Lauryn Hill Travels to Benin After Discovering Her African Roots — and the Celebration Was Beautiful
From New Jersey to West Africa — Lauryn Hill just took a powerful journey back to her roots.
The iconic singer, rapper, and all-around legend recently traced her ancestry and discovered that her lineage goes back to Benin, a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage, history of resilience, and vibrant music traditions. And she didn’t just stop at finding out — she packed her bags and flew to Benin to celebrate the discovery in the most Lauryn Hill way possible.
Sources close to the Grammy-winning artist say Lauryn was deeply moved by the connection, and wanted to experience the land, the people, and the traditions firsthand. The trip was part cultural pilgrimage, part celebration, and 100% soul-enriching.
Photos and video from the visit show Lauryn Hill looking radiant as she embraced local customs — wearing traditional fabrics, visiting historic landmarks, and even vibing to music with local performers. One moment captured her drumming alongside Beninese musicians, glowing with joy and purpose. Another showed her surrounded by village elders, learning about the rich spiritual and ancestral traditions of the region.
Fans online are calling it “a full-circle moment” for the woman whose music has long embodied themes of Black identity, spiritual growth, and cultural pride.
“Lauryn Hill finding out she’s from Benin and flying there immediately to celebrate is peak queen energy,” one fan tweeted. “She’s always known who she was. Now she knows where she comes from.”
Benin, which sits along the West African coast near Nigeria and Togo, is known as one of the historical homelands of the Kingdom of Dahomey — a powerful pre-colonial empire and the real-life inspiration behind The Woman King. It’s also home to the Vodun religion, vibrant art, and a legacy of resistance against colonial rule.
This journey comes at a time when many Black Americans are taking steps to reclaim their African heritage through DNA testing, travel, and reconnection. And Lauryn Hill’s trip is yet another reminder that identity doesn’t have to be limited by geography.
She’s always told us that her music was bigger than just entertainment — it’s been about truth, purpose, and legacy. Now she’s walking the walk.
One thing’s clear: Ms. Lauryn Hill just gave us another reason to love her. And Benin just gained one more daughter.