5 CULTURE SHOCKS After Moving to Africa | Nairobi, Kenya 

Young man, I'm a 73-year-old African American. I just developed a love for Africa over the last five years or so. I hate the fact that I've been so long coming to the table. My wife, a few family members and I made our first trip to the Motherland in '20. We visited Ghana. It was a true spiritual experience. I'm so glad for you and your family. You've developed an affinity for our homeland at a young age. May the Creator continue to bless in ways that you can't even think of right now.

Just left Kenya after visiting for a month and will be moving there soon. I ❤️ Kenya.

My wife and I plan on moving there when I retire from the Navy in 2027. I been to 25 different countries so moving doesn’t scare me.

Thanks for sharing! Kenya sounds like a beautiful place with awesome people 🇰🇪

I’m Kenyan living in 🇺🇸 , I agree with the country music influence which was the music brought by missionaries, I grew up listening to Dolly Parton , Kenny rodgers.. but now grown up I don’t . Great content , Karibu Kenya 🇰🇪

Karibu Kenya. In all Sub-saharan African cultures, we believe that all children are angels and we treat them with respect and care. In return, our children will learn to respect others and care for the elderly

Kenyans will always give you the mzungu price because of the American accent but when you put a swahili word or two, they will know you have been around.

All these shocks are great surprises 😮🥰 and I love how you explained why they shocked you! 🙏🏾 Trauma from the States is too real! Keep it coming ❤🎉

Talking about shocks. I was born and raised in Nairobi in the 80s. I knew the entire Kenny Rogers, John Denver and the rest. I also knew the entire Hip hop and R&B talking about UTFO, grandmaster flash , Shalamar etc. I am in Nairobi as we speak after being here like 10 yrs ago. The Development that has taken place within the last 10 yrs. is very difficult to comprehend. I give much much credit to the government for making this possible. I recently attended a live concert at the Top of Sarit center. There were between 400 to 500 BLACK youth just having a good time. I am sure they were also drinking. There was not a single POLICE MAN hovering over. I am still trying to process that.

Number two was also my culture shock. I’m originally from Kenyan, raised in the UK. I’m also very fortunate that my parents took the massive leap of faith to relocate back to Kenya. So when I went back to visit them in 2018, I took my kids with me. They were then 4 & 1 and everyone were so welcoming with them. Even the security guards, they would walk up to them and ask how was their day going and generally just keep a safe eye of them while I was in their stores shopping. Something that wouldn’t happen here in the UK, they would be so hostile to them like they hate kids or something.

Avocado the most expensive should not pay more than 50kshs...

Reason why their vendors everywhere is based on Nairobi's history and how it came to be. Before the British colonialists came, Nairobi used to be a market for different tribes and communities, and these tribes and communities, mainly the Kikuyu, Maasai and Kamba would come to trade their agricultural products and livestock. So Nairobi has always been a market center, and those vendors as you may notice are usually old women who are accustomed to Nairobi as a market center as it was culture.

5 usd for avocado, what are you buying a whole tree?

Hey, I saw your interview with Jasmine Ama and I love you guy already! You are the literal definition of "acculturation! 😀In my study of expatriation in international business, most people failed to adapt to new countries/cultures because they were not mentally prepared to do so, they held onto their own cultures, wrongly believing/feeling that their cultures are better. You came with the right mindset, ready to adopt the new culture and everything it has to offer. Your statement that you and your family want to live like Kenyans has touched me a lot. Most foreigners we have here keep to themselves and walk around with the attitude of "us vs them". Not you. I have subscribed to your channel and Jasmine Ama's too. Welcome home! Karibu nyumbani! Hope to hook up with you sometime soonest!💪

in Africa a child is raised by the community, every one who is your mothers age is your mother and she is to be addressed as you would do with your real mother , keeps the young generation respectful bcoz even if your mother is not there anyone can assume the responsibility of a parent

King Musa. I am glad you are enjoying your stay in Nairobi Kenya. For the people in general in Kenya who care about other strangers' babies or kids, we are a community and still hold the old school values of the children are raised by a village as they say, but you still have to be careful about the bad apples who have bad intentions. Kids or babies can be stolen in Kenya too, but it's not as common. So whatever it is you have seen or gone through in PA might be either rare or unheard of in Kenya, but it doesn't mean it can't or hasn't happened. So just saying still be careful and don't be too relaxed just because you are seeing Kenya is better than PA. Like I said it has happened before where babies are stolen in Kenya but I guess the degree is lower. So just tread carefully still but still welcome the good gestures. Still, look out for your kids no matter how Kenyans are good. The same way you have to be on the lookout for thugs, pickpocketers, etc. in PA, still beware in Kenya because as much as it is a beautiful place to be and most people seem nice, Kenyans are still humans and a few can make mistakes. Just a word of advice. But am glad you are loving it. For country music Kenya we grew up listening to mostly white music from Europe and America so Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton are very very popular from back in the '60s,70s, and even 80s and it flowed to the 2000s. Kenya is very old school when it comes to music and I am sure as you have noticed we also listen to R&B old old school not so much the new R&B. The old school music just has a vibe to it and I guess it has stuck for the most part to today's generation as well. I am 51 and I still listen to old-school R&B and some country music still. lolest. Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Lionel Richie, and other old-school Christian music were a big deal in Kenya growing up. I am sure still is. But we also love our local music too. Enjoy being and living in Kenya King. So happy for you. Yes, price gauging is still going to happen to you as a foreigner sometimes, unfortunately. Can you believe every time I visit home (I am currently living in the US), and I try to shop at Maasai market for some souvenirs they will ask me if I live in America? I am sure they ask me so they can charge me their own fellow country child like they charge wazungus. Such a shame! That is why when I go home, I automatically speak our local languages, I dress like most Kenyans so I can look like I never left. lolest. That's how I avoid being overcharged. But your American accent will let you down soon as you open your mouth. Although it is not fair for those that do that. When I am with an American-born friend, I always ask them to not open their mouths when we are shopping, so I can do the bargaining for them. lmbo. Blessings to you sir. 🙏

The reason for tight security everywhere, is because we have been a target of several terrorism attacks in the past

Welcome home my bro ,feel free and at homes coz this is your home and let's build and make Africa hevean on Earth

The vendors are something else, sometimes they also give us (Kenyans) the doubled prices if they know you don't know the price, and when you tell them that you've seen a cheaper price of the same item, they accept your price because they know they're defeated 😂

I was watching a Kenyan realtor and a country music song came on in the background & I was surprised. I almost commented but decided not to. Also, large organic avocados from Whole Foods are $4.99 EACH!!! Since I’m vegan, I usually eat one a day but now I only eat half and that’s still $75 a month just for avocados. The food system in the US is broken.

Love this video!!! Keep them coming!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

You got yourself a new subscriber bro!

You're such a great observer, Musa. Everything you mentioned is 💯Kenyan. I just discovered your channel and enjoyed the video. So glad to have you and your family as part of us.

Kenyans love country music, it’s so funny. I never thought it was weird till I moved to England as a kid. I think it’s because we can relate to a lot of country life, cause of the generations of farming and village life, so it’s nostalgic to us

TRUE COUNTRY MUSIC IS IN OUR BLOOD, WE LOVE COUNTRY,

Wow! I love this piece! The first time we met I was so amazed that you understand us so much, just in a year. The bargaining part is an interesting observation. It's so embedded in our way of life here, that it's never occurred to me it'd be surprising for first timers in Kenya. I work with a real estate company and our online adverts always have a 'slightly negotiable' phrase in the descriptions. 😂The 'Dorothy' conclusion is funny. And accurate too! Thanks!

Greetings Mfalme Musa, just heard about your channel from your interview with Jasmine Ana, I have subscribed and wish you and your family the very best in Kenya and it looks like you are on the right track. Fruit 🍉 and vegetables 🥦 are the very best for health and longitude. Thanks for sharing.

"U gotta know when to hold them know when to fold them know when to walk away know when to run..you never count your money when u sittin at the table"...the gambler.Nairobi we were also raised on such,and Dolly Patton ana Kenny Roger's the Christmas carols every Christmas 🎄..it was a culture 😢❤..fond memories.Welcome to Kenya

Over here from Jasmine Ama, had to sub. Karibu brother.

Greetings King! CONGRATULATIONS on your family’s move to Kenya. Found out about your channel via Jasmine Ama. Looking forward watching your content for learning and inspiration as I plan my own exit from the US. Ashe’

King musa welcome to Kenya, Am here after watching your interview with Jasmine, A kenyan living in Denmark no place like home, karibu Nyumbani ❤

I’m learning so much!!!! With every video you make …. I become more confident and excited to come home 🖤🖤🖤🖤

Your observation skills are amazing

New subscriber see you on Jasmine blog love how you are positive about our continent you can be bridge between those AA wanting to invest or relocate to Kenya wish you the best with your family sending love from Capetown

Kenya has a culture of playing popular music from all over the world and unlike our African neighbors Kenyans have been raised up to appreciate any good music irrespective of geographical region or race This came from the then national radio broadcaster KBC (Kenya Broadcasting Corporation who monopolised radio untill 1995) policy of playing songs from all over the world , exposing Kenyans to a wider genre of music internationally therefore shaping their tastes to different genres of music. Country music was some of the popular international music played back then which explains it's popularity amongst the older demographics of the populace and their offsprings

enjoyed your video brother

I see you already have the Kenyan Arm band, well done!, that serves as the official Kenyan Passport, I'm in Germany but I can't go to work without it. Karibu Kenya Kijana yetu 🥳.

😂 yap that’s how we say Dorothy ..heavy on the R. Glad you’re both settling in well ….I’ve subscribed to both your channels . Enjoy our beautiful 🇰🇪

Growing up my mum was a Kenny Rodgers fan, that was how I got exposed to country music, especially Coward of the county and the gambler very popular songs out here

😂😂The Bargaining part is funny....the hack is slice the price to half..then pretend you don't even want the product anymore..you will hear them call you sai 'ama uko na ngapi'

Your right, Kenyans love country music, RnBs, reggae and Afro music

Just saw your interview on jasmine channel I'm your new subscriber I'm a Chef in Langata Nairobi come I buy you lunch (pilau/Biryani).

We as Kenyans are brought up with what is called Umoja na Undugu ,oneness and brotherhood

nice one king musa

Nice analysis our brother love from Philadephia Pennsylvania

Am your new subsriber from your gana friend

True about negotiating. Almost everything sold on the street is negotiable, and street vendors expect that. But some people try to OVER-negotiate. I would rather pay a little more to a poor woman selling fruits at a street corner than over-negotiate the price to pennies.

Great content ❤❤❤❤

We love nice music that has valuable messages so we're literally stuck in 90s. A child belongs to the entire community and everyone is obliged to look after them. Thus culturally, u can't argue wit anybody older than u even if u don't know them...public is likely to step in. Bargaining it's a must and on top of that, when shopping groceries at vendors it's ok to ask them to add(ongeza) u something for free. It's like them thanking and appreciating u buying from them❤. Gradually, you'll let your guards off as u learn more and feel at home

I have subscribed after watching You on jasmine Chanel. Welcome to Kenya

Bargaining is a real thing down here. It is the way of life and we bargain on everything! 😂. Country music is mostly popular with the oldies 50s and above especially Kenny Rogers songs. There was a revival of country music and 80s music in one of the leading FM stations called Classic FM like for the last 10 years but that has petered out. A famous journalist in Kenya who previously worked for CNN called Jeff Koinange hosts country music events in various parts of the country and they sell out. We have our own "Elvis" who's probably the best known country music singer who does renditions of country music in many events around the country and usually teams up with Jeff as the host. Just a few titbits for you.

I completely feel you on the country music part. Everyone in my family loves country😂😂😂 its not my kind of music but i'm used to it now

That's some good vibe culture shock🤗...on prices, it's always good to know prices go with place in the city ...😀On you being sensitive on who interacts with your child, that's parental instincts and by the way just because it's Home(Africa) doesn't mean we don't have bad people..don't let the guard down, keep having fun

Country music.. In Nairobi. Wow😂. As a soon to be retiree, I would love to know how elders are treated. Love what you and the Mrs are doing there. Thanks for representing us properly 🙏🏾

Karibu sana Kenya mfalme Musa, wewe na familia yako.

Good to see you enjoying my motherland Kenya, I am moving my family back home this year

If it is any comfort, inflation of prices happens to all of us Kenyans depending on social status. The vendors will assess you by your speech or manner of dressing and give you a price accordingly. Obviously a foreigner is the easiest to spot. Its all fun and part of life. If you make a purchase without bargaining ( not my strength, women are the best at it) they find you strange; the banter is what makes life fun and worth living.

😂😂😂You took me down on Doro-thy the pronunciation.Quite true 😅😅.I believe the M-pesa mode of payment is another culture shock for most foreigners.

Will support you,karibu Kenya

Wait till you meet the ones who consider themselves cowboys 😃😃 n sing country music

Go bro...welcome to Mama Africa!

Yeah bargain is an African thing but don't negotiate at the supermarket😂😂....the "Doo-r-othy" kenyan accent killed me😂😂

I like watching your vlogs because you are very intelligent. It is pure education watching you. Awesome brother.

Mfalme musa means king musa👑 you are our son like a mother of kids of your age so proud of you son

On the children issue i live in mombasa,theres a certain guy who helps school children cross the road everyday

Karibu kenya. Now to learn swahili, and we can start replying to your vlogs in swah.. hehe

Your background is dope...

We are so happy that our elders are open to travel, especially to the motherland! You must travel to Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa! And if you speak a little French, Cote d'Ivoir ! Peace and Love!

😂 Hapana Mzungu kaka ❤

My music teacher used to make us memorise country music esp Kenny Rogers, my parents used to blast Country and Congolese music day n night

There was a time when we weren't doing so good let alone great and there was only one TV channel and maybe 2 or 3 radio stations🙄, but 1 main one and country music had it's alloted space time. That and parent's records from earlier years caught the ears of many to the genre.

Nice content

Great content! What makes Kenya stand out, what did we do different to stand out in Africa? Am just curious:) That's your homework, kindly share your opinion.

Just found you on Jasmine Ama show!👍🏽

Nice video brother shout out frim mombasa kenya ..yiu tslkin facts . Afruca is the best continemt ti.o stay

In Tanzania 🇹🇿 we play country music alot..its just like our culture..i grew up listening to Don Williams..was my fave. Country musician, phill Colin's. Dolly patron,Michael Bolton and so many..untill now i listening to them..

Karibu sana,from Jasmine

I love your bracelet Musa. And as Usual I enjoy your content

hehe the bargaining part sent me, yeah Nairobi is a hustlers haven, the moment we hear that accent, boy, we hassle with that price, but its all good banter, the price will always be agreed upon

Welcome home King.

Hi how are you? I saw your video with Jasmine on RU-vid and I’m very interested in Kenya. You mentioned an expat group and I wanted to know more about it, if you have a link to share ? Thank you!

I first came to Kenya in 2011, Mombasa and the coast, for 3 months There was very little security. You would not see security guards in like e.g. malls. Then there were some incidents with, I think, Al Shaabab. I came back in 2012 and then there were security guards everywhere. To be honest, security is big business now. I am not sure these businesses are interested in hearing that things aren’t that insecure 😊

Avocado 🥑 most high 30Cents, socks 🧦 50Cents, Veggies u get the ones you want it depends with how much u wanna spent lowest being 20-30 cents

Kenyans love new jack swing music too. I grew up on that staple.

Country music here is a big thing.We have programs on radios playing country music for hours.I dated someone who loved country music, I ended up being a fan of it.Enjoy it here Musa.

Everything is negotiable! ❤

Kenya has a village mentality. I love it.❤

You should visit the horse races at Ngong racecourse on Sundays during the races season. It's a very fascinating experience. They also have a a vintage cars concor de elegance at the racecourse as one of the events during the horse races

Omg the part about the country music made me roll 😂😂😂😂 For some reason country music is big in other countries 🤷🏽‍♀️

Sounds absolutely wonderful. I would love Kenya!❤❤❤❤

Tourism is a major contributor and employer to the kenyan economy thats why everywhere yu go in kenya yu will meet the same pple warm welcoming and ready to help

Scotty McCreery, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lee Brice... My favourites, Yes we love country music🇰🇪

Hey Musa! I've been following you and your wife for a while now. Would you make a video explaining to us how you got your African name?

I also moved from usa to Kenya going on 5 years now.

Yo, Fly Eagles Fly!

Oh wow, Dorothy Musa is your wife? She's a ray of sunshine 🌞 As for country music 😂 it's our parents who were into it. So that's the same country music I still like today. My mum was Don Williams and Dad was Kenny Rogers. I absolutely love Kenny Rogers classics. I think the Kikuyu tribe are particularly obsessed with country music lol (I'm not kyuk though).

Bargaining is important to those street vendors especially those who sell accesories, clothes and shoes. That's the reason they often do not indicate the price. They will also do the same to a local if they deem them to have some money.

If u feel they overpricing things just say ...."najua bei wacha ufala"😂😂

We love you brother, feel at home

karibu nyumbani bro