The idea of identification and belonging has recently been a passionately-discussed topic among African American celebrities. With racial tensions on the rise, some notable figures have voiced a wish to reconnect with their African heritage and feel at home in the motherland. This rising trend has seen a wave of African American celebrities return to Africa in the quest for a deeper connection with their ancestors.
In this post, we’ll look at 10 of these remarkable people, learn about their motives for returning to Africa, and learn about the impact their travel has had on their lives and professions. Prepare to be inspired by these trailblazing individuals who are redefining what it means to be black and proud.
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1. Idris Elba, Ghana
Idris Elba happened to be in Ghana when the first Akwasidae festival in 2023 occurred. He paid homage to the Asante Chief Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and was seen wearing his beautiful kente cloth. The festival took place on February 5, 2023, and is supposed to be celebrated every 6 weeks.
2. DaBaby, Nigeria
DaBaby, an American rapper and songwriter, visited Nigeria in May 2022. He received a warm welcome from Davido, another popular Nigerian musician. He shot a video with Davido while he was in the country.
3. Samuel L Jackson, Gabon
Samuel L Jackson traced his ancestral roots to the Benga tribe of Gabon. He visited Gabon and has been given a Gabonese Passport and has also been granted Gabonese citizenship. pic.twitter.com/ugtHfwzgG1
— Africa story Live (@AfricaStoryLive) September 19, 2020
Still discussing some of the prominent black celebrities who are finding their way back to Africa is Samuel Jackson. Samuel L. Jackson sought to learn about his ancestors, and he discovered that he was deeply rooted in Gabon. Jackson travelled to Gabon and met with the country’s president, Ali Bongo. He was granted Gabonese nationality as well as a passport.
4. Ludacris, Ghana
Ludacris was live in Ghana in March of this year. Ludacris is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. In a video, when he arrived, he called Accra, Ghana, the motherland.
5. Beyoncé, South Africa
In December 2018, Beyoncé performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in South Africa, where she paid tribute to Nelson Mandela and delivered an electrifying performance. She also participated in a gender equality panel and pledged support for initiatives to end extreme poverty and improve access to education and healthcare.
Read also: 10 African Americans Living in Africa
6. Tiffany Haddish, Eritrea
Profile Q & A: "Africa is so Beautiful and #Eritrea is the gem in it"; Tiffany Haddish
— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) January 5, 2022
"I will definitely make an investment for a resort…I'm not about handouts, it's about earning, creating & building together. That is what I feel Eritrea is about"https://t.co/XW7FePwQNP pic.twitter.com/MYRri9TTI4
Tiffany Haddish is a popular American comedian and actress who first visited Eritrea in May 2018 to bury her father. She was later granted Eritrean citizenship in May 2019.
7. Will Smith, Egypt
Will Smith visited Egypt in May 2017 and documented his trip to historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Luxor Temple on social media. He also met with locals and shared his experiences, promoting cultural exchange and tourism.
8. Isaiah Washington, Sierra Leone
Isaiah Washington discovered his roots traced back to Sierra Leone through DNA analysis. In 2008, he visited Sierra Leone to receive his citizenship and passport, becoming the first African American to receive citizenship in Sierra Leone based on DNA.
9. Forest Whitaker, Uganda
Excited to pay a visit to my staff at our Community Learning Center and Country Office in Gulu #Uganda pic.twitter.com/YaIT0iHQ1q
— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) February 10, 2017
Forest Whitaker visited Uganda in 2017 to support humanitarian efforts and bring attention to the refugee crisis. He visited refugee camps, met with refugees and government officials, and used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for increased international support.
10. Rihana, South Africa
Rihanna visited Senegal in 2018 and met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss education programs. She also spoke with local students and teachers to learn more about the barriers to the education they encounter. Her visit helped raise awareness about the value of education and promoted international funding for educational programs.
Conclusion
The journeys of these ten African American celebrities to Africa have demonstrated the power of reconnecting with one’s ancestral roots as well as the importance of bridging the African continent and the African diaspora. Their visits have also contributed to increased international support for critical issues such as education, refugee crises, and conservation efforts.
As more people seek to learn about their ancestors and engage with Africa’s diverse cultures and landscapes, it is clear that celebrity visits will continue to play an important role in promoting understanding, compassion, and collaboration across borders.
People also read: Meet the Dinka Tribe: The Tallest People in Africa
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