Stevie Wonder, a well-known American singer-songwriter, received a Bridge Builder Award from the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) in Accra on Monday, May 13.
The presentation took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel at a dinner reception hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in celebration of Stevie’s 74th birthday.
The Bridge Builders Award is an honorary award given to prominent figures and persons who have helped in some manner to bridging the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora.
Stevie Wonder became a Ghanaian citizen after taking the Oath of Allegiance and collecting his Certificate of Citizenship during a ceremony conducted earlier on Monday, May 13, at the Jubilee House, the government’s seat.
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The occasion marked Stevie Wonder’s official absorption into Ghanaian society, which was welcomed by many.
Being honored with the Bridge Builder Award was therefore an official recognition of the numerous award-winning artist’s role as an inspiration to the Diasporan community.
Prior to the award, Dr. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of DAF, praised Stevie’s extraordinary dedication and expressed respect for his lifelong commitment to achieving harmony among people of Black heritage.
Speaking at a press conference held before the dinner at the African Regent Hotel and organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the astute singer who has blessed the world with songs such as “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You” expressed his happiness that what he saw in the spirit of being Ghanaian has come true.