In a significant personal and symbolic move, Hollywood actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been formally granted citizenship by the West African nation of Guinea. The couple received their new status after tracing their ancestral roots to the country through DNA testing.
A Ceremony of Homecoming in Conakry
The citizenship was awarded during a private ceremony held in Guinea's capital, Conakry, on Friday, 9 January 2026. Djiba Diakité, head of the president's cabinet, officiated, telling the couple, "We think that you are among the worthy sons and daughters of this Guinea. You represent our country, the red-yellow-green flag all over the world." Following the formalities, the pair are scheduled to explore the nation's tourist attractions on Sunday.
Personal Journeys and Professional Crossroads
The citizenship marks a poignant chapter for both individuals. Jonathan Majors, once poised for Hollywood's highest echelon with acclaimed roles in "Da 5 Bloods" and "Lovecraft Country," saw his career trajectory shift dramatically. After being convicted on assault and harassment charges stemming from a 2023 altercation, he was dropped by Marvel from his role as Kang the Conqueror. His film "Magazine Dreams" was also delayed.
Meagan Good, an established actor, began dating Majors in 2023 and stood by him throughout his New York trial. The couple became engaged in 2024 and married last year in an impromptu ceremony. Their shared journey now includes this profound connection to Guinea.
A Growing Trend for the Diaspora
Guinea's gesture is part of a wider movement across West Africa to welcome descendants of enslaved people. Last year, US singer Ciara became a citizen of Benin, while Ghana naturalised 524 African Americans in 2025. This initiative followed Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo's 2019 invitation for the diaspora to "come home," timed with the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans' arrival in North America.
The political context in Guinea is notable, as the country has been under the rule of junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya since a 2021 coup. Last month, he was declared the winner of a presidential election conducted amid a crackdown on opposition, leaving him without major political rivals.
