Support my patreon so I can make more Nigeria vids 🤓: www.patreon.com/EfikZara Hey y’all! New video all about my colorful experience so far in Nigeria! This is the beginning of a new series of videos that dive into my life as a diasporan in Nigeria. Lemme know what you think and as usual, share your opinions down below!

Can we take a moment to appreciate her beauty? It's totally mindblowing 😍

if your only experience is Lagos, you will hate Nigeria. The city is classist. If you want to truly understand Nigeria, travel the country, speak to locals. Eat from Bukas. People are incredibly friendly and familial. They will laugh and joke with you as if you're old pals. Whatever you do in Nigeria, for goddsake don't base your disdain for the entire country on your experiences in Lagos (blagh) or a few cities/destinations. This is all coming from a quite liberal Nigerian-Canadian with several university degrees under her belt too. Just saying, Nigeria has it's problems, just like every other part of the world.

That afro. When black women wear afros, we are too die for. Gorgeous!

I feel like leaving from usa/Europe to go back to Africa you need to open your mind and be able to look at things differently.

Wow, Oxford, Cambridge and MIT. Your parents are geniuses. That's awesome.

I’m a child of immigrants. My parents are from Haiti. I said to my parents I wanted to visit Haiti and my dad scoffed at me saying “I left that country and I was born there - why do you wanna go?” Lmao 😂

You are one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen sis!

Why move to Nigeria if you haven't visited several times before?

Dang, for those of y’all that are really upset with my delivery I had to watch again. I literally say so many positive things 😅! I thought I was bashing hardcore but I’m just keeping it 💯. I’m super grateful to those of you who can be honest, along with me, and look beyond the things we tell ourselves in Nigeria to feel better. Honest narratives matter and this is a part of my story. There are more videos, some will be hard to digest and others will be soooo beautiful. Stay tuned!

The title could have been "Do I regret moving to Nigeria?" Let's remove naija from a negative light for once. Love the video not feeling the title.

I'm from South-America and currently studying in the Netherlands. I've seen a couple of videos with this certain title. To those who want to relocate to their homeland/motherland: make sure that you are fully established before you go, especially if your country is dealing with economic crisis and poverty. Before you relocate, make sure you have your own house, car, a good amount of savings and A PLAN, whether it's a job or a business. Yes, it's not always fun to live abroad, but one thing I always say: take fully advantage of the opportunities abroad before you leave!!! Most people say: you must come back to help your country. My answer is how? I'm just an individual. I don't have the ability, power and capacityto change a country. Thats why there is a government It's the government's responsibility to create a better life for citizens. And as far none of us can depend on politicians, make sure you're fully established before you go back home. Home is beautiful, but you must think about your future also.

Damn, I just realized that's all your real hair. Literally hair goals.

I just left Nigeria a week ago. I stayed in Lagos for only 3 days & in IMO Owerri for the rest of the time. That was my first time going to Nigeria. I went to meet my gfs parents and they were absolutely awesome. In my experience the country is so different from the US but I felt right at home. There were a few things that bother me about the country, but all in all I miss being there.

Sounds like many countries I have visited. This includes a few European and Asian countries as well. As an American, I prefer to live in Port Harcourt or Abuja in Nigeria. You only have one life, live it well.

Yes was dating a Nigerian man. I had to put him in his place. So I assume how the women must cater to them Etc ,Not me.

I love your hair it's so voluminous! Your videos are always, very informative and interesting.

As a fellow Nigerian American i understand everything you’re saying in this video. What i would say though is that her experience is not like every Nigerian American. There are Nigerians here in America who congregate and build huge communities here that are very similar to that of Nigeria. Being in this type of community, I feel like I’ve been very exposed to Nigerian mentalities and beliefs. Even though I’ve never been to Nigeria, I’ve been around so many Nigerians that everything you’re saying you experienced was expected. It doesn’t sound like you familiarized yourself with Nigerians at all, before just moving there. As for the hustling and barter mentality, i definitely agree that would be annoying. Many Nigerians in Nigeria have the same problem you have with it. From the comment section of Nigerians shouting about how privileged and ill fit you are, to the kind of behavior I’ve watched Nigerians have towards outsiders, or even to me (who didn’t live in Nigeria). I know Nigerians can truly make you feel useless in every sense of the word. They want to humble you, before you humble them. The people fighting you in the comments are the people who make Nigerians look bad. How can you be telling person not to articulate a bad experience?? Asking you if you have any solutions or you should not talk? Abeg are you a governor or any “elected” politician? It is not your job to make Nigeria better. No one there takes any accountability! Even though you’re saying things Nigerian nationals will also say, you’ll have another group of Nigerians who will shout over you to try to invalidate your experience because you’re “not Nigerian enough” With Nigerians, you just have to keep shouting and pushing your way through, or they will run you over, foreign or not.

I cringe every time I hear that word “influencer” and I’m shocked to see so many people throw that word around with a straight face. I’m a grown ass woman, I’m going to do exactly what I want to do and I don’t need anyone trying to influence me to do anything, thankuverymuch! Why would one seek to have power or influence over another?

You were speaking facts, sis. Naija is HARD af to live in. You are STUNNING, btw. -fellow Nigerian-American

Generally it’s just if you don’t have the Nigerian mentality it’s going to be super hard to live in Nigeria. There’s a lot of issues and honestly you hit every nail on the head.

My dad is from Nigeria and I’ve been back to Nigeria a couple of times. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!! And I was definitely judged!! Love my family so much there, however they mostly wanted stuff. Which is understandable! Just have to be honest and upfront with family. Different culture and entirely different social constructs!

For those of us that haven't been to Nigeria, can you do a video showing us around? Maybe like a day in Nigeria or a few of your favorite places? We'd love to see the area.

Love the honesty.. just need a video on the positives too. As someone from a privileged background it is so easy to pick out issues, especially the more rampant and obvious ones. Now let’s try to make people see the good in these countries so they can be helped to change rather than exploited!

Honestly i wanted to cry towards the end of your video, you looked and sounded so sad and lonely. I pray that your days will be better from now on and that god gives you the strength to get through this time.

I completely agree, I’m a British nigerian and people are so selfish and cross boundaries to get what they want from you. I’ve only been here 2 months but I grown in character and understood how deep my morals are. I’m just so glad you’ve posted this. Literally expressing how I feel. I’ve been shocked at how it is but I hope there is a way things could change for the better. The work I do here I believe in it so much as a solution but time will tell

Everyone is saying stop putting nigeria in a negative light but let’s be real here nigeria has always kinda been in a negative light 🙄 Nigeria is great if you’re rich not middle class but rich. Hardly will you actually hear a rich person complain about nigeria lol. Nigeria mostly doesn’t give a person the opportunity to explore and if you don’t have THICK skin you won’t survive lol I definitely think that’s one of the reasons Nigerians flourish so much abroad 😂 our culture is great the food and everything but if I had the chance to Japa to somewhere different I would immediately. My advice is if you ever want to live in Nigeria on your own and your parents aren’t giving you money prepare yourself for tears frustration and also joy lol andddd this is just my opinion

Nigeria Sounds Like America🇺🇸 Poor People Live And Hustle The Same To Survive.

These videos have been so helpful. I just moved to Lagos and I’ve been vegan since 2015 but decided to be a strict vegetarian here because I found it very difficult to eat out and maintain my diet. I would love a video on your vegan lifestyle.

When I saw the title I was like ooh not Zara tooo. I would like to move to Nigeria, like you I visited quite late in my life. I went to Nigeria for the first time in 2016 for 2 weeks, returned in 2017 for 2-3 month then went back this year for 3 weeks. OH GURL this time round I was filled with joy and anger! I could not understand how a country like Nigeria was so rich yet so poor! There is is a serious need of development, a large majority are sadly living in poverty. Instagram does not fully evidence the extent of the issue but tends to gloss over how undeveloped Nigeria is. I just feel to cry. I have been to 5 West African nations and Nigeria is my fave! It is so vibrant, the people, customs, culture and ideas are just some of why I love the nation! I was born and bred in the West gurl they way I am so British I love my crumpets and talking about the weather and call everyone mate. LOOL However, I am very Nigerian and this is why I see the need to invest and build my country. Nigerian needs folk like us who have had exposure to both cultures ( I am told this anytime I go). Thanks so much for sharing this, it is another confirmation as to why I need to move to Nigeria. Also there is a vegan restaurant called veggie victory in VI it is in freedom park defo check it out .

As a jamaican living in the US, I would go live there in a heartbeat over the US 🤣🤣🤣. On a more serious note though, I find a lot of Americans go to their 'countries of origin' and have these ideas of how great it will be based on racial similarities (not saying you in particular, just generally speaking) . I think sometimes people forget that as much as race is key to peoples identity, its different in other countries who tend to rely on culture and nationality. You're bound to experience culture shock but once it wears off, you can get a better idea of the culture and if it suits you to live there. Also have to keep in kind to not compare living in one place to another because whole cultures, economies, everything might be structured differently so what's poverty in the US might be living pretty OK in another country. Thanks for sharing your story!!!!

Can we first of all talk about how ICONIC you look in this VIDEO 😍😍😍💯🔥😍😍😍

Zara, you are speaking the TRUTH, Period. Y'all need to stop bashing her. This is just the hard truth about Nigeria. No offense! Not say that there are not good side of things in Naija, but the bad is so absurd and irritating.

I hear you girl, you need to understand it's all cultural shock. As someone born and raised in Nigeria moving to the United states for college took me off. I felt the world was out to get me. I didn't understand and still can't understand how people live here. Bashing Nigerian really isn't no good. You weren't raised there so you just can't fit in. Life in Nigeria especially lagos Nigeria is all about survival of the fittest. The poor get poorer the rich is getting poor and your uncle Buhari is just the devil. As much as you hate it and feel a certain type of way towards it for some others its home and we wouldn't trade anything for it, despite it bad governance and economy.

Lagos sounds like Atlanta 7 hustles is one job these days .

I'm sorry but this chick is one GORGEOUS woman. Showing me black is beautiful. YAS GURl

Don’t let anyone invalidate your experience..you are entitled to your opinion good or bad.. I wish you luck and I hope things get better:)

Stay strong sis. The change needs to start with us.

Why are so many people commenting on her beauty - yeah she is absolutely stunning - but are these people actually listening to what she is saying??

Hey Zara! It's so incredible hearing that you're a Violinist and Composer! OMG I got stuck after that.😂 I'm a musician too. Your struggle finding solid work here is all too real for me, and I live here. I'd really love to listen to your work! Is there a link to your music, please?

You are gorgeous 🙀😍😍😍 ok, let me pay attention to the video 😭...

Your beauty is like an amazing work on Photoshop done by an expert

One of the few girls that looks as pretty in videos as in picture😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

All y'all say is "worst decision" going back to Nigeria. Please can y'all stay in your so call "wonderful country" and leave Nigeria alone. Am Nigerian im so sick and tried of y'all slamming Nigeria as a country, yes Nigeria is hard and the government is corrupt but can I hear the good side of Nigeria please!!!!

Why would you move to Nigerian when you’ve never had a taste of the hard life how did you think you were going to survive those of us who grew up in Nigeria have life experience than you who have spent all your life outside Nigeria

The Continent of Afrika shouldn't have any 3rd world countries within it, because the continent is EXTREMELY RICH in resources. Afrikans literally have wealth under their feet, and they are some of the poorest people in the world. This is a sick situation!!

I love how honest and unapologetic you are! It is really hard to find people who are honest no matter the topic. It’s a great quality and you are such a beautiful person inside and out. New subie 😊

How can anyone focus on anything you say ever? You are devastatingly gorgeous.

I laughed at first when I came across your videos 2 years ago... I prayed you realize these stuff you’re talking about now!!! You’re a strong woman... stay strong 💪 You conquered Nigeria... so you can face anything in life hun...

I left Nigeria years ago but I can totally relate to your first hand experience with the survivor mentality. I am very certain I would NOT be able to live in Nigeria. Do not get me wrong. I LOVE my country. but I am older and don’t have patience for the bribing or the tardiness. Much of what we love is what we hate. It gets in your soul and once you go you cannot forget it. We just wish in many ways for improvement and a more egalitarian society. That said where does this utopia exist? We all have face challenges wherever we live. I hope you enjoy your stay there. There is much to to and fall in love with.

Hello, I'm Nigerian, born and bred in Nigeria and I really really really love this great nation, may all who are bedevilling her be repent so that the country can have a breath of fresh air. Great country, Great people!.

I watched this video with mixed feelings.. There was a lot of focus on thhe negative things, how about the positives sis?

Can y'all stop with this nonsense click bait. Stop putting Nigeria in a negative way

Your video popped up in my recommendations. I had to look at it cause GURRRLLL YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND THAT HAIR IS EVERRRYYYTHING !!!I tell you 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

What do you want to do with violin in nigeria????🤔🤔🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Hun if you haven’t already, please do a video on the beautiful things about Nigeria!

A lot of these comments complaining about the title being "too harsh" . You people are lowkey the reason why Nigeria is not progressing. The crab mentality is very rampant in Nigerian culture and until it is addressed , the country will not move forward. It is important for these things to be said so people do not have a rose tinted view of life in Nigeria. (Especially Lagos) Lagos is a bubble. A facade. A ponzi scheme. Things are not as they may seem. Yes it looks all fun and vibesssss but fam , to survive there you need the grace of God and connections. I completely relate to how you feel Zara! You've been incredibly brave to even move back to Nigeria from a more "comfortable" home in America. All I can say though is you should still try and stay optimistic for as long as you will be there. There are always bad eggs in the mix but you'll find some good eggs (friends lol) soon hopefully! I especially love what you said about influencing in Lagos. I love that you are standing your ground and not ruining your brand/reputation for some free clothes. It's incredibly hard to demand respect from people business-wise but your efforts will pay off. Wishing you all the best sis🤗

I’m scared to ever talk to a born and raised African man 🤦🏽‍♀️, I know American men have their days or what ever but it seems as if African men are wayyyy more forceful but I’m not going to let one person ruin it for all. Edit: I like how some of y’all are giving me great insight on how some people are and being genuine about it, but have y’all ever thought maybe that’s all I have ever been around so excuse me for speaking my truth on what I have been around thank you... it’s all about learning and being genuine so like I said before nothing is ever going to stop me from talking to ANY race even if he is born and raised in Africa. So to any African men if I made you feel any type of way I do deeply apologize especially sense American men have their flaws too.

I live in Lagos, Nigeria and I kept saying "Testify, sistah" throughout. You did keep it 100% and I appreciate that. Thanks for an amazing video. I want to see the one on runs. I need to hear your perspective

Sis, I usually support everything African, but this was a hard watch. Good luck.

I lived in Abuja from South Africa. I would like the tea on Nigerian women. Comic!!!😁 May God continue to bless you. If you are tired come and visit South Africa before leaving for the US.

Wow you went to school to study violin. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Must have been so interesting

This is such a sad video, I regret watching it. I also think you need to move to America in peace and quiet, and let Nigerians be. In this video alone, you have touted nearly a hundred tropes about Nigeria. Hopefully, someday, you’ll learn the errors of your ways.

Great Video, its good to share experiences for people who see Nigeria on instagram or go on holiday and think its amazing - I moved to Nigeria from UK in 2014-2016 at the age of 24- It was crazy experience but Im so glad I did it because it opened up great opporunites when i moved back to london with the contacts I had made. I also lived in Ghana briefly and I must say Ghana is easier for repats to deal with. Or a decent 9-5 in Abuja.

Great realistic video. Same story in Jamaica. Thanks! When will you return to the US?

Whether you were born here or not it is still your country as you rightly said, America isn't your country it is where you were born and you have rights but imma tell you this as someone who was born in the US and bred in both place, America has a way of reminding you that this is not your country. My grandmother always said and I will never forget "No matter how bad your country is (Nigeria) it is still your country and the older I get I see what she is saying . So this "My country" you are talking choose one cuz unfortunately my dear you'll never be able to serve 2 masters. If Naija is wahala-ing you just find your way back to "your" country it's that simple

I think should have started of by saying her parents are Nigerians and she was born in the US instead of making out she had no connection with Nigeria but decided to move there.

Thanks for being honest, Iam born in us of carribean parents, Dominica, and it's harder back home, but it's easier to make a life here in US. Will support u vids. God bless, Iam with you in regards to living ones best life❤

Omg you are so beautiful, I'm sure you've heard that a lot! And your hair frames your face perfectly!

Spent almost 2 minutes saying -- let's jump right into it. I got bored and left.

Just found your channel, I'm Caribbean so I have no clue what you speak of but I am intrigued (actively learning) with Africa as a continent since my ancestors (slaves) came from there. From a neutral perspective, it would have been nice hearing the positives+negatives and not just what is wrong in Nigeria. Kudos for being in touch with your source and trying to make it work. Hopefully, your experience and perception improves over time

Everything you mentioned that happened in Nigeria, HAPPENS RIGHT HERE IN THE U.S. !!!

My sister leaves here :( its not easy, I always worry for her, unfortunately, she was never able to get her papers to live in the UK with us. I pray it gets better

You are breathtaking sis! Stay strong, I know it's not easy to live in Nigeria, one day we will get our S@#$ together.

It's amazing that we will write out a whole dissertation about the problems surrounding other ethnic groups/nations and receive thunderous applause for it. I mean, we can cuss out Becky's entire lineage and hear nothing but, "tell'em sis/yes Queen/stand up and speak on it King!" However, whenever it comes to our people and the issues we need to address, suddenly everyone wants to hush hush. Be gentle; be kind; don't talk about it too much, what's talking about it and complaining about it going to do? Gee, I don't know, perhaps more people should read up on how civil movements and revolutions start. Here's a hint, it usually starts with a conversation began by people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Leaders have never minced words when they told us that we're killing our brothers, hurting our sisters, damning our children to a hopeless future, and spitting in the face of our ancestors who suffered and died believing that their sacrifice meant that we would never see days like the ones we're living now. Our people have been fed a lie that in order to have we must take from each other; we've been fed that lie because colonizers know that if we ever get on one accord, we'll realize that there is food enough in the big house for all of us to eat than there are scraps that they throw to us to keep us distracted, fighting and to keep us from taking back what centuries of propaganda has stolen.

it seems to me like you went to Nigeria with a whole lot of expectations. I just moved back from Guinea ( born in NYC and raised in Conakry/Baltimore) and i was criticising everything and everyone when I got here. loosen up and don't take everything so serious ! do you have a video of things you enjoyed in nigeria ?

EfikZara, this topic is a gold mine. I'd like to forward a subject or two for your insights over the next few months. maybe you'll have some downtime to give your thoughts.

Thank you for sharing you experience. Would definitely want to hear more about vegan lifestyle. And eyyy shout out to a fellow Marylander 😂

Very negative title of this video at the time when people all over the world are finally looking towards Africa...gurl no one told u it was perfect as it’s unfair to kinda compare and expect almost the same standard of living, clearly it’s not for the faint hearted but worst decision my sis is a stretch..God bless Nigeria!!

I’m a Ghanaian and moved to America for a year now I understand your experience but trust me to love and understand the benefits of moving to Africa as a diaspora you should have move to Ghana first . I will be going back home this year August and will share some informations about moving to Ghana and even in Africa on my channel . kindly let me know if you interested and we can do maybe a video call thank you . That hair popping and you look elegant!!

I’m Nigerian and unfortunately this is factsss😭, this country is just SAD. Yes and those stupid brands 🤦🏾‍♀️

We see what you did there. Weldone. I moved to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 when I was 9 and I know how messed up situations can be in Nigeria as a whole...but to speak of a nation as iconic as Nigeria in such condenscending manner, tone and approach, says alot about you personally. I am not dismissive of your claims and experience while you lived in Lagos, no...what am saying is we all see what you did there. Nice one sis. 🤗

If you didn't have that title I would have thought you were talking about the people in Atlanta.

I love Nigeria so much but the system can be very frustrating though, how I just wish we have good leaders!....I enjoy watching and I will be following you on this journey...

I love hearing about privileged black girls 😁. When you were talking about your parents education and parenting style I was proud, and I don't even know them. Thank you for that little dose of inspiration ❤.

I would luv your experience as a vegan on the continent!

I’m curious about the Nigerian Women, I am married to a Nigerian Man. We went to a Nigerian restaurant. We ordered different dishes so like always when we go out. So I reached over to taste my husbands food and the Nigerian waitress moved his food 🤔She said something that I didn’t understand. I didn’t disrespect her like I normally would because I feel we are all family but she didn’t feel that way. I notice a lot of Nigerian Women that are standoffs to American Women. I would love to see a video to know why they are it seems mad at us. We were taken to America without a choice so a video would be great

You do a really good job puttin everything in perspective...

Idk I'm not really a fan of how you seem to slander Nigerians (and Nigeria in general) in this video. That may not be how you intended it to seem, but that's how it's coming across to me. I think you probably shouldn't make statements that generalise the entirety of a community as that might be offensive to those in said community that are not that way. Like once you said something along the lines of "Nigerian women are just as bad", which comes across as hostility towards all Nigerian women. Though I agree with a lot of your points, I just don't want Nigeria to seem like a terrible place to visit.

The West is responsible for a lot of poverty in Nigeria. It's the 7th largest oil producer in the world but one of the poorest countries. Food for oil is the West's welfare system. True politicians all over the world can be bribed. But until we go back home and advocate sovereignty we are doing the ancestors no justice. Market is about supply and demand. How can the violin bring change to Nigeria? How does your work bring enlightenment? I think you are dope and brave at the same time. But I feel you are missing the mark with your purpose, talent and skill. As Africans born and raised in the West we have a unique preview of Why? Why Africa with the richest resources has the most oppression. What you are also missing is the touchback. Are you so far removed that you can't give a discount to teach a child or share your gift. You have a unique opportunity to build a great music industry in Nigeria. Learn music business laws their and distribute. If you taught one child for free (understudy) and they taught one child you would not only become famous on Nigeria but America as well. Missing the mark. Real Africans are entrepreneurs and tradesmen. You should partner with carpenters to manufacture (violins to start) and build your own industry. With all that being said... I'm proud of you...I bless your endeavors...and I pray you take this advice with love. I would love for you to talk about many of the topics you mentioned. I will subscribe to support you. But I want to see you grow...this channel and in life helping Nigerians. With no expectations grow and do things no one has ever seen. And as your big sister, get some martial arts lessons cause no one should be compromising your personal space...lol. I love you Sis. Live your best life!

thank you so much for your honesty your decency and your sincerity in this video I really found it to be heartwarming thank you.

I don't know that your experience would be any different in America. People here are Hustlers. They will take advantage of you if you let them. They will treat you like you're stupid because of their own prejudices. They will try their very best to get your goods and services without paying you a dime.

Thanks for the truth! I am american, but I always fantasized about going to africa because it just seems like a place that i would feel more accepted than i do as a black woman in the united states! Given everything that is happening here to black americans it no longer feel like my home it feels like a prison at times. 😩 so seeing this has kinda gave me a reality check that not everything that glitters is gold!

Maybe your blue eyes made it hard for you to fit in.

I LOVE your Steez! and as a Nigerian-American myself, I can relate with you on so many levels! I love this video and I def. look forward to joining you on your journey! Keep doing your thing Efik! You are TOO real and I just love it!

2nd to Yemen on the poverty issue. Saving enough money to truly live free is not impossible. Being a black man in America is continually draining, depressing, and honestly it puts me in a state of hopelessness. No matter how hard I work, at both my jobs, it will never be enough to leave! That drowning feeling is unbearable. Somehow I'm bearing it all... maybe Nigeria isn't it. But America never was, and never will be. God bless you tho sis. Be safe out there, and the fro with the red lips.... 🎯🎯🎯💯🙏 it's a hit

As much as I agree with most of the points in the video I think 1) Lagos is a trash place to live for anybody 2) I have heard people make the same complaints about cities like Atlanta, so I dont really think the traits are subject to Nigeria alone 3) I feel like alot of people go into Nigeria especting it to be like a black America, but its not it has its own culture, tradiions and history and you must judge it on that, no in comparison to western countries. With all that being said she is like 90% accurate, but I really like that she pointed out the beauty inthe potential

Sounds like life here in Jamaica (Some Aspects)

Kudos on being highly-educated and highly-talented. What blessings!

Wow! You came up under suggested videos. I just got to work and had your video playing in the background as I turned on my other computers, etc. Overheard you talking about your parent's education, turned around and saw you. Thought: "She's stunning, well-traveled, and smart! This is the kind of content I like." Subbed!