Africa Reimagined

When people talk about Africa, it’s often through the same narrow lens: safaris and struggle. And honestly, I’m tired of it.

Africa isn’t one story. It’s not one country. It’s an entire continent made up of over 50 countries, each with its own rich history, culture, and heartbeat.

This wasn't my first time on the continent. I studied abroad in Senegal years ago, and I’ve traveled to Kenya, Egypt, and The Gambia. But this trip — this journey across Kenya and Tanzania with Socafari — touched me differently.

Socafari isn’t your typical travel group. It’s about seeing the world through the lens of Black joy, culture, and connection — with the pulse of soca music tying it all together. Founder Monifa Wilson Charles had a vision after her own travels.

"It wasn’t just something for me to hold onto. It was something I needed to share."

And I’m so glad she did.

From witnessing the magic of the Maasai Mara to standing barefoot on sand dunes overlooking some of the bluest water and whitest sand I’ve ever seen, every moment pushed back against the tired stereotypes about Africa. Every experience felt like a celebration of life, history, and spirit.

As my fellow traveler Marisha Clinton said, "Everyone from around the world just lives in a different way culturally. And it’s good to step outside of our own comfort zone to see how others live."

This trip wasn’t just about what we saw — it was about how we felt.

There were moments that brought tears to our eyes — pure awe, gratitude, and sometimes even a quiet sadness for how much has been lost or misunderstood about this part of the world. But mostly, it was joy. Deep, soul-filling joy.

This wasn’t just a vacation.
It was a reclaiming.
A reimagining.
A return.

And it’s just the beginning.

Check out more about on my YouTube channel.