Ciara is back in Benin — this time on a much bigger stage. The Grammy-winning singer returned to the country in early January 2026 to perform at Vodun Days, just months after being granted Beninese citizenship, marking her first major public appearance in Benin since her naturalisation.

She was naturalised in July 2025 through a legal framework created to recognise people of African descent whose ancestors were deported from Africa during the transatlantic slave trade. The policy, overseen through the My Afro Origins platform, forms part of a broader state-led approach that combines remembrance, cultural heritage and diaspora engagement.

Vodun Days, held from 8 to 10 January 2026 in Ouidah, is one of the initiatives linked to this strategy. The festival was created to present vodun as a contemporary cultural and spiritual heritage, bringing together traditional ceremonies, artistic programming and international participation. Ouidah, a former slave port, has become central to Benin’s remembrance efforts, with sites such as the Slave Route and the Door of No Return frequently referenced within this framework.

Ciara had previously visited several of these memorial sites following her naturalisation. Her appearance at the 2026 edition of Vodun Days came as part of the festival’s international programme, which has featured artists including Angélique Kidjo and Davido in recent years.

She performed on 9 January, the second day of the event, before a large audience in Ouidah. Her set featured choreographed performances and structured stage production, with “Level Up” drawing a strong audience response as attendees joined in during the song.

Ciara attended the festival alongside her husband, former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who was visiting Benin for the first time. During Vodun Days, Wilson announced that he had begun the process of applying for Beninese citizenship under the same Afro-descendant initiative.

According to information from corroborating sources, Wilson’s application is being processed through the My Afro Origins programme. The initiative allows eligible applicants to establish ancestral links to sub-Saharan Africa and apply for nationality under defined legal and administrative criteria.

Vodun Days 2026 formed part of Benin’s wider efforts to position cultural heritage and historical remembrance as elements of its cultural and tourism strategy.

 

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took over the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, over the weekend, and as always, music’s biggest stars brought fashion moments worth talking about. Hosted by LL Cool J, the night celebrated some of the year’s most-watched music videos and saw icons like Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey — this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient — take centre stage.

But before the awards were handed out, the red carpet set the tone. This year’s fashion leaned into bold silhouettes, nostalgic nods and experimental styling choices, proving the VMAs are still the place for risk-taking.

Love Island’s Olandria Carthen was a vision in a vibrant cherry-red bustier bodysuit with a sheer mesh train that flowed dramatically behind her. Rapper GloRilla kept things playful in a plaid top and blazer by Helen Anthony, paired with a mini skirt, frilly white socks and black patent heels for a school-girl-meets-streetwear twist.

Tyla, known for her ability to surprise on the carpet, tapped into vintage luxury with a Chanel Spring/Summer 1993 archival top, styled with layered gold chains and sleek black pumpse. Ciara’s Schiaparelli look from the Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection offered a nod to Sporty Spice with its high neck, mini skirt and bold red finish.

Afrobeats star Ayra Starr matched the buzz around her new single “Hot Body” in a daring, strappy black jumpsuit, paired with a short pixie cut, glittering nose strip, stacked bangles and towering platform heels, a look that felt both futuristic and playful.

From vintage fashion moments to experimental styling, the VMAs once again reminded us why it remains a staple in music and fashion culture.

Keep scrolling for more of the top looks from this year’s show.

Olandria

 

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Ayra Starr

 

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Shenseea

 

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LL Cool J

 

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Ciara

 

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Tyla

 

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Justine Skye

 

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Gunna

 

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GloRilla

 

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The post 2025 MTV VMAs: Every Red Carpet Look Worth Seeing appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ciara declared, “This is the lowest I’ve ever gone!”—and she wasn’t joking. You have to see the way she glides, drops, and moves in the music video for “Low” featuring Diamond Platnumz.

If there’s one thing Ciara has proven over the years, it’s that she will always deliver a performance that makes you want to get up and dance. She moves with such control that even when she goes impossibly low, you can’t help but marvel at her strength and precision. Those knees are made of steel.

 “Low” is pure dance-floor magic. A song that celebrates confidence and sensuality. Ciara and Diamond Platnumz tell a story of two people drawn to each other’s presence, completely immersed in the rhythm, and unafraid to embrace the moment. The hook’s “low” isn’t just a lyric; it’s a challenge to get down and move with abandon.

This track is for when you’re feeling bold, fearless, and ready to take over the dance floor or your bedroom mirror. The music video only amplifies that energy, giving fans even more reason to put it on repeat and try to match Ciara’s legendary moves. Just remember: go easy on your knees.

Watch the music video below.

The post Ciara & Diamond Platnumz Turn the Dance Floor Upside Down in “Low” | Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It’s been a minute—okay, a decade—since Ciara performed in London. But the R&B queen is back, and she brought the drama with her.

The R&B icon headlined this year’s Mighty Hoopla Festival over the weekend, giving fans exactly what they wanted and then some after Ke$ha’s set. The line-up also included JADE from Little Mix, JoJo, Loreen, and Erika Jayne. Solid nostalgia energy all around.

Let’s talk about that outfit though. Ciara wore what can only be described as Queen-of-the-White-Party-meets-modern-royalty. She went full fantasy in an all-white look: corset top, wide trousers, a giant fuzzy coat, Nike kicks, and the crown. Not a dainty tiara either, we’re talking spiky, bold and totally unforgettable.

After the performance, she shared a post with her followers: “Came back to perform in London after a decade and headline the Mighty Hoopla Festival! What an amazing feeling it was to hear all 20K+ of you singing my songs with me!”

If the applause was anything to go by, London hadn’t forgotten her.

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