- ‘This Is Home’: American-African Music Icon Jeffrey Daniel Embraces Life in Nigeria
- Daniel said his return to Africa was driven by a need to reconnect spiritually and culturally with his roots
- Dabiri-Erewa described Daniel’s decision to live in Nigeria as historic and symbolic
Legendary American music and dance icon Jeffrey Daniel has described his decision to relocate permanently to Nigeria as a deeply personal journey of healing, identity and cultural reconnection, saying Africa represents more than heritage, it represents home.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Daniel, a founding member of the iconic soul-funk group Shalamar, shared his reflections during a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
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Rather than framing his move as a celebrity relocation, Daniel said his return to Africa was driven by a need to reconnect spiritually and culturally with his roots, a journey he said reached a defining moment at the Badagry Door of Return Festival organised by NiDCOM.
Walking through the Door of Return, he said, offered a powerful contrast to the historic Point of No Return, transforming centuries of pain into a moment of restoration, purpose and belonging.
“This was not entertainment. This was healing,” Daniel said, describing the experience as one that reaffirmed his identity and strengthened his resolve to live on the continent.
Daniel, who is globally recognised as a pioneer of street dance and R&B music, said Nigeria’s cultural depth, resilience and creativity were key factors in his decision to settle in the country. He praised Nigeria’s vibrant languages, music, food and traditions, noting that the country’s cultural identity remains intact despite developmental challenges.
He also highlighted the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in the United States and Europe, describing them as leaders in education, technology, science, sports and the creative industries. According to him, the global success of Nigerians reflects an untapped potential that can be harnessed more directly through stronger cultural and economic ties with the homeland.
Using an analogy, Daniel said Nigeria should be seen as a luxury vehicle with fixable dents rather than something to be abandoned, arguing that challenges should inspire repair and investment, not rejection.
Welcoming him, Dabiri-Erewa described Daniel’s decision to live in Nigeria as historic and symbolic, noting that he represents one of the first global music figures of his stature to return to Africa and remain permanently.
She said his presence reinforces NiDCOM’s mission to promote diaspora engagement, cultural reconnection and investment, adding that his journey speaks to identity, heritage and the unifying power of culture beyond borders.
According to her, Daniel’s participation in the Badagry Door of Return Festival and his choice to make Nigeria his home send a strong message to Africans in the diaspora that the country remains a place of belonging, renewal and opportunity.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to using culture, creativity and diaspora partnerships as tools for national development and global rebranding.
Now 70, Daniel remains active in the global music scene and continues to perform with a reformed Shalamar lineup. Beyond music, his legacy includes teaching Michael Jackson the backslide dance move later known worldwide as the moonwalk, and co-choreographing iconic videos such as Bad and Smooth Criminal.
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