Kenyan influencer Elsa Majimbo has sparked a heated debate on social media with her recent comments about the practice of “black tax” in African communities. The 23-year-old, who gained fame during the covid pandemic for her comedic videos, expressed her frustration with the expectation that successful individuals must financially support less well-off family members.
In a now-deleted TikTok video, Majimbo criticized the common practice of sending money back home or to extended family, calling it a burden that she despises. She shared her personal experience of feeling pressured to support relatives who had relied on her father for financial assistance for years.
While some have supported Majimbo’s stance, others have argued that giving back to family is a fundamental aspect of African culture, emphasizing the importance of community and collective responsibility. The debate has highlighted the complexities of navigating familial obligations and personal financial well-being.
Experts point to the historical roots of “black tax” in colonialism, which left many black families without generational wealth and reliant on the support of more affluent relatives. The practice has persisted as a means of filling gaps left by inadequate government services in many African countries.
For Africans living abroad, the pressure to provide financial assistance to family members can be even more pronounced, as there is often an assumption that those overseas have significant resources. Balancing these expectations with personal financial goals can be challenging, as illustrated by the experiences of individuals like Gabe Mutseyekwa, a Zimbabwean man living in Germany.
While Elsa Majimbo’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the impact of “black tax,” the underlying issues of economic inequality and social responsibility remain deeply entrenched. As the debate continues, it raises important questions about the intersection of family obligations, cultural traditions, and individual autonomy in African communities.
