Celebrity News
Ciara Traces Her Roots to Benin Republic
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 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 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 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 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
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
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
French Montana is set to headline two shows in South Africa this December. This is part of the launch of AFROTRAX, a new live entertainment series. The rapper will perform in Cape Town on December 4 before heading to Johannesburg for a second show on December 5, 2026.
The events are organised by AFROTRAX in partnership with PLAYY. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm. It will start from 2pm until midnight. The Johannesburg event is at The Canvas. It begins at 1pm and ends at 11pm.
Born Karim Kharbouch, Montana songs include “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee, “No Stylist,” “Pop That” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” Over the years, he has worked with Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone and Chris Brown.
Photo: Getty Images
“Unforgettable,” released in 2017, was one of his top hits and it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
American rapper B.o.B will be a special guest at both events. His songs are “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars, “Airplanes,” featuring Hayley Williams, and “Magic,” featuring Rivers Cuomo.
Read Also: Pack Your Bags! Swae Lee and French Montana Drop “SUITCASE”
South African artists will also feature prominently across the two dates. The Cape Town line-up includes Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, YoungstaCPT and 25K, alongside Jairic, Rarri, Kane as a DJ and Bassik.
The Johannesburg event will feature Cassper Nyovest, amapiano producer and DJ Kabza De Small, and rapper Blxckie. Lucasraps, Jairic, Rarri, K.Keed and Teddy Tumi are also scheduled to perform.
AFROTRAX says its events will offer a festival experience that extends beyond the headline performances, with music, food, lifestyle activations and hospitality options forming part of the programme.
Photo: Getty Images
The organisers have directed fans to PLAYY. Music for ticket access and latest updates about the event. Fans should consult the official ticketing platform before making arrangements.
The two shows will mark the launch of AFROTRAX in South Africa. With French Montana and B.o.B leading the international line-up, the events will bring American performers and South African artists together in December.
Nia Long has been honoured with the 2,857th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a major milestone in a career that has spanned more than three decades across film and television.
The actress was celebrated during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, where rapper Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King served as guest speakers. Larenz Tate, Morris Chestnut, Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps and Terrence Howard were among the stars who attended the event. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared September 16 Nia Long Day.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
For Long, the occasion brought back memories of visiting Hollywood Boulevard with her mother, Talita Long, when she was young. She recalled looking at the stars along the famous street before eventually seeing her own name added to the Walk of Fame decades later.
Long’s career gained wider attention with John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She went on to appear in films including Friday, Love Jones, The Best Man, Soul Food and Made in America. Her television credits include playing Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as roles in Third Watch, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Dear White People and #blackAF.
Her recent work includes Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic about Michael Jackson, in which Long plays Katherine Jackson. The role also reunited her with producer Graham King.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
During the ceremony, Snoop Dogg spoke about Long’s career and the importance of remaining true to herself in an industry where performers can face pressure to change. His appearance reflected the long-standing connections Long has built during her years in entertainment.
Long also used her speech to recognise the people who have supported her throughout her journey. She thanked God, her mother, her sons Massai and Kez, family members who have died and the women who have been part of her life.
She also reflected on her younger self, remembering the girl from Brooklyn with Caribbean roots who once questioned whether she could achieve the career she wanted.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
The Walk of Fame recognition comes as Long continues to work in film and television. She is set to reunite with her Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate in the upcoming Netflix romantic drama Don’t Ever Wonder, where she also serves as executive producer.
The actress is also working on a memoir, while another project with Ice Cube, Are They Gone Yet?, is in development. The pair previously worked together on Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?.
Long’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star adds another significant milestone to a career that has included some of the most recognisable films and television shows of the past three decades.
Shekhinah has announced that she is now a mother. She shared the news through a series of maternity photographs online.
The Suited hitmaker posted images from a beachside maternity shoot. She wore a beaded white two-piece outfit with a lace veil while looking in the ocean at sunset. The photographs were credited to “Aunty Bebe.”
Shekhinah also shared a message dedicated to her daughter. She described her child as a blessing.
“We are so lucky to have you with us, baby girl. I am leaving these pictures here as a forever reminder of the magic that is pregnancy and a time stamp to when life changed forever for the better. By God’s grace, you are here and more precious@ than we could have asked for… happy three months to our favourite girl,”
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
The announcement came three months after the birth, meaning Shekhinah kept her pregnancy secret. The child’s father’s name was not mentioned.
Read Also: Ciara Is Pregnant, Expecting Her Fifth Child With Russell Wilson
Her decision to share the news after the birth follows how private she is. While Shekhinah has a successful career in music, she has kept family matters to herself.
The maternity photographs attracted reactions from Bonang Matheba, Boity Thulo, DJ Zinhle, Natasha Thahane, Ayanda Thabethe and Lungile Thabethe.
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
Her appearance on Idols SA made her popular. She established herself as a singer and songwriter with songs including “Suited,” “Please Mr.” and “Different.”
Her debut album, Rose Gold, became a multi platinum release in South Africa. Her second album, Trouble in Paradise earned Gold certification.
The singer’s motherhood announcement comes as a new chapter in her personal life. By choosing to reveal the news through selected maternity photographs, she has shown the world she can be open when need be.
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