Digital creator Imo Unusual has sparked widespread online discussion after declaring that she will never move permanently to Western nations. The South Sudanese and Kenyan influencer is known for candid, humorous, and often controversial commentary on TikTok and Instagram.
Speaking in a recent video broadcast, she stated that she would rather live and die on the African continent than relocate abroad in search of a better life.
A Firm Commitment to the Continent
Currently residing in Uganda, Imo Unusual addressed common social pressures regarding emigration. She questioned why many people assume that moving overseas is mandatory for personal advancement.
She emphasised that her primary devotion remains firmly with her home continent.
In her address, she questioned prevailing attitudes towards Western countries.
“I will never in my life relocate and go and live in the white man's country. I don't know why most Africans have this mentality of, 'Oh, in order to make it, in order to what, you have to go to the white man's country',” she said.
Rejection of Overseas Pressures
While she expressed an interest in visiting international destinations, she firmly ruled out permanent residency outside the continent.
"I would love to go visit like, oh, UK, Europe, America," she noted.
However, she clarified, "Different conversation, you know, like visit those countries, but I would never go out of my way to relocate out of those countries, guys.”
She warned individuals against abandoning comfortable lives in Africa for uncertain circumstances abroad[1][2]. She stressed that those earning good salaries at home should not feel pressured to leave.
"Like, guys, if you're making a good salary, you're living a comfortable life in Africa," she advised.
"Nobody should ever convince you that, oh, drop all that and go to the States, go to Europe, to start slaving away," she added.
Challenges of Life Abroad
Imo Unusual outlined several psychological factors behind her refusal to move. She warned that moving to Western countries often comes with severe challenges, including depression, homesickness, and acute loneliness. She also cited the difficulty of adapting to unfamiliar social environments.
She explained that extended periods abroad cause her immediate distress.
"Even when I travel and I've stayed in those countries for like a week, I start missing my house," she remarked.
"Like I want to come back home," she added, stating that she loves living in her home country.
Staying Within the African Continent
Reaffirming her commitment to remaining in Africa, she insisted that any future move would stay local.
"If I'm ever to relocate from Uganda, it will be to another African country," she explained. She concluded that this perspective is a central personal philosophy that she regularly passes on to others.
