Legendary American-African Music icon Jeffrey Daniel has urged Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots by visiting or relocating to the continent, just as he has done. Daniel, of the iconic Shalamar music band fame, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in Abuja on January 22, 2026.
Daniel, a pioneer in street dance and R&B music, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and shared his motivation for relocating to Nigeria. He reflected on his experience at the fifth edition of the Badagry Door of Return Festival, organized by NIDCOM, describing it as a moment of joy, healing, and reconnection. Walking through the Door of Return symbolized a spiritual reconnection with his ancestry and renewed sense of purpose, contrasting sharply with the painful history of the Point of No Return.
He highlighted the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting their excellence in technology, sports, science, music, and innovation, particularly in the US and Europe. About 60% of Nigerians in the diaspora are top-performing students, showcasing the nation’s intellectual strength and resilience.
Daniel urged Africans in the diaspora to return home and contribute to rebuilding Africa, reconnecting with their motherland, and bringing back the spirit of their ancestors. He praised Nigerian culture as vibrant, alive, and intact, with rich languages, food, traditions, and diverse experiences.
Using a vivid analogy, Daniel described Nigeria as a luxury car that should be fixed and appreciated, not discarded because of a dent. He remains active in the global music scene, performing with a reformed Shalamar lineup as recently as 2025 and 2026.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa welcomed Daniel’s return, describing it as symbolic and historic. She noted that Daniel’s presence aligns with NiDCOM’s mandate of encouraging Africans in the diaspora to reconnect, reinvest, and contribute to national development. His decision sends a powerful message that Nigeria remains a place of belonging, opportunity, and renewal.
Daniel is globally recognized for teaching Michael Jackson the moonwalk dance move and co-choreographing Jackson’s iconic music videos, Bad and Smooth Criminal.
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