Minister of Justice, Yvon Détchénou. It was a proud and emotional moment for both Ciara and the country, as she stepped into a piece of her own history while marking a new step for Benin’s efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora.

 

A Law to Bring People Home

 

Ciara was granted citizenship under a law passed in September 2024, designed to help descendants of enslaved Africans reconnect with their roots. Under the new law, people who can trace their ancestry back to Benin, through DNA results, family records, or verified stories, can apply for citizenship. They also have to be at least 18, not already a citizen of another African country, and must visit Benin within three years of applying.

 

Ciara

Ciara with her Benin people

The goal is to help Afro-descendants build real, lasting ties to the places their ancestors came from before the transatlantic slave trade took them away.

 

Benin is one of several African countries, alongside Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gabon, that have started making legal room for this kind of return. But Benin’s law is unique because it gives full legal citizenship, not just residency or honorary titles. 

 

Ciara

Ciara receiving her citizenship

A Journey Back Through History

 

After receiving her citizenship, Ciara took time to visit the Slave Route in Ouidah, one of the major slave ports during the transatlantic slave trade. Like many who visit, she walked the same path millions of enslaved people were once forced to take, ending at the Door of No Return, a symbolic spot where captives were taken across the ocean, never to see their homeland again.

 

According to reports, Ciara called the experience powerful and emotional, describing it as a moment of deep reflection. 

 

Ciara

Ciara

For Benin, this kind of return carries deep meaning. The country has publicly acknowledged its role in the slave trade, and for years, has hosted memorial events and invited descendants of enslaved people to visit. In 1999, former president Mathieu Kérékou even issued a formal apology for Benin’s involvement in the trade during a trip to the U.S.

 

A New Chapter for Many People

 

Ciara’s story is part of a much larger move by African countries to open their doors to people of African descent around the world. Though she’s the first, many more are expected to follow in her footsteps.

 

Ciara

Ciara

Benin has even created a digital platform, My Afro Origins to help people apply and check if they are eligible.

 

As for Ciara, this wasn’t just about paperwork or a headline. It was about returning to something real. Her smile during the ceremony said it all, and her words made it even clearer: Je suis béninoise. Meaning: I am a Beninese woman.

Read Also: Ciara Makes History as the First African-American Artist on Rolling Stone Cover  

 

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Rapper Yanga Chief Opens Up About Career Challenges

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South Africa’s rapper Yanga Chief discussed his struggles and how he was able to overcome them. The artist whose name is Yanga Ntshakaza, has mastered blending hip hop music with South African culture. While a big name today, he didn’t get there easily.

In a recent interview, he said his achievements didn’t come smoothly as he had faced many obstacles. Despite contributing to the South African musical industry, he wasn’t appreciated by coles guts and fans. Yanga opened up about how he had helped others without asking for anything I’m return. However, when he needed support, very few returned his favours which he found mentally draining.

Moreover, he discussed how he had to fit into a certain image due to pressure. He mentioned that South African musicians had to sound like American artists to be accepted which he found bad. But he couldn’t continue to live a life that wasn’t his as it didn’t seem real. In his words, “I was doing things that didn’t show who I really am”. After realising his error, he embraced his cultural heritage and found his true identity.

Read Also : Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre Make Their Red-Carpet Debut in London

He recounted a time he almost left the musical industry. During those periods, he had to stay away and be with his family. That break helped him rediscover himself and gave him a good sense of direction.

Thankfully, Yanga now feels more confident in his art and is committed to creating music everyone will love. Through his recent projects, he has been able to promote South African tradition and stay relevant.

Yanga believes the love he gets today is more real and meaningful than before. After years of neglect, being overlooked and not appreciated, he now feels happy. The past struggles shaped him to become who he is today.

His story reminds us that success only comes from hard work and perseverance. Yanga Chief’s journey shows that despite huge pressure and competition, staying real pays.

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Khutso Teledi Celebrates with Ice Tropez as the Brand Marks 20 Years of Sparkling Moments

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Khutso Teledi joined Ice Tropez for a celebration that marked twenty years of the sparkling drink. The event brought together popular faces that reflected the brand’s image. As seen on her Instagram page, Khutso arrived in her usual stylish form, and didn’t draw too much attention to herself.

Source :Instagram

Ice Tropez has built a reputation as a drink that adds a festive edge to ordinary moments. The peach-flavoured sparkling mix has stayed popular across seasons, and the anniversary proved how much it has become part of social culture. Guests raised glasses, shared laughs, and enjoyed the night with the same ease the drink is known for.

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Khutso has appeared at several Ice Tropez gatherings before, and her presence at the 20-year celebration continued that link. She moved through the venue, and stopped for a few photos. It seems the brand wanted the occasion to feel like a party rather than a staged campaign, and that is what happened.

Source : Instagram

The anniversary was a reminder of how a drink can shape social spaces. With Khutso in attendance, the night had both style and ease. No speeches dragged on, no formalities weighed it down. It was a party — and Ice Tropez made sure every glass kept it that way

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Kanye West Set to Perform in South Africa this December

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Social media in South Africa erupted over the weekend when American rapper and singer-songwriter Kanye West, also known as Ye, announced that he will perform in Johannesburg later this year.

West posted a simple flyer on X, confirming a one-day concert at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, December 13. The announcement revealed that this will be his only South African show during the visit.

The event is organised by the Monyake Group, a leading local live-entertainment company.

Samuel Monyake, the company’s managing director, described the booking as both an artistic and spiritual decision.

Read Also : Cardi B’s ‘Am I the Drama?’ Breaks Records with Fastest Platinum Certification

“Ye’s relentless drive and ongoing spiritual journey align perfectly with our Christocentric approach,” Monyake said in an interview with Independent Media.

He added, “Our company has a long-standing tradition in gospel and faith-inspired live productions. Ye’s growth as an artist, his extensive catalogue, and global appeal match our mission to deliver culturally significant and spiritually uplifting experiences on a stadium scale.”

According to Monyake, the concert is intended to achieve more than just a one-night performance.

“This event is a catalyst for South Africa’s music industry,” he said. “Our goal is to use this platform to regularly bring international A-list artists to South African stadiums and showcase African creativity to the world. It is the first step in a five-year strategy to make South Africa a regular stop on global tours rather than a one-off destination.”

Bringing West to Johannesburg shows what the company’s hopes to achieve in the future.

“Our mission has always been to elevate South Africa’s live entertainment scene by producing events that are both spectacular and meaningful,” Monyake said.

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