Stevie Wonder to move to Ghana permanently because of racism in the US

Musician said he doesn’t want his descendants to have to say ‘please respect me, please value me’

Ellie Harrison
Thursday 25 February 2021 15:22 GMT
Comments
Stevie Wonder serenades outgoing First Lady Michelle Obama
Leer en Español

Support truly
independent journalism

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

Editor

Stevie Wonder has confirmed he will be moving to Ghana permanently in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

The “Superstition” singer has mentioned his intentions of relocating to Ghana for years, but appears to be finally set on making the move.

Speaking in a recent interview with Winfrey, Wonder said: “I wanna see this nation smile again. And I want to see it before I leave to travel to move to Ghana because I’m going to do that.”

When Winfrey asked if Wonder was permanently moving to Ghana, he replied: “I am. I don’t want to see my children’s children’s children have to say, ‘Oh please like me. Please respect me, please know that I am important, please value me.’ What is that?”

Read more - Stevie Wonder gives health update following kidney transplant: ‘I feel great. My voice feels great’

On Martin Luther King Day earlier this year, Wonder posted a recorded video message to Twitter, in which he recalled meeting the activist at the age of 14. “I want you to know that I am thankful for how you influenced my place of love, which allowed me to try to push the needle of love and equality forward,” he said.

“It is painful to know that needle has not moved one iota. For 36 years, we’ve had a national holiday honouring your birthday and principles, yet you would not believe the lack of progress. It makes me physically sick. I am sick of politicians trying to find an easy solution to a 400-year problem.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in