Grammy-winning singer Ciara made a significant return to Benin in early January 2026, gracing the stage at Vodun Days, just months after officially receiving her Beninese citizenship. This marked her first major public appearance in the country since her naturalisation in July 2025.

Ciara's citizenship was granted through a specific legal framework designed to acknowledge individuals of African descent whose ancestors were forcibly removed from Africa during the transatlantic slave trade. This initiative, managed via the My Afro Origins platform, is integral to Benin's broader state-led strategy that weaves together remembrance, cultural heritage, and engagement with its diaspora.

Vodun Days, held from January 8 to 10, 2026, in Ouidah, is one of the key initiatives stemming from this strategy. The festival was established to showcase Vodun as a vibrant, contemporary cultural and spiritual heritage, offering a rich tapestry of traditional ceremonies, diverse artistic programming, and international participation. Ouidah, historically a significant slave port, has become a central hub for Benin's remembrance efforts, featuring sites such as the Slave Route and the poignant Door of No Return, which Ciara had previously visited following her naturalisation.

Ciara's performance on January 9, the second day of the festival, was part of Vodun Days' international program, which has previously hosted renowned artists like Angélique Kidjo and Davido. She captivated a large audience in Ouidah with choreographed performances and elaborate stage production, with her hit song “Level Up” eliciting a particularly enthusiastic response as attendees joined in.

Accompanying Ciara was her husband, former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who was visiting Benin for the first time. During Vodun Days, Wilson announced that he had initiated the process of applying for Beninese citizenship under the same Afro-descendant initiative that his wife utilized. Corroborating sources indicate that Wilson's application is currently being processed through the My Afro Origins programme. This program enables eligible applicants to establish ancestral connections to sub-Saharan Africa and pursue nationality under clearly defined legal and administrative criteria.

Vodun Days 2026 underscored Benin’s overarching commitment to strategically position cultural heritage and historical remembrance as fundamental pillars of its national cultural and tourism strategy.