bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Lo Hoi-ying

Cantonese speaker Adekunbi Hassan Salako did not know that an Instagram video about Africa would get tens of thousands of likes from Hongkongers.
Starting his reel, Salako says: “This is for those who think Africa has nothing.
“A lot of people asked me if there are a lot of animals to see in Nigeria. Actually, Nigeria has much more to offer. We do not commute by riding horses, we have cars. We do have air conditioners and electric fans.”
The video has garnered 103,202 likes and it is among many reels on Salako’s Instagram account, kunbifusion.

Salako, who starts all his videos in the same format and calls himself the “African Prince”, has won the hearts of many locals with his funny skits and daily musings with his 30-year-old girlfriend, Zoe Sung Wai-man.
From cooking Nigerian food in their flat to bringing Sung around his hometown of Lagos, Salako has gained more than 100,000 followers since posting his first video this January.
Salako was born in Nigeria and moved to Hong Kong 12 years ago with his father.
He took Cantonese lessons when he first arrived in the city and can converse fluently, surprising Hongkongers when he speaks to them in their language.
Salako got his Hong Kong passport recently, making visa-free travel easier.
He receives mostly positive comments on his videos but still faces discriminatory remarks despite calling Hong Kong his home for years.
“When I’m taking public transport, if I sit down some people will immediately stand or sit away from me,” he said.
“Sometimes when I walk on the streets with my friends, those walking next to us will cover their mouths as they pass by.”
This attitude also affected Sung, a Chinese local and his girlfriend of four years.
She had encounters with elderly Hongkongers with stereotypical impressions of Africans, asking why she would date a Nigerian.
“They would say, ‘Are you together with him because he is very rich? Is he very well-educated?’” she said.
When the couple tried to rent a flat together, they encountered racism from local landlords, including one who mislabelled Salako as “Indian”.
“The agent told me it was better for me to sign the contract myself. But I went there with [Salako] so he could also see the place,” Sung said.
“As soon as the landlord opened the door, he said: ‘I won’t rent it to them. They are very dirty, and the food they cook makes my kitchen very smelly. It’s newly renovated. I won’t rent to Indians.’”
Sung said both of them were enraged by the comment and confronted the landlord about his discriminatory attitude, but he was unapologetic.
“It does not help that [Salako] can speak Cantonese. Once landlords see his profile picture on WhatsApp, they would turn him down.”

Sung said a lack of awareness about other cultures and a one-dimensional portrayal of Africa in media had caused locals to be ignorant about the continent as a whole.
Earlier this year, Salako started creating videos on social media, sharing bits of his life and culture in Cantonese.
Although Salako did not intend to be comedic, internet users responded positively to his short skits and found him funny.
The couple, who get recognised by their viewers on the streets, said they hoped to introduce African culture to people in the city and knock down racial barriers and stereotypes.
According to data from social enterprise Africa Centre, about 5,000 people with African nationalities lived in Hong Kong as of 2021.
Sung, who produces the videos for Salako, said they hoped his clips could spread more positive messages about the African community in Hong Kong.
“Many people in Hong Kong do not know that Africa is a continent, instead, they think Africa is a country with only one language,” Salako said.
“I think many Africans here really want to make friends with Hongkongers, but they’re afraid of being discriminated against if they talk to local people in Hong Kong.”
The language barrier could also cause Africans to be more shy when interacting with locals, he added.
Sung agreed, saying they hoped to use Salako’s new-found popularity to introduce Nigeria to more Hongkongers.
“For example, what exactly is Nigeria like? What are the recommendations for going to Mirador Mansion? Or how do you cook African food here in Hong Kong?” she said, referring to the complex on Nathan Road known for its African communities.
“We agree that since our followers enjoy watching the videos we put on this channel, we need to use its power to share something that people may not know.”


Rising above racism: the Nigerian Instagram blogger sharing bits of his life in Cantonese

Hongkonger ‘Kunbi’ shares his experiences with racial prejudice after 12 years in the city

Healthy start to new Hong Kong medical school bid

Ex-professor in Hong Kong yoga ball murder case dismisses lawyer, defends himself

Hong Kong society

“This is for those who think Africa has nothing,” Adekunbi Hassan Salako starts all of his short videos in the same format, speaking in Cantonese, in a bid to appeal to Hongkongers. Photo: Instagram/ kunbifusion


Adekunbi Hassan Salako shares bits of his life and culture on Instagram. Photo: Instagram/kunbifusion


Adekunbi Hassan Salako has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram. Photo: Instagram/kunbifusion 

Adekunbi Hassan Salako started creating videos on Instagram earlier this year. Photo: Instagram/kunbifusion 

Walk in the park? Why it takes 1 hour to get from Hong Kong’s Kai Tak stadium to TST

The 50,000-seat main stadium is set to open in the first quarter of next year. Photo: Dickson Lee

Signage set up at a recent test event at the sports park. Photo: Sam Tsang

Crowds are expected to pack into nearby MTR stations before and after events. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hairy adventure: how pet-friendly is Hong Kong’s public transport?

Pets and their owners aboard the city’s first pet-friendly bus service. Photo: SCMP

Potato and owner Gloria Kwan at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. Photo: SCMP

The bus service offers full-day tickets at HK$90 for one owner and one pet, allowing passengers to hop on and off at popular pet-friendly spots. Photo: SCMP

Niko Law with her poodle Lulu.  Photo: SCMP

News

Hong Kong

Society

#852stories

Pikachu pals: how Hong Kong’s teen Pokemon Go star teamed up with 75-year-old doctor

Cheng Yip-kai became the first Hongkonger to be crowned Pokemon Go world champion in August. Photo: Handout

Renowned liver expert Lai Ching-lung (left) and Pokemon Go world champion Cheng Yip-kai finally met in person. Photo: SCMP

The youngster plans to set aside more time in the year ahead to prepare for his university admission exams and has restricted gameplay to about an hour a day. Photo: SCMP

Hong Kong is getting tough with surfers at local beaches. But many ask why now?

A surfer at Big Wave Bay. In the eyes of the surfing community, the sport is being unfairly singled out by authorities. Photo: Antony Dickson 

Authorities have only recently started enforcing the ban on surfing. Photo: Connor Mycroft

A surfer is chased by staff members of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Shek O beach as Super Typhoon Yagi skirts Hong Kong on September 5. Photo: Antony Dickson 

A surfer at Big Wave Bay. Authorities should meet stakeholders so each side can understand the other’s concerns rather than ban the sport, surfers say. Photo: Antony Dickson 

Why is Hong Kong’s esports scene failing to get in the game? More backing needed, fans say

Fans gathered at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 22 to see the South Korean stars play. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Hong Kong gamer Ip Chi-ho is now retired from playing esports professionally. Photo: Connor Mycroft

South Korean League of Legends esports team T1 on stage at an event at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 22. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Buying happiness for HK$5? Why claw machines are suddenly all over Hong Kong

A woman who gave her first name as Kelsey says she and her boyfriend visit claw machine arcades, like this one at Dragon Centre in Sham Shui Po, twice a week. Edmond So

Kage Chan at Dragon Centre in Sham Shui Po. After becoming an expert in the game, Chan has started to put his prizes into machines he also rents. Photo: Sun Yeung

“You would think it is cheap as it costs only HK$5 per round and think you will have control over yourself,” Kelsey says. “But the amount of money you spend turns into a three-digit amount very quickly.” Photo: Edmond So

Dinner with strangers? Hongkongers craving real-world connections turn to ‘secret’ meet-ups

More Hongkongers are turning to in-person events after experiencing social media fatigue. Photo: Daniel Suen

Guests at one of the “secret dinners”. One expert said participants found greater value in in-person events despite having to pay. Photo: Daniel Suen

Angeline Yu says she can be more genuine in person, compared with online. Photo: Daniel Suen

How a 70-year-old fitness fanatic sparked a street workout movement in Hong Kong

A group of Tin Shui Wai residents gather at their usual fitness corner for their daily street workout routine. Photo: Sam Tsang

Cheng Hon-fai stretches at the Tin Shui Wai park. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Street workout enthusiasts perform moves such as the “human flag”, where a person extends their body out sideways from a vertical bar. Photo: Sam Tsang

Pistachio cream cheese? Hong Kong mooncake makers hit and miss in redefining seasonal treat

Photo: Connor Mycroft

An elderly customer checks out mooncakes on offer at Kwan Hong Bakery in Sham Shui Po ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Second-generation operator Charles Ng says he has been experimenting with new flavours including lunch meat, taro and abalone. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Second-generation Kee Chui Cake Shop operator William Cheung says mooncake sales are lower in comparison with last year. Photo: Connor Mycroft

Hong Kong’s famous ‘toy street’ loses some of its shine as 30-year-old shop closes

Photo: Eugene Lee

Lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival are displayed at the premises of Yat Sing Toys in Wan Chai. Photo: Eugene Lee

Children make their selection of toys at the store as business winds down. Photo: Eugene Lee

The 30-year-old toy store on Tai Yuen Street, dubbed “toy street”, is set to close on 18 September this year. Photo: Eugene Lee

What do Hong Kong teens think about official advice on controlling sexual impulses?

The Hong Kong government has recommended  teens “play badminton” when experiencing sexual impulses. Photo: Shutterstock

Sasha Seed, 18, warned the government’s advice could lead to victim-blaming. Photo: SCMP

The Education Bureau’s “commitment form”, part of the sex education teaching on citizenship, economics and society for schoolchildren. Photo: Handout

Can mainland Chinese restaurants break into Hong Kong’s dining scene amid changing tastes?

Mainland restaurant chain Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, with its signature dish Suancai Fish, or Sichuan-style fish poached in a rich broth made from fish stock and  pickled Chinese cabbage. Photo: Daniel Suen

Branch manager Wyman Zheng Huiwen of the Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish restaurant chain says the company’s localised version of its popular dish can help attract more customers. Photo: Daniel Suen

Mainland chains are selling a variety of hand-crushed lemon teas that have gained popularity in recent years. Photo: Riva Hiranand

Better than children: why Hong Kong residents pamper their cats

Jennifer Cheung with her prize-winning cat Ho Choi. Photo: Dickson Lee

Ho Choi is a top cat in Hong Kong competitions. Photo: Dickson Lee

Exhibition Group general manager Shirley Chu estimates the cat industry is worth HK$2.2 billion per year. Photo: Dickson Lee

Milk tea time: how Hongkongers are taking the drink to new heights to preserve tradition

Some Hong Kong businesses are taking milk tea upmarket. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Gina Li, the co-founder of Sifu Good Tea, serves various milk tea versions. Photo: Elson Li

Elvin Lee Siu-kei, owner of Lung Fung Shop in Yuen Long, has crafted bottled Hong Kong-style milk tea for two decades. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Mark Mak says milk tea crafting is not an easy skill to learn. Photo: Elson Li

Work-life clash as new Hong Kong graduates say they prioritise happiness over career goals

An analysis of census statistics by a think tank last year found that the median salary for graduates aged 20 to 24 in 2022 was HK$17,424 a month. Photo: Daniel Suen

New graduates of the University of Hong Kong ready themselves to enter the world of work – but some say happiness is more important. Photo: Daniel Suen

The new crop of graduates say work-life balance is important in their lives and takes precedence of career. Photo: Daniel Suen

Dressed to thrill: why Hong Kong’s anime fans get kick out of cosplaying

Jayvee Alconaba (right) and his girlfriend Ami Kwok dress as Sonic the Hedgehog and Amy Rose. Photo: Daniel Suen

Jayvee Alconaba (left) and Ami Kwok as Sonic and Amy Rose at Ani-com and Games Hong Kong. Photo: Daniel Suen

Cynthia Sung, dressed as Japanese virtual YouTuber Houshou Marine, has fun at Ani-com and Games Hong Kong. Photo: Daniel Suen

Thousands of visitors are expected at the five-day fair. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong’s neon signs find new homes inside shops as rules take buzz out of outdoor displays

Shop B founder Natalie Ngag and artist Jive Lau stand beside her restaurant’s neon sign. Photo: Daniel Suen

Shop B founder Natalie Ngan. On the neon signs, she says: “Growing up, I always saw them, so it’s just something that is really Hong Kong to me.” Photo: Daniel Suen

Shop B founder Natalie Ngan beside her restaurant’s indoor neon sign. Photo: Daniel Suen

Jive Lau his neon studio, KowloNeon, in Wong Chuk Hang. His clients are increasingly ordering the signs for indoors, he says. Photo: Daniel Suen

J.C. Lombard at his gelato shop Snack Baby. Photo: Daniel Suen

The art of strolling in Hong Kong: slow down, discover a ‘city in the sky’ and other surprises

Hing Wah II Estate. For one enthusiast, such estates are a window into the city’s evolution. Photo: Daniel Suen

Urban researcher Sampson Wong says that learning about public housing estates is key to understanding a large part of life in Hong Kong. Photo: Daniel Suen

Hing Wah II Estate is made up of seven slab blocks of high-rises. Photo: Daniel Suen

What gets 30kg of plants, biscuits and other greens a day, and could have a digital upgrade?

Visitors taking photos outside Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. Photo: Jelly Tse

Assistant curator Mandy Tang, who has helped look after pandas for the past eight years, said the staff are anticipating the arrival of the new bears. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong weatherman turned rap star, 74, brings the heat with track targeting fast fashion

Ex-Observatory chief Lam Chiu-ying is an advocate for environmental protection. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Local rapper Luna Is A Bep (pictured) has joined Lam in campaigning against fast fashion. Photo: Jonathan Wong

How easy is recycling in Hong Kong? A Post reporter puts green lifestyle to the test

Hong Kong is pushing for more residents to recycle. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Park facility in Tuen Mun can recycle large electronics and appliances. Photo: Nora Tam

Edwin Lau, founder and executive director of environmental group The Green Earth, says recycling may be easier than many realise. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong’s historic Murray House exemplifies city’s empty stores, fitful retail recovery

Murray now hosts a pop-up bazaar on weekends, but its decline exemplifies Hong Kong’s struggling retail recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: May Tse

Though situated on a prime waterfront location in a tourist district, Murray House has been emptied of tenants. Photo: May Tse

Murray House in Stanley, once a thriving shopping centre, closed after its last tenants including clothing chain H&M pulled out in April. Photo: May Tse

Xiaohongshu’s impact on travel trends: how the Chinese app is reshaping Hong Kong tourism

Tourists flock to the Yau Ma Tei Police Station heritage site for a shot of the iconic building facade where many television shows were filmed. Photo: Eugene Lee

Wei Jiale, a tourist from the city of Shenyang, says the Xiaohongshu app has helped him to explore Hong Kong’s culture. Image: Daniel Suen

A tourist poses for a photograph in Mong Kok. Image: Daniel Suen

Tourists take pictures of the Yick Cheong Building in Quarry Bay. Photo: Eugene Lee

How ‘2-dish-rice’ meals went from Hong Kong workers’ staple to culinary classic amid tough economy, pandemic

The “two-dish-rice” stores typically operated in lower-income neighbourhoods before the pandemic. Photo: Daniel Suen

Dozens of customers line up outside a two-dish-rice store in Shek Mun. Photo: Daniel Suen

Korean-style two-dish-rice store JOA offers bulgogi beef, stir-fried glass noodles, fried chicken and braised kimchi with pork belly. Photo: Lo Hoi-ying

Have Hong Kong taxi drivers slammed the brakes on bad behaviour amid Uber feud?

The Transport Advisory Committee has said it received 2,890 complaints concerning taxi services between October and December of 2023. Photo: Sam Tsang

A group of cabbies earlier went undercover as Uber passengers and made at least 13 police reports against drivers they accused of providing illegal ride-hailing services. Photo: Handout

Uber has been in Hong Kong since 2014, but its legal status has long been in question as the city lacks legislation to regulate ride-hailing apps. Photo: Shutterstock

Calls to fix Hong Kong’s free dental service, where patients wait 10 hours just to register to see a dentist

A notice informing residents that the quota is full is displayed at the Tsuen Wan Dental Clinic. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Patients wait for dental services at the Tsuen Wan Dental Clinic. The number of dental appointments at the city’s 11 public clinics fell by about 50 per cent between the 2018-19 and 2022-23 financial years. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

From cooking Nigerian food to bringing his girlfriend around Lagos, Adekunbi Hassan Salako has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram


From cooking Nigerian food to bringing his girlfriend around Lagos, Adekunbi Hassan Salako has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.


Hong Kong economy

Africa

Cantonese

Social media