Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe Renew Vows in Ghana, Marking Two Decades of Marriage and New Citizenship
Accra, Ghana – Legendary New Edition singer Ronnie DeVoe and his wife, Shamari DeVoe, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a deeply personal vow renewal ceremony in Ghana, a nation increasingly recognized as a beacon for members of the African diaspora. The couple, accompanied by their twin sons, Ronald III and Roman Elijah, reaffirmed their commitment to one another on African soil, a moment imbued with significance as they recently became official citizens of Ghana. The celebration underscores a growing trend of African Americans seeking deeper connections to their ancestral homeland and embracing opportunities for cultural and economic ties.
The DeVoe’s journey to renew their vows in Ghana wasn’t solely a romantic gesture; it coincided with a historic moment for both of them. On March 9, 2026, Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe were among approximately 150 individuals of African descent who were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre. This initiative, part of Ghana’s broader “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” campaigns, aims to welcome people of African descent back to the continent and foster a sense of belonging. Singer and pastor Montell Jordan was likewise among those who took the Oath of Allegiance, solidifying their new status as Ghanaian citizens.
A Journey of Love and Legacy
The couple shared their joy and reflections on social media, posting images and heartfelt messages about their experience. “20 years later we said I do again… This time in the Motherland,” Shamari DeVoe wrote on Instagram. “Through every challenge, God kept us. Celebrating our love while finally making it back ‘home’ made this moment even more powerful. Legacy. Love. Forever.” The sentiment highlights the profound significance of the location for the couple, framing their vow renewal as a return to their roots and a celebration of their enduring bond.
The ceremony itself, held in Ghana, was described as a vibrant and deeply spiritual experience, a testament to the couple’s faith and their connection to their heritage. A reel shared by the couple emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, “Marriage isn’t about perfection… it’s about faith, forgiveness and choosing each other again and again. God has been the foundation of it all. The best is still ahead.”
The DeVoe Family and a Commitment to Cultural Exploration
Ronnie DeVoe first gained prominence as a member of the iconic boy band New Edition, and later as part of the spin-off group Bell Biv DeVoe. His continued success in the music industry has been coupled with entrepreneurial ventures. Shamari DeVoe rose to fame as the lead singer of the girl group Blaque in the late 1990s. She also appeared in the 2000 film Bring It On and more recently on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta and VH1’s Couples Retreat. Shamari DeVoe has also pursued a career in nursing, demonstrating her diverse talents and commitment to service.
The DeVoe family has consistently prioritized travel and cultural immersion, using these experiences as opportunities to broaden their sons’ perspectives. Last July, they embarked on a trip to Beijing, China, where they explored the country’s rich imperial history. Shamari DeVoe shared a post on social media reflecting on the experience, stating, “We are Black excellence draped in Qing Dynasty silk, proving that wherever we go, our lineage walks with us. A moment for our sons to see themselves as royalty and a reminder that our roots run deeper than borders.” This commitment to exposing their children to different cultures underscores their belief in the importance of global citizenship and understanding.
Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe first married on March 10, 2006, and welcomed their twin sons, Ronald III and Roman Elijah, in 2017. Their journey as a couple has been marked by both professional success and personal growth, and their recent vow renewal in Ghana represents a powerful affirmation of their enduring love and commitment to one another. The couple’s decision to celebrate this milestone in Ghana, coupled with their newfound citizenship, signifies a deepening connection to the African continent and a commitment to embracing their heritage.
The “Year of Return” initiative, launched by the Ghanaian government in 2019, and its continuation as “Beyond the Return,” have been instrumental in attracting members of the African diaspora back to Ghana. The program aims to promote tourism, investment, and cultural exchange, fostering a stronger sense of connection between Africans and their descendants abroad. Ghana’s welcoming embrace of the diaspora has resonated with many, including the DeVoe family, who see the country as a place of belonging and opportunity.
As the DeVoe family continues to build their life together, their story serves as an inspiration to others seeking to connect with their roots and embrace their heritage. Their commitment to love, family, and cultural exploration is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the enduring bonds that connect us all.
The DeVoe’s next public appearance is anticipated at a charity gala in Atlanta on April 15, 2026, benefiting youth arts programs. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the couple’s journey and the growing movement of African diaspora engagement in the comments below.
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