Renowned music icon Stevie Wonder has officially become a citizen of Ghana, marking a profound decision fueled by his quest for a more promising future amidst the political turbulence in the United States. His embrace of Ghanaian citizenship, announced three years ago, reflects a deep-seated affection for the nation, a sentiment he had expressed during a candid conversation with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where he articulated his longing to witness the nation’s resurgence of joy before relocating.
With an illustrious career spanning decades and characterized by timeless classics such as “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” Wonder has shaped numerous music genres, amassing a staggering collection of 25 Grammy Awards and 74 nominations since his debut under Motown Records in 1961. Born Stevland Hardaway Morris in Michigan, Wonder’s prodigious musical talents blossomed early, establishing him as a trailblazing figure in the industry.
In a momentous ceremony captured on video, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo bestowed upon the global icon and philanthropist a certificate of citizenship and a Ghanaian passport, symbolizing the commencement of a significant new chapter in Wonder’s life, fulfilling a longstanding dream that has spanned over 50 years. The Ghanaian populace warmly embraces the music legend into their fold.
During the ceremony, Mr. Wonder was ceremonially seated upon an ‘asesedwa,’ a traditional Ghanaian stool, and presented with a vibrant kente cloth, evoking palpable joy and excitement among attendees. The occasion, coinciding with the birthdays of Mr. Wonder and his son, leading in the cutting of a cake adorned with the colors of Ghana’s flag — red, gold, and green.
In his remarks, Wonder expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for fostering a spirit of unity, emphasizing the imperative of global solidarity for progress.
“The truth is, as a Ghanaian citizen, being a part of fulfilling the dream we have had for so many years of bringing people of Africa and those of the diaspora, USA and Caribbean together”.
By embracing Ghanaian citizenship, Wonder aligns himself with distinguished individual including missionaries, lawyers, writers, and musicians like George Padmore, Rita Marley, Maya Angelou and W. E. B. du Bois, who became Ghanaian citizens and have similarly embraced the nation as their own. He envisions his citizenship as a conduit for realizing the longstanding aspiration of bridging the African diaspora with the continent, fostering a sense of shared heritage.
