Ghana-born, Britain-raised, living in Hamburg, Germany. I create, build, and engage in entrepreneurship, podcasting, and other things that interest me. Right now, that's adjusting to my new life in Germany.
🎙️ Tune in to 'The Black Base Podcast | Conversations with Black Germany,' where candid meets serious in decoding the Black experience in Germany! Join me as we dive into raw conversations with some of the brightest minds, entrepreneurs, and creatives in the Black German community. Together, we tackle pressing issues and seek solutions, offering a space for unfiltered discussions. 🌐✨ Explore the intersection of cultures as I compare my Black experiences in the UK with the challenges and triumphs faced by our vibrant community in Germany. Subscribe for thought-provoking insights, solutions, and a journey through the shared narratives of two worlds. Let's amplify voices and build bridges! 🚀
A great conversation here, I would agree with Jesse that we are still a super minority here, to put it in context, we are less than 1% in Germany. I have worked in the Tech Space in bERLIN and taking a break from the industry to pursue a PhD. In my cycle I have a lot of Kenyans who have come here to pursue either an MSc or a PhD and a few came via blue card. The Afro-middle class will be more visible in a matter of time. We already have folks who are Lawyers, Doctors etc, it will definitely go up.
Let's put it straight. Hamburg (Germany) is safer thank UK, because Merkel opened the gates to third-world relatively late (2015). So as it goes more diverse, it will get more dangerous. This guy seems to be OK, but as native European I say the less non-Europeans in our continent, the better.
Please do not use me as the example of “good immigrant”. I am not that, sincerely. I am as human as any other immigrant out there. I am not the ‘OK’ one. I am privileged to have an English accent and an affluent enough family in Ghana who sent me to the best schools during my childhood. That’s all. I am not a good example and wouldn’t have been 20 years ago in my youth. Please do not use me as the good immigrant. I am from the “third world” too.
I've lived in London, Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Toronto, San Diego, Minneapolis and currently working in Germany. I can honestly say, Germans by far, are the nicest westerners when you get to know them.
Just found your channel, really interesting stuff! Agree with most points you mentioned here. cash only is a big problem, don't understand it as well. Driving is hell, I would recommend getting rid of your car, especially in cities like Hamburg. German language, well, no comment... Calling the police, I agree with other commenters, this is typical behavior for a lot of Germans, don't think this is related to your skin color or whatever. Night life I have to disagree strongly, Hamburg has a lot of great electronic music clubs.
Thank you so much. Electronic night clubs, yes, there is plenty. Just that I’m not into the electronic. But I did find a Jazz bar (Birdland) that is great. The police thing; there is a whole story behind those why I think it was a skin color thing. But there will always be some people like that. Thank you so much.
Being german myself that's really nice to hear. Not because it is flattering but because it puts all the negativity we had in the past year(s) in a much different light. Happy to have you!
The principle of categorization into races is still far too normal in America. Since the Neanderthals became extinct, there has only been one human race with different characteristics, ethnicities and cultural attributes. We have seen most clearly here in Germany what politically formulated theories of pure or mixed races can lead to. Never go back.
I feel like a lot of Problems here are exported problematics from the USA and France. Please innovate. I’m in a black community in Germany and we don’t spend our time whining about how we suffer too much. Yes there are racists and curious people Always. But enough with the “who struggle the most” contest. The problematic here are 2020 BLM problems. You should have found the solution or adapted by now. I am a black African Born again Christian woman in Germany and no amount of “racism” or victimization prevent me from accomplishing my purpose 😊… I have been pursued by black men, white men and arabic men. And seriously please without having to dress provocative or touching them even. STOP crying start praying. Then focus. Periodt.
Hey, glad its all working for you. I don't think you should dismiss an issue because you think it doesn't affect you or are better at manoeuvring through it. I have done so well in my life that I could easily sit back and say anybody can do it because i did regardless. But it doesn't work like that. Black people go through issues everyday that are worth addressing and in the very least healing ourselves. Thats what the podcast is for.
Damn, I am probably too old, but 15 years ago, partying in Hamburg was easy, there was a plethora of clubs. Maybe Corona killed a lot of them. But to be fair, Berlin is, and was the german Club and Rave capital.
Berlin is OK but I still struggled to find my vibe. Its all very casual and aimed at younger people. I prefer a more discerning, grown up vibe and London has plenty.
Let them Call the police, police is not the same as judge and were no more living in 1943, even if they wont feel real with that. Thats typical for german karens feat. „Anzeige ist raus“ and „Sie haben mir ins Gesicht gefilmt.“
I am from West African living in Germany. I saw a video of a white boy who was in Africa and the kids were touching his hair out of curiosity. I believe racism exist but the woman could’ve reacted positively when her hair was touched! It could be out of genuine curiosity. I don’t see it as a race thing!
Hey. Offcourse it can be genuine curiosity and that’s fine. But that is not the same thing as African kids touching a White persons hair. Firstly, historical context. Germany literally had 400 human zoos where Black people were exhibited and petted like animals in the 1930s. Secondly, Black women’s hair has always been viewed as untidy, unprofessional and unkept in most European countries. May not seem much to those who are not in this group but because of such things Black women have had to strive to develop some pride and resistance for themselves and unfortunately that includes not being touched or views in certain ways. And as far as I am concerned that’s a legitimate reason. Plus it’s just unhygienic. Black women wash their hair less often than other races due to the texture. Just letting random peoples hands in your hair is just not sensible. So it is a race thing. It’s not as if we always want it to be but unfortunately historical and social context as well as general hygiene plays a part. Let’s not be quick to always assume everything is “the race card” just for the fun of it.
@@TheNameisPY One can fault her for touching someone’s hair without consent. However i believe the historical context has little connection with her behavior . I believe she’s just impressed by the she saw which I believe could be understood and welcomed
If only Munich has council tax and congestion charge, ridiculous parking charges and driving fines (£120) I haven’t looked into it but will be very surprised if it’s anywhere near Londons costs.
Martina Offeh ! let me tell you that you are a wonderful stunning and sooo inspiring woman. i just love your energy. And when it come to african restaurants in Hamburg... yes its awful 3rd in Germany you basically can start your business without spending to much as "Kleinunternehmen" or Einzelunternehmen which is basically a "small company". And you also don't neceserally have to found a gmbh if not needed. a GmbH only make sense, if your company is actually dealing with huge numbers and earn more than 22k/year.
sexualizing black women is racist but sexualizing black men and raising expectations by assuming certain characteristics with the skin color (strong!? INTELLIGENT!? excuse me ? ) ? es a lot of sense. The Fact that "so many other races" want to date black man could be also caused back to prejudices towards black men! Lock at the pron industry! Look at "the media" . This unfortuantely a big issue of this general racism debate. there are people speaking for black folks, judging the behavior of white people but at the same time they do not question their own opinions. Secondly: Black women don't get romance and that's supposed to be "truth"? - I can't relate to it either. So we (two black women) apparently have individual experiences in the field of dating. So here, too, against a general truth that does not do justice to reality. Unfortunately, the world is not so easy and racism is not the answer to everything.
I'd say it always depends on the particular city/region in Germany. Hamburg/"North-Westgermany" in general/"West-Westgermany" are the most open minded regions considering plurality, from my perspective as a German who lived in different regions in Germany. But sticking to rules/laws/conventions in a exaggerated way and being sceptical towards people with migration background is a proper problem in some regions in Germany. So I'd say besides the high rents Hamburg is a really good place to live! :)
I NEVER would have thought that affordability is an argument for living in germany.... 60% of my income I pay just for rent. And I live in the cheap druggy area of town, because I don't want to spend 80% of my money on rent. That's fricking absurd, man.
Gosh, Yh London is that bad. I know Junior lawyers/doctors earning descent salaries who have to share a 3 bedroom house with others. And one is paying is over £1000. Not in a great area neither.
Sie plappern Klischees nach, die sie tausend mal vorgekaut bekommen haben. Zu behaupten, niemand in Deutschland würde sie als Menschen betrachten, ist eine glatte Lüge. Sie wissen, dass sie die Unwahrheit sagen. Es gibt sehr viele sehr anständige Menschen in Deutschland*. Wer von vornherein mit derartigen Vorurteilen an seine Gastgeber herangeht (ich gehe mal davon aus, dass sie Deutschland nicht als ihre Heimat und ihr Vaterland betrachten), sollte sich fragen, was er/sie besser machen kann, um sich zu integrieren. Ja, ich bin schwarzer Deutscher. *gilt möglicherweise nicht für alle Regionen PS: The "strong black woman / sassy queen / I don't need a man" trope is a tool of Hollywood to prevent the formation of robust black families and communities.
Disagree, its deeper than "Hollywood". Its also a form of "feminism" found in all races. It think it has more to do with the fact that when any group is oppressed for a long time they sometime hold on to ideas that validate their need for strength and at a lesser extent a rebellion against the status quo. Rightly or wrongly. The first part, I have no idea what that means but Thanks.
That needs to stop. Those oddballs probably have a hard time finding someone and home, and instead go for some ethnicity like Vietnamese, Filipino, or in this case, African. Sometimes they try to fins poor Eastern European women, which is less strange, but still a sign of desperation to find company. And so, do they get odd looks or what happens? Don't the parents of the African women find this strange?
Difficult stereotype? Black women are very loud, aggressive ,argumentative, masculine and difficult. As a black man I've seen this type of black female in every black community over the world. It is genetics. And that label is well deserved. If it talks, walks and acts like a duck.... guess what... You are not strong, like these women label it... You are a pain in the [fill in the blank]
@@TheNameisPY Well, since you are such an acute observer, be so kind to point out what in my response indicates that Im a surface level thinker. Stereotypes exist for a reason. All I did was list why black women are stereotyped. What I said is not anything novel. Most people have heard what I've said. You're acting like im so ignoramus that is talking out of his neck. Im black myself and have 3 sisters. I have sufficient experience with women from all kinds of backgrounds. And I can confirm that this stereotype is based on reality. Even if you dont like any criticism of your own race, that is on you. That just shows you how intolerant you are to truth and accountability.
@suppaduppa "It is genetics"???? Really? Listen Sir, I am not here to explain anything to you. You could have just said YOUR sisters are loud and aggressive and left it at that.
@@TheNameisPY Is it genetics?? Why yes. If it occurs over and over again we can conclude it is inherent. Is afro hair a genetic trait and prominent in black ethnic groups? Are blue eyes genetical traits most prone to the white race? If certain physical traits are inherent or more abundant in a certain ethnic group, is it such a leap to also accept that certain character traits are also inherent or more dominant in certain groups of people. We all can see this clearly in animals. Certain dog breeds excel in certain tasks due to their genetics. Some breeds have a more aggressive temper. We all know this and accept this. But for some reason our brains cant accept that humans are the same, even if the truth is clearly visible when you look at reality. You can dismiss the obvious truth of what I said by saying that humans arent animals. But that is just to win an argument by not admitting the obvious. Black women are responsible for the stereotype. If their behavior was different nobody would have cause to create such a stereotype. Personally, you dont strike me as a person that is intellectually honest. You come here and claim that I am a superficial thinker but refuse to explain yourself. Clearly you cant do it because your claim is false and based on feelings because you dont like what I said. Not facts. You act like the black angry woman stereotype doesnt exist. Then why have a whole segments dedicated to it? Again, you are an emotional, irrational man.
@suppaduppa Ok. Never claimed to be an intellectual. I am a learner, thats why I sit and have conversations with people. Intellectual people do not have to claim they are intellectual, but their words and actions do. Everything you have said so far isn't telling me that. Your reaction and mines to the ladies comments will tell you which one of the two of us is emotional and irrational. I am not engaging with you on the internet, I don't even know if you are real. And before you go here is a definition of "Stereotype" - "a widely held but fixed and *oversimplified* image or idea of a particular type of person or thing." Key word oversimplified. An euphemism for 'surface level thinking' I would say.
The Germans might shout at you one day and apologise the day after. You will know what their problem is /was with you and you can reconcile. The British might politely express mild discomfort and you will never know that they are essentially done with you when you did something inappropriate in their eyes ...
Africa is huge, huge continent. Your people, your culture. And just like anyone, you'll have fewer problems living amongst your own. The modern phase of artificial globalization creates too many unnecessary problems, for which then discussions such as these arise. It is a total waste of energy - for all parties involved. What is discussed in the video is not unusual. Understanding this is key. One cannot force others to go against natural behavior. Written history is rife with examples describing encounters of peoples and how all sides viewed each other. What did Africans think when they encountered Arabs or Europeans, for example? I know that albino Blacks in Africa, for instance, have a bit of a tough time, and these are your own folks. I only bring this up as a curious case of strictly pigmentation differences. As a European, I have no interest in relocating to historically Asian or African areas. I want to be amongst my own, though this is becoming increasingly difficult because the liberal immigration policies of our hijacked governments and resulting reverse colonization are making this impossible. A good question to ask is this: what is it that you, African people, find interesting about Europe? What is it, besides some land to walk on, that brings you here? Do you not realize that if current trends continue, the Europe that enticed you will no longer exist? We all have had our own unique ecosystems in which we arose to be the different people that we are. However, if and when these are disturbed, these unique ethnic groups can be endangered. And before anyone starts to bring up the "evil European," have a read about Mongol and Turkic incursions against Indo-Europeans, as well as Arabic, North African, and Ottoman campaigns, including the infamous Barbary pirates. Having this knowledge, we can lessen friction worldwide by sticking to our own. Though be aware that there have been malevolent manipulative forces facilitating the current state. The forces I am speaking of are merchant beings. I hope you, the reader, know what I am referring to. If not, it is a good time to embark on a path of research.
You are totally correct. I find it baffling that Blacks choose to live amongst whites, of all the countries they can go to where blacks are the majority. And when settled they claim racism or discrimination because they are the minority. Forever victims. White Man Bad. Then why did you move there? I find it insulting. If you hate white people and their culture, than dont migrate to their country. Nor have you the right to criticize or demand that they change their culture to accommodate your sensibilities. Truly di$gusting, inconsiderate behavior to demand others to conform to your worldview. Now the West is being colonized on purpose by the powers that be in order to turn rich, safe countries into 3rd world countries. Why? Because psychopaths love destruction and want more more more power.These invaders are just a tool for these powerful entities to use to achieve their goal: the perfect demolition team - a group of people that follow are dogma that teaches to unalive people that are different. Im a black man myself and I dont subscribe to the idea that black folks are hated for simple being dark skinned. How these women think the world views them is totally a concoction of their own fantasy. The twisted desire to be a victim. And these types of people breed and pass on this toxic mindset to the next generation of $heep. And the cycle continues. Try tell them to let go of the chip on their shoulder. Well they would call you an Uncle Tom. Really sad how indoctrination is done by your own community to hate another group for simple being different or having ancestors that did some bad stuff ages ago. You can call me racist all you want. But I belief European countries should remain 95% white. And I would say that should count for other countries as well. Mixing it up leads to the extinction of the races.
I African and I agree with your explanation! You will always thrive in your own environment! I am of the mindset that you can’t expect people of other cultures to respect n understand you!
There is some truth but we usually forget that not every African in Europe have an easy way back to staying in Africa. Many also consider it their homes, they know no where else. But i get your point from your perspective. However we need to be kind to people no matter where they find themselves because everybody is going through something. I myself hope we find our way back someday. But for now we need our own spaces to have these conversations. Thanks
@suppaduppa Oh Damn, you again 🤣 I can bet my hair you aren't really a Black man. You really need to calm down. You will catch a heart attack or high blood pressure. You know us Black folks and our high blood pressure issues. Just get used to it. The world is changing and so are the mixing of people in it. It will be fun.
@@TheNameisPY So just because I dont subscribe to the look-at-me-Im-a-poor-oppressed-black-person narrative, I must not be black. Quite insulting. You are defining what blackness should be. Isnt that a stereotype your trying to box me into? Also claiming "Black folks and our high blood pressure issues.", isnt that a negative stereotype? I do recall you calling people who use stereotypes as service level thinkers. Funny that. I called you a hypocrite for a reason. Guess you are not very self-aware. The world is changing indeed. What I dislike is people who play the victim and are intolerant or even racist against other groups. But decide to live amongst people they hate. I have a big issue with these types of people. If you dont like white people or any other culture/race, dont make an effort to migrate to their lands.
One thing we have to understand is this. Other race of women have been soft for along time. Black women have had on hyper independence for a long time. So no matter how we say we want soft we don’t know how to be soft. We ourselves are learning to be soft. I saw it with a friend of mine who's wife is another race in a situation that happen how i reacted and how she acted. The bahaviour from me is very common in the black community from women and saw at that point why and how i would be passive as strong aggressive, etc. Also, these behaviours can sometimes come across as belittling, dismissing of someones feelings etc even though these behaviours are not intentional and alot of the time it doesn't come from a bad place. But it doesn't take from the fact that they do give an opinion of us in the west which their culture is soft.
Absolutely. I grew up here and have had a completely different experience... and have friends who have had as well. There ae very good experiences here too. They actually find black people extremely beautiful, and much of their seeming disdain is masked feeling intimidated. I see both sides of the coin. I get what the ladies above are saying, and they make it very understandable why they see and experience things the way they do... and absolutely true with the strong black woman - but that's a global thing, and in part, due to our own behaviour...which is understandable how we got there. However... Germans are an abrasive bunch, even amongst each other and themselves, and don't really notice nuances as much as more culturally savvy people do - we have to adapt here, so are also already more sensitized due to the process of adapting. They're "at home" so not in the process of adapting, so they just blurt out whatever they think or see. They also don't have as huge a colonial past as the other european countries, played a smaller, but still horrible role on that stage, so haven't been adapting to differences for as long a time as France and UK and cohorts, plus had that other past that we are all still digesting, so they are literally just starting to adapt now. The black men thing I've noticed too... it's wild. Black men here I've noticed, have no issues finding a german partner (so much to racism)... and seem to prefer that for whatever reasons.
It's not that you are asking for too much, they don't respect you. Once you accept that, you will stop looking for weak and start looking for what you deserve, which is better.
Different country, different culture, different people. Pretty normal for me. In Africa they touched my blond hair and don‘t ask. Natural curiosity. Never thought that it‘s rude. It was a good situation to get a connection to the people, to a new culture. Humans don‘t want to just look, they want to touch and smell, especially the kids. If you don‘t like that, stay at home 😊
There are 54 countries in Africa. Which one? Secondly you are allowed not to like people touching your hair and saying so. It can be ok with you and it can be not ok with someone else. I am not even going to go into the historical context of it all. Thanks.
@@TheNameisPY sure you are allowed to say no but people did it anyway because they are used to it. Different culture, different behavior. They don‘t think it‘s rude and they don‘t want to upset you. That‘s all i want to say. ✌️
For me i believe this mentality shouldn't be encouraged there is more to life than just owning some local business , last time former president donald trump talked about black jobs in america , these are the jobs most african and black people of america do excatly what nigerian like to do abroad and even at home here , we dont pursue political and innovated ambitions we always leave that to the white and thats excatly why we are still behind in everything, we do not invest in education and research and development which are very important for for a country's development, our different abundant resources we dont know how to exploit them and when those who know how to come and exploit the resources, we call them out as thieves , we as gen z want an africa that can stand beside the western and now asian nations in exporting , manufacturing and construction but with the mentality we have its impossible to get to their level we will always be the recipient of their innovations and creations not us send it to them
As a nigerian i also find it very weird that you wouldn't want your daughter to work under someone/apply for a job , most nigerians are fighters and work hard but also are business oriented and by that i mean we like to own our local businesses undermining other forms of earning means , most nigerians in europe that are successful likely own some restaurant, bar or a shop of some sort and never go for the service industry . In nigeria most people do what we call commercial business buying and selling of different goods to earn money , while being in school my friends used to tell me after secondry school they would go and open a shop or go work under their father's business which is a general mindset why is that because , there are no jobs in the country people with diplomas end up doing the same thing which is commercial business , and young kids and minds that tell their parents they want to work in the service industry and have professions like lawyers , doctors , engineers and so on they quickly get discouraged , while this is what is needed for a country to innovate and develope
Hey, it’s my personal goal as a dad that my daughters have the freedom to choose what they want to do in their adult life. If they want to do something in the arts or something else that fulfils them, I would like to offer them the freedom to do that. Offcourse if they chose to work for another company that would be their choice. I will rest easy knowing they don’t have to do that if they needed to go another direction.
The English have a superiority complex and an arrogance problem. They think they still have an empire and it’s 100% affecting the population living in those… islands. I pity the Irish, they are kind, cursed with stupid neighbors. But hey, this is my opinion 😂
I am younger than the women in the video so I can not completely relate but some things did not change. There was a big switch around 2014 and when black things got cool and lightskin was cool and braids got cool and you got cool as an accessory. The racism started to go insane from that on cause people did not really talk about it anymore. It showed but so subtitle. After school I realized I have always been pretty which was in 2021 btw and now I still need to realize that I am actually pretty. The craziest turn was me realizing that people love to stick to lies. Racism is a lie. People that are racist or internalized racism (for example black men), aren't just racist... they do not believe in you, they do not see you, if they men, they will just see you as an object of course, they will abuse you, gaslight you and will not take you seriously. Yes they perceive us as lesser beings and yes we are at bottom, that's what they think. But in reality we know, we always knew and they know we can always know!!! I will never go down this crazy path again, begging for white validation, male validation dadada it will make you loose your mind.
In my eyes a cruical circumstance for some of your takes is the party of the mayor, a conservative mayor like in London won't tackle the social problems prior to economic issues like a social democrate we have in Hamburg. It can't solve everything but it helps living I guess.
We have a labour/social democrat mayor (Sadiq Khan) in London. Its the Conservative government that has messed everything up the last 14 years in power.
My question is why are you all living in Germany. Go and live among your own people. Complaining but you will stay in and abhor your own people. Dont complain.
…And human. I am not a believer in “I don’t see race”. It affects me and many others everyday. That narrative hurts the ideology you think you are protecting.
"Warnung fällt auf Wüstensand aber gehör findet nur beim Unverstand. Bunter Fremdling, unwillkomm'ner Gast, flieh' die Flur die du gepflügt nicht hast."
