Being an African Kpop fan is not easy. We face numerous struggles that make it difficult for us to fully engage with the various Kpop fandom activities. These challenges range from limited access to Kpop merchandise and concerts to language barriers, cultural differences, and even prejudice from others.
As a Nigerian Kpop fan, one of the biggest struggles that I faced early on in my journey was limited access to Kpop merchandise. Although Kpop merchandise is widely available in Korea and some parts of Asia and the US, it can be challenging to find authentic merchandise in Nigeria. The state of the countries currency and the shipping costs is so prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for Nigerian fans to get their hands on official goods. This lack of access to merchandise is particularly frustrating for us genuine die-hard fans who want to show their support for their favourite groups.
Another challenge we face is definitely the language barrier. Many Kpop songs are primarily in Korean, which can be a barrier for some fans. While many Kpop groups release content in English, some content is only available in Korean, which can make it difficult for non-Korean speakers to fully appreciate the meaning behind songs, social media posts, and other types of content. Though I'd say that the groups labels like Hybe, YG have improved in translating content.
Limited concert opportunities dey pain us. When you see Kpop groups perform often in countries like Japan, China, and the United States, and not in Africa, it's unfair. And then to travel long distance to attend the concerts is another wahala because it can be expensive and logistically challenging. For younger fans or those with limited resources and therefore can't afford to travel out, attending a Kpop concert may be an impossible dream.
Prejudice and stereotypes is another big issue. The cultural difference really weighs heavily in this case and with this comes negative attitudes from our families & sometimes friends who view our interest in Kpop as unusual or even inappropriate. This can be particularly challenging for younger fans who may not have a strong support system to help them navigate these negative attitudes. But I believe with time we'll be able to show them that Kpop can also be an inspiration for us and we can lead a successful life even as a Kpop fan.
Lack of reliable internet connectivity. Country na jagajaga and with it access to high-speed internet is limited. Since majority of our content is consumed online, having internet is essential for a Kpop fan, such as streaming music videos, watching live performances, and participating in social media discussions. E remain to beg God that your 5GB lasts you through Jungkook's 1hr Weverse Live.
A point that is rarely spoken about is the lack of support from our local media and government institutions. Kpop is still relatively unknown in Nigeria, and local media outlets may not give it much attention or coverage, which limits the visibility of Kpop in Nigeria. Again coming back to the cultural differences and the stigma surrounding Kpop, increasing visibility of Kpop in our media allows for it to gain a foothold in the Nigerian market. Not only will this benefit fans, but would also boost the economy if Kpop groups were to perform.
Thats all from me today. At the end of the day, we go still dey support our favourite groups. Buy the merchandise we like, and attend the concerts we fit attend, either online or in our dreams. We know it's not easy, but we go still dey alright las las.
