So proud to be African but growing up amongst such a strong people forces you to conceal certain parts of your character and deal with situations differently.

We all have challenges and obstacles in life. Just like those vary, so will the approach of different individuals in dealing with them. Now, when you’re told ‘Panic and depression is not an African thing’ what do you do if that’s what your personality permits? Pretend. Pretend you’re different, pretend you’re stronger than you really are, pretend you’re not breaking down because you’re African and you’re meant to be strong and immovable.

What happens to our men? Boys that grew up being taught that to be a man you need to be strong and not show weakness because even if Africans are wired strongly, there’s a crack in the books that permits females to be emotional. Now, we have boys that have become men wrapping their masculinity in their inability to express emotions.

I love the strength of our continent and its people but shouldn’t we be strong enough to be individuals, strong enough to feel and express ourselves the way we deem fit regardless of our gender and not be afraid of being judged or appearing weak?