Legendary singer Stevie Wonder has been granted citizenship in Ghana on his 74th birthday.
The “Isn’t She Lovely” star arrived in the country on Monday, where he received the Certificate of Citizenship by Registration at Jubilee House in Accra. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo presented the 25-time Grammy Award winner with the documents.
Typically, Ghanaian nationality is granted to people born to parents in the country or those who are permanent residents of Ghana and have lived there for a designated time. In 1994, Wonder hinted at relocating to the country due to what he deemed to be better conditions. Years later, in 2021, he once again shared these sentiments in an interview with Oprah. Wonder stated that he would be moving to Ghana permanently due to the racial tension in the U.S. Now, it appears Wonder is making his dreams of living abroad a reality.
In videos of his arrival to the country, Wonder can be seen being greeted by drum players. He even joined in on the celebration and began to play the drums. One of Wonder’s plans is reportedly to improve music programs in the country.
Stevie Wonder is in Ghana 🇬🇭.
I bet Nigerians won’t have light to Cedis!
Legendary American global musician, Stevie Wonder has arrived in Ghana!! This is not his first visit, but it's been a long time since he has been here.
Dude is feeling at home already! pic.twitter.com/vY0ULqbxBe— WithAlvin 🇬🇭 (@withAlvin__) May 13, 2024
Renowned American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder takes the Oath of Allegiance and receives a certificate of Ghanaian citizenship#UTVNews pic.twitter.com/2hiKklmSgL
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 13, 2024
Grammy Winner Stevie Wonder at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana to celebrate his 74th birthday
Earlier today, Stevie Wonder officially became Ghanaian upon signing the necessary documentation 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/OvbQscr3uv
— African Folder (@africanfolder) May 13, 2024
Wonder is certainly not the only superstar to seek citizenship in other parts of the world. Several celebrities have made this move for various reasons. Here are four others who have received citizenship outside of the U.S.
Tiffany Haddish
In 2019, the “Girl’s Trip” actress received citizenship in Eritrea in Africa. This is the country where her father, Tsihaye Reda Haddish, was born.
Tina Turner
In 2013, after living in Switzerland for 20 years, Tina Turner became a Swiss citizen. In this process, she gave up her U.S. citizenship. During a 1997 interview with Larry King, she admitted that Europe had been much more welcoming of her than America.
Ludacris
Rapper Ludacris became a citizen of Gabon at the top of 2020. His wife, Eudoxie, was born in the country. His mother, Roberta Shields, and two daughters, Cai and Cadence, also obtained citizenship in Gabon.
Samuel L. Jackson
Actor Samuel L. Jackson also became a citizen of Gabon. This move was motivated by genealogy and DNA testing, which traced his roots back to Gabon’s Benga tribe.
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