Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has officially become a Ghanaian citizen, marking a significant moment in his remarkable career.
The iconic musician, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, was granted citizenship of Ghana on his 74th birthday by the nation’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo.
During a ceremony at the presidential palace, President Nana Akufo-Addo congratulated Wonder and presented him with a certificate of citizenship. As a special birthday gesture, Wonder was also surprised with a birthday cake adorned with the Ghanaian flag, adding to the joyous occasion.
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Stevie Wonder, originally born and raised in the US state of Michigan, has long expressed his deep connection and affinity for Ghana, a West African nation that holds a special place in his heart.
His admiration for Ghana dates back to 1975 when, despite his immense success in the music industry, he openly contemplated leaving music behind to relocate to Ghana. Reports indicate that Wonder believed his ancestral lineage could be traced back to the West African nation, fueling his desire to make it his home.
Although he ultimately continued his music career in the United States, his fondness for Ghana persisted. In the 1990s, after headlining a music festival in Ghana, Wonder once again expressed his aspiration to establish a permanent residence in the country.
During a subsequent visit to Ghana, Steve Wonder found inspiration in the country’s vibrant culture and wrote the entirety of his album, “Conversation Peace.”
Notably, in a recent interview, he revealed his intention to move to Ghana as a means to escape racial injustice in the US, underscoring the deep emotional connection he feels towards the country.
Stevie Wonder’s profound affection for Ghana is further exemplified through the meaningful connections he has forged with its people.
One particularly memorable encounter was with the late Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, who warmly welcomed Wonder and even allowed him to co-pilot a flight across the length of Ghana.
This experience left a lasting impression on Wonder, who fondly recalled the journey from the north to the south of Ghana as “amazing.”
Clad in a scarf crafted from traditional kente cloth and surrounded by his family, Stevie Wonder radiated joy as he embraced his new status as a Ghanaian citizen.
His decision to become a citizen of Ghana not only reflects his personal journey but also aligns with Ghana’s historical role as a bastion of pan-Africanism.
The country’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, famously referred to Ghana as a “black mecca,” emphasizing its significance in the African diaspora.
Stevie Wonder’s transition to Ghanaian citizenship also resonates with the broader narrative of African-American icons reconnecting with their African heritage.
Notable figures such as writer W.E.B. Du Bois, who relocated to Ghana and was laid to rest there in 1963, as well as civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and boxing legend Muhammad Ali, all sought to reaffirm their ties to the African continent through their engagements with Ghana.
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