Music icon Stevie Wonder officially became a Ghanaian citizen on Monday after a heartwarming ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo conferred the honor upon Wonder, who will now hold dual citizenship of the United States and Ghana.

Wonder, who arrived in Ghana with his family earlier this year, expressed his deep connection to the country. “I guess it’s just the lineage I felt,” he said. “I felt my civilization was there and I was there where it began.”

This news marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2021 when Wonder first announced his plans to relocate to Ghana. Citing political unrest in the U.S., the music legend sought a country that resonated with his roots.

Stevie Wonder, a household name with 25 Grammy Awards to his credit, has long been revered for his musical genius. His decision to become a Ghanaian citizen underscores his strong connection to the West African nation.