The young businessman said that some of the short-term goals for the uniquely African project is making sure that he publicizes his message and makes it clear and consistent with his brand—a brand that unapologetically embraces the diverse African cultures in New York City, without trying to water it down.
“I am proud of where we come from and I’m not going to be something we are not,” he said.
Dating Across Faiths In the African Diaspora
Nwachukwu also hopes that to connect singles from varying religions, a sensitive topic in African communities, especially when it comes to dating and marriage. He said his social event strives to encourage mutual respect and understanding among people.
“I want to have what I call ‘unique differences’ in our program, like having a Muslim dating a Christian and both of them respect each other’s beliefs,” Nwachukwu said. “The same thing with an African and a non-African,” he added.
Even if individuals don’t walk away meeting ‘that special someone,’ he at least wants them to walk way learning something new about another culture, fostering cultural understanding and mutual respect between Africans and non-Africans.
And what about dating non-Africans?
When Ugandans Abroad asked about the inevitable, awkward questions that may arise during dating situations between Africans and non-Africans, he said that he wants his guests to embrace curiosity, even if it may feel uncomfortable. “Many people don’t know about Africa or Africans in general. You may have to educate someone who asks if all Africans marry multiple wives,” he said laughingly.
He suggests being tactful instead of upset, hoping that curious individuals will walk away from the event more informed that not all African men take multiple wives, something that he says may be cultural for some but boils down to a personal choice, not necessarily a mandate.
Other than playing ‘match-maker’, other ventures that Nwachukwu is involved with include Spyon TV, a multicultural online television network that provides entertainment news from New York City and around the world.
Another project, AfroJam, which he started in 2007, showcases local African artists like musicians, singers or poets in the New York metropolitan area. The other side of AfroJam, the non-profit wing, which is being developed right now, will raise money for underprivileged kids in Africa who are interested in music. “Our main goal is to be able to help kids who want to buy a musical instrument or simply finance music classes,” he said.
