It Is Not Black Tax: It Is Mbangsuma, Ujaama, Harambee, Ubuntu or Ujhasuma as the Pan African Musician Obase-Aboli calls them all in his first album.
Living and Breathing a Culture of Sharing
What the world often labels as “black tax” is far more profound than the financial burden it is made out to be. For many Africans, this system of familial support is not a tax at all—it is Mbangsuma in Cameroon, Ujaama in Tanzania, Harambee in Kenya, and Ubuntu in Southern Africa. It is a way of life, a cultural cornerstone rooted in the values of sharing, collective upliftment, and interconnectedness.
The Spirit of Mbangsuma, Ujhasma, and Ubuntu
These concepts express the heart of African societies. Mbangsuma, for example, represents communal effort and mutual support in Cameroonian communities. Ujaama reflects Tazania’s culture of helping one another for the greater good. Harambee, meaning “pulling together,” embodies Kenya’s ethos of cooperation and community-driven initiatives. And Ubuntu, the Southern African philosophy that says, “I am because we are,” encapsulates the belief that an individual’s well-being is inseparable from that of the community. Cameroonian born Musician Obase-Aboli expands on these in a book and album titled ‘UJHASUMA AFRICA -THE WAY OF A PEOPLE’ where he highlights several of these sharing economic policies rooted in the heart of the continent and which sometimes stands in the face of capitalism
For Africans, living in a sharing economy is not a choice; it is a way of life. Every contribution—whether it’s funding a sibling’s education, paying a relative’s hospital bill, or helping a neighbor build a house—is seen as an investment in the collective good. This spirit of togetherness transcends borders, extending to Africans in the diaspora who remain deeply connected to their roots.
The Double Responsibility of Living Home and Abroad
For Africans living in Europe and other parts of the world, this cultural ethos translates into a life of dual responsibility. These individuals often work tirelessly to support their families back home while building a stable life abroad. They remit money to cover school fees, medical bills, and even community projects. Beyond financial support, many feel the need to invest in a home in Africa while maintaining one abroad, symbolizing their desire to belong to both worlds.
This double existence means juggling work, cultural expectations, and personal aspirations. Vacation trips home are not just leisure—they are a chance to reconnect with family, oversee investments, and ensure their ties to their heritage remain strong. These trips often reveal the depth of commitment required to live in a sharing economy, where personal success is measured by how many lives you touch.
Dispelling Myths: It’s Not a Tax, It’s a Legacy
Trevor Noah, in his memoir Born a Crime, described what many call black tax as “an investment in the people who made you who you are.” For Africans, these contributions are not viewed as a financial penalty but as a responsibility rooted in gratitude and love. It is not about paying a debt but rather ensuring the legacy of mutual support continues for future generations.
The term “black tax” oversimplifies and misconstrues a deeply ingrained cultural practice. It fails to capture the pride and purpose behind it—the joy of knowing that one’s success uplifts an entire community. While the financial burden can be heavy, it is borne with the knowledge that collective well-being is the ultimate reward.
Challenges of a Dual Life
Balancing the demands of a sharing economy with life abroad is no easy task. Africans in the diaspora often face systemic barriers, such as racial discrimination and limited opportunities, while also feeling the weight of expectations from home. The assumption that living abroad equals abundant wealth can lead to unrealistic demands, stretching individuals to their limits.
Despite these challenges, Africans exhibit remarkable resilience. They thrive in unfamiliar environments, build networks of support, and continue to uplift their communities. The ability to balance personal ambitions with collective responsibilities is a testament to their strength and values.
Living Ubuntu: A Culture of Sharing, Not a Burden
The idea of Mbangsuma, Ujhasma, Harambee, and Ubuntu reveals a truth often overlooked: Africans are not burdened by their sharing economy—they are empowered by it. It is a system born from centuries of community reliance and solidarity, where no one is left behind. The notion of individual success is secondary to the success of the collective.
In this culture, wealth is not measured by personal accumulation but by the number of lives one has impacted. It is a legacy of giving, born of a deep understanding that humanity is strongest when it stands together. As the saying goes in Africa, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
A Celebration of Connection
What the world calls “black tax” is, in truth, a celebration of connection and community. It is the manifestation of centuries-old philosophies that see wealth not as an end but as a means to uplift others. For Africans at home and abroad, this ethos is a source of pride, not a burden.
In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “Ubuntu is the essence of being human. It speaks about how my humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours.” Through Mbangsuma, Ujaama, Harambee, Maat, and Ubuntu, Africans continue to show the world that a life lived in service to others is a life well-lived.
