Stevie Wonder, the legendary musician, marked his 74th birthday with a jubilant celebration held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Ghana. Organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, the event was not only a commemoration of Wonder’s remarkable life but also a joyous occasion celebrating his new Ghanaian citizenship and it coincided with the birthday of his son, Mandla Kadjay Steveland Morris, who shares the same birthdate of May 13th.

The festivities were graced by a distinguished guest list, including notable people such as Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Ambassador Erieka Bennet, Head of Missions at Diaspora African Forum, Annabelle McKenzie, Director of Beyond the Return Secretariat, musician Rocky Dawuni, and Dentaa Amoateng, CEO of GUBA Enterprise.

The highlight of the evening came when Rocky Dawuni took to the stage to perform. Stevie Wonder, thoroughly enjoying the music, couldn’t resist the urge to join in. With infectious energy, he made his way to the stage, much to the delight of the audience. Stevie’s impromptu performance alongside Rocky Dawuni created an unforgettable moment, showcasing the timeless talent and spirit of the music icon.

The celebration not only honored Stevie Wonder’s musical legacy but also served as a testament to the enduring bonds between Ghana and the global diaspora. Ambassador Bennett took the occasion as an opportunity to honour him with a Bridge Builders Award. This award is given to people from Africa and the diaspora who have made significant contributions to connecting Africans and the global African diaspora through their work.

Through events like these, the Beyond the Return initiative continues to foster connections, celebrate culture, and promote Ghana as a vibrant destination for tourism and cultural exchange. As the night concluded, it was evident that Stevie Wonder’s birthday celebration in Ghana was not just a party; it was a reflection of the power of music to unite people across borders and generations, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to be part of the festivities.

In a momentous ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, gave Ghanaian citizenship to the iconic American Musician and Songwriter, Steveland Morris, better known as Stevie Wonder.

This event is a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reconnect with the diaspora and acknowledge remarkable contributions of the African diaspora.

President Akufo-Addo commended Stevie Wonder for his exceptional impact on music and his unwavering commitment to the African diaspora. He highlighted how Wonder’s music has served as inspiration for generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide. The President emphasized that Stevie Wonder’s visit to Ghana would serve to strengthen the bonds between Africa and its diaspora.

Hon. Henry Quartey, Minister for the Interior, praised the President’s leadership in championing initiatives like the Year of Return in 2019, when 252 individuals from African-American and Caribbean Diasporan Communities were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a historic ceremony.

Stevie Wonder is a longtime admirer of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.  He expressed extreme gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him. He spoke of his deep connection to Ghana’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality, expressing joy at being able to call himself a Ghanaian citizen.

After the president handed him his certificate of citizenship and his Ghanaian passport, 

Stevie Wonder spoke from his heart. ““Since about 1972 I have talked about coming to Ghana,” he said. “Over 50 years I’ve talled about being a citizen in this country. The truth is I am committed to, now 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…United States, Caribbean…all the people together, because as I’ve said, and I’ve said for many years, the only way the world will come together is that we unite as a united people of the world.”

This ceremony marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s efforts to engage with its diaspora and encourage them to choose Ghana as a place to visit, invest and call home through the Beyond the Return campaign which was launched in 2020 as a 10-year initiative. It’s anticipated that it will continue to inspire further collaboration and exchange between Ghana and the African diaspora, solidifying Ghana’s position as a hub for African cultural and intellectual excellence.

Legendary musician Stevie Wonder touched down in Ghana this morning. It was a beautiful welcome that was organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat. A cultural display welcomed him and as the naturally talented musician that he is, the sounds of the African drums instantly attracted the 25-Grammy winning artist.

As he was led out of the airport, he slowly moved towards the drummers. One of the musicians stopped playing his drum and held it up when he noticed Stevie gravitating in his direction. To everyone’s surprise Stevie began to beat the drums in rhythm with everyone. The smile on his face was filled with pure joy!

Those in attendance of his arrival included the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Akwasi Ababio, Head of Missions, Diaspora African Forum, Ambassador Erieka Bennett, and Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie.

In a recent interview on Supermodel Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Series, ‘Unfiltered with Naomi’, Comedian Dave Chappelle said he was inspired by Stevie Wonder to visit Ghana. Chappelle, who has been a comedian for three decades, spoke in the nearly one hour interview about his goals, memories and plans for the future. “I want to build something that lasts beyond me,” he told Campbell. He was thinking about creating something that leaves a lasting legacy.

“Where do want to go? I mean you’ve been around the world,” Campbell asked him. “Stevie Wonder said in the press recently that he wanted to move to Ghana,” he said. Explaining that Wonder has spoken about coming to Ghana many times through the years, he said there was something different about the way he said it this time around. “This last time he said it, what he said was, ‘I’m moving to Ghana so I can be valued and respected more’….it was almost exactly the phrase he used. You’ve got to think that as a Black American, who amongst us is more valued or respected than Stevie Wonder? And the idea that he would feel this way at this stage in his life, and his career….” He also noted that the award-winning singer/songwriter said he wanted to do this for his grandchildren. “To see him decide to make that move, I wanted to go.”

Campbell, who has been passionate about Africa since the mid-nineties when she was introduced to Nelson Mandela, has been on a mission to put Africa in the spotlight. Chappelle said he called her immediately when considering the visit to Ghana and she put him in contact with British-Ghanaian Architect, David Adjaye, who designed the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. “So we’ve been working together hopefully I’ll build something there,” he said. “I hope to open a comedy club there because I heard there’s none,” he continued. This would be welcome news to all the comedians in Ghana and other parts of West Africa to have a hub that showcases comedy shows in Ghana.

Story By: Ivy Prosper