U.S. singer Ciara is one of the first public figures to become a citizen of Benin under a recent law by the small West African country granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people.

Benin hopes that its latest moves will promote cultural tourism. The country’s coastline is part of what was once known as the Slave Coast

Photo: Getty Images North America Grammy award-winning singer Ciara is among the first public figures to be granted citizenship in the West African country of Benin under a new law offering nationality to descendants of enslaved people.