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
Celebrity News
Shamiso Mosaka Confirms Romance With DJ Speedsta
Shamiso Mosaka confirmed she is in a relationship with South African DJ and radio host DJ Speedsta, ending months of speculation.
The confirmation came during an episode of the podcast Read The Room, which Mosaka co-hosts alongside Londie London and Phil Mphela. When asked by the host, she addressed the rumours directly. She stated that she is “very much in a relationship. ” Mosaka further said she spends most of her time with Speedsta and that they are living together. She described herself as “taken” and “unavailable,”
“I’m very much dating, very much in a relationship, very much basically living together. I’m with him every day,” she said. “I’m in a relationship. My status is ‘taken’, ‘unavailable’,” she added
Before this confirmation, the pair had been the subject of persistent rumours. Neither had denied the ongoing speculation, they also avoided directly addressing the subject.

Photo: Instagram
Read Also: Charlize Theron Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Mother’s Act of Self-Defence
The relationship has drawn public attention, largely linked to DJ Speedsta’s previous relationship with influencer Lungile Thabethe, with whom he shares a child.
As rumours linking Mosaka and Speedsta emerged, some social media users accused Mosaka of being involved with the DJ before his previous relationship ended. She has consistently rejected those claims in an interview with News24.
“I’ve never stolen anyone’s man in my entire life. If I’m ever with someone, best believe I found them single,” she said.

Photo: Instagram
With the confirmation of the romance, fans will shift attention from guessing about their relationship status to their public presence.
Celebrity News
Charlize Theron Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and Mother’s Act of Self-Defence
Charlize Theron spoke about an experience from her childhood, and how it affected her. In a recent interview, the actress recalled the night her mother acted in self-defence against her father at age 15.
Growing up in South Africa, Theron described their home as unstable due to her father’s alcohol addiction. She explained that his behaviour created a fearful home.
According to Theron, her father returned home intoxicated. Fearing for their safety, she and her mother pressed themselves against the door to stop him from forcing his way inside.

Photo: Instagram
“He shot through the steel doors to get in, making it very clear that he was going to kill us,” Charlize recalled. “His brother was with him as well. We knew it was serious, and so by the time he broke into the first gate, my mom ran to the safe to get her gun. She came into my bedroom. The two of us were holding the door with our bodies because there wasn’t a lock on it.”
The confrontation ended when her mother intervened to stop him, an act later ruled by authorities as self-defence. Theron said her mother’s actions saved her life that day.
Read Also: Londie London Announces New Reality Show While Addressing Recent Controversy
For many years, Theron found it difficult to talk publicly about what happened. She initially told people her father had died in an accident, but chose to speak up after later, recognising the importance of breaking that silence.

Photo: Instagram
Despite these traumatic experiences, Theron built a successful career in the film industry. She acted in movies such as The Italian Job, Hancock and Prometheus. She has also spoken about seeking therapy to help her overcome the emotional impact of her upbringing. She was listed among TIME 100 Most People (2016).
Theron’s account provides an example of how individuals respond to trauma. It highlights the challenges involved in dealing with past events and the effort required to continue with one’s life.Theron’s account adds context to how she has spoken about her upbringing in interviews over the years. It shows the lasting impact of that experience and her decision to address it publicly as an adult.
Celebrity News
Veteran Actress Cynthia Shange Dies, South Africa Pays Tribute
South Africa is mourning the death of Cynthia Shange, who passed away at the age of 76 after a brief illness. Her death was confirmed by her family, with her daughter Nonhle Thema sharing a message on Instagram.
“With a heavy heart, I share the news of our Dear Mother please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time ”
The announcement triggered tributes from across the country’s entertainment industry.
In 1972, Cynthia Shange made history as the first Black woman to represent the country at the Miss World pageant during apartheid, after winning Miss Black South Africa. After pageantry, she transitioned into acting, starring in uDeliwe in 1975. She appeared in productions such as Muvhango and Shaka Zulu.

Photo: Instagram
Read Also: DJ Warras Has Passed Away
The minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie, released a statement,
“Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms. She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence.”
Filmmaker Aubrey Senyolo spoke about her her contributions to South African cinema and her impact on the Miss World pageant on a global stage.

Photo: Instagram
Shange had previously spoken about her battle with diabetes. She had lost five toes to gangrene and escaped leg amputation.
Despite these problems, she remained one of South African respected personalities and received numerous awards, including lifetime achievement honours. She remains present in the public eye despite personal health difficulties.

Photo: Instagram
The response to her passing shows how much Cynthia Shange is loved. The tributes from social media and public figures show a woman with a long-lasting legacy.
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