The Truth about diaspora in Tanzania 

I think before some diasporans settle on a country in Africa they need to do some traveling and see the world. Visit other countries and see how others move and live. I was shocked to learn that, until recently, many never had a passport. Some people in the US have never lived anywhere outside their home state. I think traveling gives you that “no fear” kind of attitude. At least it did for me

Asante sana, Mark I came to the US 🇺🇸 35 years ago with $180.00 , no community, not fluent in English and I'm still here and plan on seeing you soon in Tanzania. Asi es la vida, hay que vivirla donde sea!!

Hi Mark. Maybe you should consider starting a diaspora support group or contributing to one that is already in progress. You connect with locals very well and you are learning the language, which is very important. I think you have alot to offer and you would make a significant contribution to bridging that gap.

Interesting subject. In stayed 5 years in TZ. In am a german mzungu, 63 years old. And 25 years ago I gave advice on organic farming in the Usambara mountains. Kilimo hai. Extension workers were sent to Kenya to learn from John Njoroge....Kenyan Institut of organic farming KIOF. We mzungus had community. But only to solve problems. ... our place to gather was the project office. And sure. We all had income. I was spoonfeeding the tanzanian extension staff. And I am happy that the topic of organic farming is sucessful in TZ.

Mark the diaspora need to form an association ,talk about their issues and find solutions.There is strength in unity.

Always exceptional content. It made me think really hard about my upcoming travel into the continent. Is my purpose to work or is it to heal? Is it a little of both? Can I accept the taste of the "medicine," of Mother Africa after having consumed the poison of the West for so long? It is unfortunate, but videos such as yours help a lot. I think for me, I should concentrate on the healing aspect first rather than trying to hit the ground and start dream chasing. Nothing wrong with that, but after watching this, the first visit, perhaps 2 visits should be about just being "home." We as a people have gone through so much trauma and so much brainwashing, that the simple things in life feel almost wrong. We have been human capital for so long, we have to deprogram ourselves spiritually, mentally and physically. Thank you for your perspective and your honesty, Mark. This truly made me think long and hard.

I just watched your video on a pirated channel so I had to find your channel. Why? Of all the brothers and sisters moving to Africa, you are the first that I have seen that really understands what they have walked into; and you are half my age? Bravo!!

SOME PEOPLE ARNT READY TO PUT THE WORK IN TO GET THE RESULTS THEY DESIRE

This is a great video with super important content. As a Diasporan , I spent a month on the continent to just observe, research, reflect. It helped me to plan and prepare. To re-connect back to the motherland TAKES TIME AND PREPARATION. We must continue to come up with ideas concerning the issues that hinder our success. Again , great video brother.

You're right about the togetherness in the community, it wasn't there. Also the fact that the Tanzanian people in certain parts of DAR aren't as social and aren't exactly ready for us as we would think. We came and left in just over a month. Positives, we loved Zanzibar the Maasai people were amazing it was an amazing experience with them out in a remote location hearing them sing until 12am. But you are correct it was hard in DAR, especially with the infrastructure. The people of DAR are scared of their culture changing or feel threatened by your presence if you seemingly have more. We were harassed coming into the airport and leaving and that's sad. It's definitely a lot that needs to change even with their visa process, I feel in some way they aren't ready.

This is a really great video. Once the diasporan people start to unite in a common place, people will be more likely to offer one another services. The more they support other diaspora business there in Tanzania, The more sustainable diasporans in Tanzania can be

This BOY is so smart and because of that I am going to subscribe!

Tanzania is for people who want to invest in businesses. That means you have to invest into business that you believe can make profit for you. In order to be successful in your venture you must have some experience of what you will do. Many diaspora have no capital or experience or skills to be self-employed. A capital of $5000-10000 won't make someone a serious investor. That kind of capital is for shop owners in Kariakoo market.

I applaud you for being honest! Having lived in Dar for years, I find it unsettling to see members of the diaspora encouraging people to pick up & move to Tz. without telling them the truth about what it will be like. We LOVE living in Tanzania but, it’s a lot of adjustment. And yes-I am white but, heads up to all Americans, Tanzanians aren’t going to treat African Americans like royalty any more than they do white Americans. People deserve to know what to expect before they leave the US-not after they arrive and find that it’s nothing like what they were told to expect, from housing to jobs to the food. Thank you for providing a realistic point of view, Mark. Bwana asifewe!

Thanks Mark, I truly felt ever word you said.

Hi Mark..I agree that we need to leave our baggage at the 🇺🇸 airport. We are so defensive in the US and its only getting worse with our families being gunned down with no repercussions. I look at your videos and they excite me with possibilities but I know deep down I'm not ready to rough it that much. I am a work in progress trying to simply my life style here so I can be better aligned mentally to acclimate to a more pole pole lifestyle. I think it may be a place to retire and soul search, to heal and fully rejuvenate. You are never to old to teach or learn. Keep up the good work you really give us some real stuff to think about. I just think of the fruits and herbs just growing everywhere in Africa while here in the US they are deseeding everything. Slowly but surely they are trying to control everything in the US.

Yes Mark, I see the same things happening with the diaspora thus I created diaspora connect in Tanzania to assist those coming with the info that they need to assimilate comfortably. Assimilation is the key! Not us just gathering together from the West! We need to immerse ourselves in the culture and relearn everything we have ever been taught because we were lied to. If I was not living in a local spot and spending most of my time with locals, I would probably not be here. I have two Tanzanian partners and they take great care of me. Keep bringing the truth and exposing hidden issues

Good job mark.when I come back to kenya from diaspora, I will make sure I visit you. Doing an amazing job.you are not a quitter keep pushing.it shall surely manifest.

We need our Tanzanian brothers and sisters to help ease us into the PolePole life of Tanzania. We need to be introduced to our Continental brothers and sisters, by our diaspora brothers and sisters. Mark, you've already started doing this. You introduced us to Brothers Baba Lad and Jordan & Sister Cate. Building that kind of community together, is where it's at! Grace & Peace ~R

Mark in fairness I don't believe that is only the fact that they were not prepared. They have many reasons as to why they go back. Being hurt financially and emotionally can be a reason. Not all of us have the emotions to deal with the challenges that occur. I speak from experience. It's not easy..I have decided Africa is my Happy place and I am living in the community as was suggested. I was very well prepared but still ended up starting at first base

The truth is that there are more diaspora who stay in Tanzania than those that leave. The ones leaving are a MINORITY. It just seems like a lot because they are more visible when they make RU-vid videos. But there are TONS of diaspora who stay in Tanzania that people don't know about because they don't broadcast their lives on RU-vid. And I think the main reason diaspora leave Tanzania is lack of finances to sustain themselves, not lack of community. The other reasons are visa issues and culture shock. Another reason is many came for Magufuli and now that he's no longer here things are changing in the country so they are leaving.

We love how smart you are, you engage yourself beautifully in Tanzania with the young, the old you are really great. You are the only person at the orphanage the children seem to know as a visitor that will brighten their day up.

Mark is a man of excellence. I appreciate your spirit, attitude, and focus. Straight ahead --->🤎

Mark you are extremely matured for your age. You have wisdom!

This commentary is so thought provoking.

🙏🏽 Mark! You keep doing you. We’re listening and appreciate your insight. All praises to The Most High Creator.

When I visited Tanzania in September I choosed to spend my time in the village with the local people. I realize building relationships with local Tanzanians who would welcome you to a community is important. For example, I went to Kilimanjaro, my friends village. He introduced me to the elders of his community who knew nothing about the transatlantic slave trade. After hearing my story they welcomed me home, they said this is now my community, this is my home. When I need a place to come to, their community is my home. I came back to Toronto and I have kept those relationships alive. I am returning to Tanzania in a few week and one of the first things I will do is to visit and spend time with them. Those types of relationships I believe are important if we wish to live in Africa. (My opinion) that being said, Africa can be rough on someone who has not lived a life without comfort. In the village I stayed we had no hot water. So I boiled water and took my bath from a bucket. No washing machine, my clothes were washed by hand. No air conditioning, I used a fan. Like you've said Mark, we cannot expect to be live a western lifestyle with all the amenities we are accustomed to at our fingertips when we come to Africa. I understand that my stay in Africa was to the extreme but I believe those types of connections are vital. If you want to settle in Africa you have to start thinking as an African or you'll be chewed up and spit out.

You're very pleasant and full with knowledge and obviously beyond your years thank you for sharing these thoughts of yours because I agree with you 100% I want to come and help bringing my two children as well. We have to create the community together first it doesn't happen over night. It is a start. The fear must die now is the time to release all of it, the hurt, pain, frustration, insecurities etc its time to start our HEALING. I have plenty ideas to help with this transition coming into Mother Afrika.

Yes. You make perfect sense. That was my first thinking for them to emmerse themselves in the local culture which is more prevalent in areas like you do Mark. It's more challenging, cheaper, and they will always get to learn and won't get bored. In the long run it will be more rewarding. Staying secluded in gated communities won't help them much for quick integration. But the areas they stay are not really arab or indian, places like Mbezi are predominantly African tz, Indians live in their areas like Upanga and Arabs are mostly in close to city suburbs like Kariakoo, Ilala, Kino etc where they are historically linked. Now we African tz can live in fenced houses in Mbezi etc because we have relatives, friends and family in other more local areas and even villages so we have the link there already and are familiar with it, one second we are in local or more western areas cause cannot be avoided due to all round connection, but AA living in Mbezi Beach will soon be bored if don't have friends, don't know locals to linkup and get the homely feel or network for business, learn language etc etc We Africans are communal so what you Mark is experiencing in your neighbourhoods is more natural to us but even the western areas we already know each other since. I greatly recommend any of your people to take your route, they don't have to live uncomfortable in local areas but can look things to help them get involved more. You can't sit in your compound all by yourself and complain you are bored, when millions of things are going on just outside your yard, take courage and mix it up more, will be so much more worth it for you.

12:39 The lady was asking "Why are you walking by yourself". Great videos. 👊😎

There in Tanzania, you have to leave the country every 90 days if you have a tourist visa. That alone can become troublesome and expensive and with this pandemic, no one wants to be traveling and become stranded in a strange country. I, myself, am waiting it out in America with the hope that this situation we're in will improve for the best.✌❤👍

Great video..... gave me lot to think about how to help our brothers and sisters!! Thank you for this video🤗

Amen, sugar taste good but diabetes Kills! Great point of view! Mark you may have to create a meeting place and have local lady to prepare food. Keep doing what you do! Video makes a lot of sense!

Such a wise young man! Love your wisdom and your soft approach in explaining truth without hurting others. You got out of 2nd Babylon before it placed it’s tentacles deep inside you. This allows you the liberty to simply BE FREE mind, body and spirit to connect with the locals and build with ease. 💗

Hey Mark … you should start consulting and charge 200$ to help ppl set up when they get out there …. You have a wealth of knowledge

You are a brave and brilliant young African Man!

Excellent Mark. The life I seek is one of giving. I want to raise orphaned children. Yes its true, I am a very lonely soul, tormented by silence. I also know that I am very blessed. I don't want to waste whatever time I have left on earth. God is good. Here in the states, its so difficult to adopt a child of my own race. Its ridiculous. As a single 40+ woman I wouldn't even know where to start with this, or exactly how many U.S dollars would support me. Anyway, I thank you so much for this information. 💙

Renae from the XODUS house is creating a community for diasporans

It's a lesson. Travelling to a new land is not easy. Black people in America, Europe, etc should engage with the Africans in their country of origin.

The TRUTH is a prophecy is being fulfilled...... MANY will come INTO the Wilderness BUT will NOT make it because they SIMPLY PREFER TO BE *SPOON-FED*

Keep speaking out & doing the right thing, my nephew because that is the reason why you are constantly being blessed . Always remember the scriptures , " many are called, but few are chosen " & the race is not for the swift , but he who endures for ever " . Your auntie still in New York .

Your truth is refreshing. This information still doesn't deter me. I still want to come. Thank you, Mark. This video made a lot of sense. Patience. Everything takes time to grow again.

Many people think they got the call, but only a few are chosen. Not all medicines are coated with sugar, some are sugar free. While Change is inevitable, people are resistant to change . For one to change you will first need to have a renewal of the mind. Shalom Aleichem

Every time someone does a video about diaspora leaving Africa it's made to seem as though the problem is always with diaspora, either they are broke, troublesome, unable to get along, etc. You talked about all the problems we have in the west as if all of Africa is United. I know that you didn't mean any real harm yet almost every word was a negative against the diaspora. I have watched and experienced for years Africa being sold to the diaspora as a utopia, people not being honest regarding things about land purchases, politics, cost of living, the nature of those they will come in contact with and made to believe that all Africans are Angels and it's only the diaspora that needs to change to make it and if they don't it's all the diaspora's fault. The truth seems to be that there are many reasons people return. Maybe they are leaving to regroup, to come back with a better understanding and knowledge of how to make it work. How many Arabs live in the villages or countryside with the locals? People can adjust easier amongst their own and with time. It will happen, we are expecting too much too soon.

Very perfectly said. I wish we all could break this curse together and finally unify

Look at the birdies!!😊. Thanks Mark for this often talked about topic on the diaspora .

You are a wonderful person inside and out. ☺️

Mark, you took to Africa very, very well and you're enjoying it openmindedly. When blacks were taken out of Africa to be slaves only the very strong survived the brutal trip to all the places they were taken. Only the very strong will return and appreciate the motherland as well.

Coming from T3&Me. I appreciate you.

convo from 12;34; Mark: "Mama I touch your feet" (respectful Swahili greeting showing respect to your elders). "Hello grandma" Older lady acknowledging Mark's greeting: "I am well. How have you risen?" (asking if he slept well). Why are you walking by yourself? where are your friends?" This last part is what Mark can't answer.

Everything you’re saying bro, I love it. You’re being transparent with compassion.

So I admire your tenacity

That's why we are coming with a plan. We have got to learn to endure until the end. Life is what you make it. I believe a great plan and tons of research will help. You have to expect the unexpected wherever you go. Thank you for this video. #OneAfrica

Mark thank you ,well said 👍👍👍

One final thought I had after watching your video...it seems necessary to have a physical hub in Dar for the diaspora to meet and have a free exchange of information, to talk through difficulties, trauma and healing and experiences for those who want to, and to form friendships and business networks. Invite Tanzanians along too. Perhaps a local library to start with or someone could rent a low cost premises and turn it into a diaspora community hub that has all the information people arriving need in one place-how to set up a business, how to find a place to live and so on. A non-commercialised entity so that people can just gather and not feel they have to spend money. Maybe have free or low cost business classes, classes on African and Tanzanian culture and history, Swahili classes and more. The US unfortunately inculcates an extreme individualism and cut throat mentality and values into its people which must be deprogrammed and eradicated to be replaced by the African communal and community spirit of responsibility for each other in order for people to integrate and thrive in Tanzania. That won't happen if people feel they have no-where to go and sit in their houses not mixing with other diaspora or the locals.

Great video which actually made lots and lots of sense!! Peace from Gambia🇬🇲🙏🏾🙂

Video made very much sense and is unfortunately true. Our people need to heal with each other and get out there and make things happen like you are.

The problem is, we don't move as a group. We move as individuals. We need to migrate in groups like our ancestors

Perfectly sayd must be united and get together por discussion how we can mowe forward by helpyng each other growyng food crop livestock and makyng by products etc eat what we grow and grow what we eat blessed thank por shared shalom

It amazes me that people will pack everything they need and more for a week vacation but will move to a continent and not be prepared. If you don’t have a consistent money stream…business…retirement income…or social security check something like that you better think twice. Please learn the basic language greetings and communication at minimum before heading to a country with language different than yours.

This is humble advice about how to move back to Africa, please educate me if I missed some points How to go African to Africa 1. First trip visit 2. Find out about what you want to do 3. Find your new FAMILY ( have an adoptive family) 4. work for free almost free for a year in a similar business in AFRICA you want to get in 5. Eject your plan B because have a plan B will always make you return to your original country. 6. Buy an explotable land (for farming, housing, ….) 7. Buy a car ( I will recommend used car) try not be flashy😁 8. Eat local, shop local, deeply learn the culture, be local… 9. Have some savings for health care 10. Be humble , have empathy, 11. Start your business with a little money and explore the possibilities 12. If single marry a local person

Mark I have been watching your videos for about a month now and very impressed with how you view things. I always see you smiling and talking to someone. I would like to meet you one day when I come.

It made sense my brother, and we should be uniting World wide so when most of us get to these foreign countries we know how to communicate and build with each other on a deeper level of overstanding.

I've lived in Japan for 18 years. There's a small expat community in my city and before the pandemic, we would get together on Saturdays for Japanese lessons. Before and after, though, was all English, catching up on new stuff in our lives. We all have one another's email addresses for any news that needs to get out quick. I've gotten some jobs that way. Japan has a real English teaching business culture. Some of us work in the school systems, some of us have our own schools, some do online teaching, some are househusbands and do a little teaching on the side. I don't pretend to know what would work in Tanzania. I'm retired now. I've discovered vegetable gardening as a hobby that keeps me busy, saves money on groceries, gives me exercise, and most importantly gives me a sense of purpose. I have my own garden and help a Japanese friend with his much larger garden. I grow vegetables like red beets and kohlrabi which are pretty rare here in Japan. Another aspect of Japanese culture is what I call the "gift giving war." My Japanese wife creates a lot of goodwill by giving my vegetables to her art students, to the neighbors, and sending "care packages" of vegetables to far flung friends and family. In return, these people retaliate with sweets, delicacies, and sometimes boxes of fruit. I know some African Americans are desperate to start a new fulfilling life in Africa. Without a realistic source of income, however, I fear they are doomed to run out of cash and return to the USA. I know it sounds too slow, but there is the "FIRE" movement (Financial Independence Retire Early) in the USA. If you save a portion of every month's salary and invest it in dividend paying mutual funds, your investments begin to compound and take on a life of their own. Much sooner than you think, you can achieve financial independence, the moment when your investment income exceeds your living expenses. I was inspired by the book "Your Money Or Your Life" many years ago to embark on that path. I reached it at the age of 38, sold everything and moved to Germany. I picked up teaching English as a part time job. Knowing I had steady investment income sure took a load off my mind. I eventually ended up in Japan. My investments today at my age of 63 are four times what they were at age 38. That was all from reinvesting dividends. Maybe being a RU-vid creator is a quicker way to achieve financial independence, but one has to have the gift of gab like you do!

Unrealistic expectation on the part of many. People need to love and trust, realize where you are and figure out how to work it with what you have; that is knowledge, health and faith in God. Don't give up young man, you are there for a reason. Keep hammering you will succeed 🙏.

Greetings brother son I'm proud of you is all true

Love your video very clear factual points

Said truth people want to come back but can’t afford the flight down to settling down and living I suggest our people learn trading especially crypto this is one way we can create financial freedom

Mark thank you for sharing your wisdom, truth, and thoughts on this matter. This video will help others greatly who are thinking to make their move into Africa. We as a people suffered greatly upon this plane and much healing is desperately needed among us all. We all are just crying out for change and change is among us now but it is up to us to embrace it wisely. Following our own heart and intuition will lead us to the correct path to take on our journies to healing and new beginnings. Peace and love to us all!!

May be the need for a support network would be necessary. Thanks for the analysis great content.

Probably because they don't have a profitable RU-vid channel nor a local business to sustain their standard of living. I suggest having a business plan based on your skills and experience b4 relocating. Peace.

🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪The older lady towards the End, was asking in Swahili why you are walking all alone by your self? Woundering like were are the rest of your collegues...🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

thats true our people our lost man destroyed for a lack of knowledge

You are great brother I have nufff respect my youth

Good Morning Mark, You're doing so well in Tanzania and seem to be thriving there. But it would be interesting to hear directly from the diasporas who recently made the decision to leave and why. Do you have a way of contacting them to see if they'd be open to doing an online interview with you? Don't know if you have streamyard or zoom but to hear their story and understand their personal reasoning behind their exodus would be helpful.

Mark- I assiduously hear and listen to you on the myriads of reasons why diasporains are leaving Tanzania. Is there a welcome center for diasporains? Have African-Americans considered asking the government to help make the transition more efficient. Such as pairing responsible Tanzanians with African- Americans and others? Setting up a course to educate folks either on line or in Tanzania for what one may need to thrive and survive the culture. Lastly- I surmise the diasporains must try to be prepare and to their homework prior to coming to Tanzania. What about the Xodus House? [ I thought that house was to help diasporains help settle there!]

Hey Mark! I left but I'm coming back. I would love to meet up with you when I return. I'll keep you posted. I should be back there end of the month.

Looking forward to our chat even more after watching this.

Hi Mark thanks so much for your time to speak to people who are there in Africa get in contact with other people who are new there start a garden with people . We all need to eat. Find out what everyone needs to are . Star sell your veggies you grow. Get to know the language. Get your family in contact with other children. Learning new things. Don't spend to much money. Knowing how to take care of yourself eat better. Mark I'm learning some much just watching RU-vid. We've to depend on your self. Stay focused my sister's and brothers.

God one, after 2 months in TANZANIA 🇹🇿 see it.. takes time to adapt.. many on a tight schedule knowing they'll be leaving.. can be mind-blowing hitting d ground.. Many ppl have issues coming from abroad ESP $

the most high is the key to what people are looking for but we have to fully submit him and the messiah to otherwise it will stay the same

It hurts to hear this Mark, I pray it changes. The most high led everyone there to be in unity and it must start somewhere. I’m not there yet but I’m praying for everyone🙏🏾

Habari Mark my husband and I understand exactly what you are, saying . We have been here a little over a week. We are here to stay and we just had to jump out there. We connected with Renae x ..sooo helpful. We decided we are spoiled and decided to get over it lol A MUST.

You made sense.

Mark a wonderful video as always. As I was listening to you it came to me to ask, is there a welcome group out there for the disaporas coming to the country? It would be nice to have such group to help them get assimilated. A place they can meet, even if it is at someone home, not necessarily at expensive restaurant or so on, other disaporas at least once a week. Coming to a new country can be lonely and intimidating. I visited for a month and didn't meet one disapora, the locals were nice but meeting another disapora who lived in the country would have been really helpful.

Welcome to Tanzania, spread the word. Mark It will be nice for you to meet your sister from exodus house. And get few tips how to enjoy our beautiful country. God bless your work.

Thank - GOD for your endurance & Thank - you for staying true to your belief . Thank - you for your wisdom as a young brother. You are an inspiration to everybody that is serious . I am glad that you said that are people are fearful & have been so conditioned that when things do not go right , they can not deal . Research is very important as well as having a variety oh f back - up plans . The scripture says " my people perish for lack of knowledge" I say , my people perish for not wanting or utilizing the correct knowledge " .

Great video. You have to come with a plan. I know in Ghana there are a lot of resources and organizations for the diaspora.

I loved it and after I finish with business in in three weeks I will be back I learned a lot while I was there and met a lot of really nice locals that treated me really good. They even called and check to see if I made it here safely. I can’t wait to come back I want a place of peace and to meet this wonderful young man name Mark

Mark i always love your wisdom and how you see things in a way most diaspora missed.

Great Dialogue ! So much i wanna add ! You definitely hit some key points 😊

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💭 and time!

Why do you not start a community. You are the right man for the job. Raise money to set up a community center.

It made a lot of sense Mark

First of all Mark thanks for the video's. And which state or states are you from Mark, here in the USA? "I've observed here in the states, there are many who often eat out." "That's expensive!" "Eating out 3 to 6 times a week, when on a tight budget." "It will deplete one's funds." "Especially when other needs have to be met." "Going to grocery store, shopping frugaly/frugality:!" "Getting what's needed!" "Also what is filling such as beans, peas." "Along with the green 🍃 leafy vegetables." As well as the fruits." "Too many people want to live like they're rich!" "When they know that's not the option." "Grow ☝ up and wake up." "We're living in challenging times!" "Waste not, want not."

We are going to start a sita brother group to talk and solve issues .Now and when we get back to the Motherland .

Hi Mark we don't have a place to get her either in the west never mind when we go to Africa or to the carribean nothing holds us together

I believe you are the solution to creating the community desired.

Amen! Love and appreciate U Mark continue foward!🤜🤛💪

I love this video