A South African woman, known as @nonzwakazie on TikTok, has gone viral after sharing her experiences of marrying a Nigerian man. In a video posted on 17 September 2026, she humorously explained some of the cultural differences she had to adapt to after becoming part of a Nigerian household. Her video attracted many reactions from social media users, with some Nigerians and South Africans sharing their own experiences of cross-cultural relationships.

One of the things that surprised the woman was how loudly her husband speaks during phone calls. She said his conversations can sound like an argument, even though he is simply talking normally. She added that her husband often has to reassure her that he is not fighting with the person on the other end of the call. This cultural difference was a shock to her, and she found it amusing.

The woman also spoke about the frequent use of pepper, commonly called “pepe,” in Nigerian food. According to her, spicy food is an important part of her husband's meals. She mentioned that she had to get used to the spicy taste, which was a departure from her usual diet. This cultural difference was not a major challenge for her, but it was something she had to adjust to.

Another cultural difference she noticed was the amount of work involved in preparing some traditional Nigerian dishes, including stew. She was surprised by the lengthy process of preparing these meals, which was different from her own experience of cooking. However, she found the process to be a learning experience and was willing to adapt.

The woman also mentioned the frequent use of words of appreciation in Nigerian culture. She said she often hears “well done” after completing simple household tasks. This was a pleasant surprise for her, as it made her feel appreciated and valued. She found this cultural difference to be heartwarming and endearing.

The video attracted many comments from people who could relate to the cultural differences she described. Some social media users shared their own experiences of cross-cultural relationships, while others joked about the loud phone calls and spicy food. The discussion showed how cultural differences can become a source of both surprise and humour in cross-cultural marriages.

The cultural differences shared by the woman have sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many people sharing their own experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural differences in relationships. By sharing her experiences, the woman has provided a unique perspective on the challenges and benefits of cross-cultural relationships.

Key points

  • The woman's video has sparked a lively discussion on social media about cultural differences in cross-cultural relationships.
  • The woman had to adapt to loud phone calls, frequent use of pepper in food, and the lengthy process of preparing traditional Nigerian dishes.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural differences in relationships.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.