I’ve visited Hong Kong three times—once in 2011, again in 2016, and most recently in 2024. I love the country, except for a couple of areas with a significant Indian population, which are marred by pan and gutkha spit stains everywhere. It makes you feel at home for all the wrong reasons.
In 2011 and 2024, the city’s population and crowds seemed quite similar, but 2016 was different. I noticed many Africans working in menial jobs, such as in phone shops and helping people find hotels.
Strangely, I bumped into a friend who has somewhat settled in Hong Kong, at the same place both in 2016 and 2024. After the initial greeting, I asked him, “what had happened to the Black community? In 2016, they were everywhere, but now I don’t see a single person. Where did they go?” His answer was shocking.
“Most couldn’t cope with the COVID period and its aftermath, so they left the country, while others got married and settled down,” he said. The first reason didn’t concern me as much as the second. “Married and settled? How? With whom? Where?” I asked, completely shocked. His answer was even more surprising: ‘Yes, they married locals and have become house husbands.’
My curiosity intensified, so I asked more questions out of sheer inquisitiveness. He explained, ‘Well…’
“The women became well-educated, built successful careers, accumulated substantial wealth, and acquired multiple houses. Choosing to remain childless, by the age of 45-50, they didn’t know what to do next. Consequently, they married younger African men (for obvious reasons 😉) and continued their lives. The women go to work, while the husbands stay home, cook, enjoy their time together, and manage the property.”
I came home feeling a bit sad, though I’m still unsure why 😉.