Representing Africa Away From Home
It's easy for others to fall in love with Africa when we focus on sharing the amazing things about our continent.
Traveling around the world comes with its own share of experiences, surprises, and challenges.
Culture shock is a significant one that many traveller’s face.
I have been to over 30 countries and have never experienced culture shock.
Not because I am immune to it but because I have realised that stepping into a new country requires more than just visiting places, it demands an open mind, a curious heart, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone.
Today, I'd like to share my experiences and insights on how I've overcome the initial feeling of unfamiliarity when stepping into a new place, while still proudly representing Africa wherever I go.
Maintaining An Open Mind
One of the biggest lessons I've embraced is being open.
Always be willing to learn, to try new things, to understand the place you're in.
Don't approach new experiences with a closed mindset.
It's important to remember that while something may be unfamiliar to you,
It's familiar to someone else.
This realisation has made it easier for me to embrace new experiences.
I remember vividly the trepidation I felt when I first landed in Dallas, Texas, in December 2007.
The biting cold was unlike anything I had experienced in Nigeria, and the sprawling cityscape seemed alien and intimidating.
It was about 9pm, and I had no idea where I was going.
The first person I had a meaningful conversation with was an Iranian cab driver.
Instead of retreating into my shell, I engaged with him, genuinely curious about his story.
As we drove through the unfamiliar streets, I found myself opening up, sharing my anxieties about this new beginning.
To my surprise, he responded with warmth and understanding.
This openness led to an unexpected friendship that proved invaluable as I settled into my new life.
He later advised me to buy my own car to save money long-term, even though it meant less business for him as a cab driver.
If I had closed myself off and only sought to connect with fellow Nigerians, I would have missed out on invaluable help and a meaningful relationship.
This taught me the importance of engaging with people beyond my immediate cultural circle.
So be open.
Be willing to try your hand at new things and don't always reach for the familiar.
This applies to building friendships, relating with coworkers, or any other form of relationship.
Trying Local Meals
I believe one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in a new place is to try their food.
It's easy to reach for familiar foods like rice, which as a Nigerian, I know you can never go wrong with in any culture.
It's safe for you and your stomach.
But connecting with people in the community often happens through their local meals.
Imagine being offered a local meal by a family you've just met in a new country, and rejecting it because it's unfamiliar to your palate.
You've unintentionally created a gulf between you.
Eating their food is a way to create a relationship.
It shows you're interested in getting to know them and being part of their community.
Let me give you an example.
In Mozambique, the way they prepare shrimp or prawn is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Coming from Nigeria, where prawns are not eaten as a whole meal but rather added as flavour enhancer, I was amazed by the beautiful, big prawns prepared so simply yet deliciously.
When I tasted those prawns, the sweetness of the meat enhanced by the smoky char and subtle spices, I understood why Mozambican seafood is celebrated worldwide.
It opened my eyes to a new meal.
In India, my culinary journey took an unexpected turn.
I thought I knew Indian food from the restaurants I'd visited in other countries, but nothing prepared me for the diversity I encountered.
I learned to eat rice and curry with my hands, mixing the flavors together as I was taught.
They explained that eating with your hands is believed to add a personal touch to the meal, making it more satisfying.
The varied flavors of Indian curry across Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India have shown me how food can vary even within similar meals.
Trying out new meals have done more than expand my palate, they have been shocking lessons in history, sociology, and human connection.
I have learned to approach unfamiliar dishes not with hesitation, but with curiosity and respect for the culture they represent.
Adjusting Communication Styles
In my travels across Africa, from Kenya to Rwanda to Mozambique,
I noticed that the way we communicate in Nigeria - our lively, expressive manner - was sometimes perceived as aggressive.
But we're not aggressive; it's just our normal way of interacting.
So in my interactions, I had to pay more attention, listen more, talk more gently, and explain things in greater detail.
This takes time and effort, but it makes it easier to adapt and connect with people in different countries.
Representing Africa Wherever We Go
One of the most profound challenges I've faced in my travels is maintaining my cultural identity while embracing the diversity of the world.
It's a delicate balance – being open to new experiences and perspectives without losing sight of who I am and where I come from.
So how do you strike a balance between immersing yourself in new cultures and maintaining your identity?
How do you keep representing Africa and identifying with your culture when you travel?
To answer these questions that may be running through your mind
I have found that this balance is not about rigidly adhering to all aspects of my culture, nor is it about completely assimilating into new environments.
Instead, it is about creating a personal cultural synthesis, taking the best of what I encounter and integrating it with my core values and beliefs.
For example:
My time in Dallas taught me the value of mindfulness and attention to detail, qualities that I've incorporated into my life and work.
Yet, I've maintained the warmth and expressiveness that is characteristic of my Nigerian upbringing.
This blend has allowed me to connect more deeply with people from various cultures while staying true to my roots.
As I've travelled, I have become increasingly aware of the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions.
Too often, the narrative about Africa in global media is one-dimensional, focusing on challenges while overlooking our innovations and cultural richness.
I have made it my mission to change this narrative, one conversation at a time.
Whether I am in a business meeting in London, a café in Paris, or a market in Bangkok, I look for opportunities to share stories that showcase Africa's diversity and potential.
And the results of being this deliberate has been amazing.
For instance, one of our board members, a non-African at Pashione, often asks when we're going to organise a program so he can visit Africa every year.
This enthusiasm is a result of how I relate to him, always talking about the wonderful aspects of Africa:
Our culture,
Our traditions,
Our innovations.
It's easy for others to fall in love with Africa when we focus on sharing the amazing things about our continent.
These stories often surprise people, challenging their preconceptions and opening their minds to a more nuanced view of Africa.
I've learned that personal anecdotes and specific examples are far more impactful than general statements.
They make the realities of Africa tangible and relatable to people who may have never visited the continent.
As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, I hope my experiences have sparked a sense of curiosity and wanderlust in you.
Remember, every step you take outside your comfort zone when you travel is a step towards a more connected, understanding world.
To engage more deeply with different cultures in your own community, I encourage you to approach each interaction with an open heart and mind.