Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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