Eswatini Native, Now a 'Taiwanese Son-in-Law,' Shares Cultural Journey on TV

A Taiwanese television program is offering a unique window into the lives of expatriates who have chosen to make Taiwan their home, with the latest episode focusing on "Brother Dan," a man from Eswatini who has lived in Taiwan for nearly 12 years.

The show, "The Shape of the World," invites foreign residents to act as local guides, sharing their perspectives on Taiwan through themes close to their hearts. For Brother Dan, this means exploring Taipei and New Taipei City through the lens of African music, dance, art, and cuisine. He has become so integrated into Taiwanese society that he now refers to Taiwan as his second home, expressing that he misses it even when visiting his native Eswatini.

During the episode, Brother Dan introduces hosts to vibrant aspects of Eswatini culture. This includes a visit to a trendy hair salon where a professional stylist demonstrates the art of "dreadlocks," a distinctive African hairstyle. The hosts, eager to participate, even try on wigs to get into the spirit of the cultural immersion.

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Now even when I return to Africa, I still miss Taiwan.

The exploration continues with a lively session of African drumming and Afro Dance, activities that Brother Dan describes as integral to celebrations like weddings and harvest festivals in his homeland. He also shares insights into Eswatini's culinary traditions, particularly the significance of barbecue as a high form of hospitality. The cultural exchange highlights differences in customs, such as the Eswatini practice of waiting until all food is cooked before eating, which contrasts with Taiwan's more immediate, eat-as-you-grill approach, leading to humorous observations about food getting cold.

Brother Dan also opens up about the impact of the pandemic, noting he hasn't returned to Eswatini in about six years. He reflects on his life in Taiwan, where he has established a family and career, and shares a touching anecdote about his parents' affection for his Taiwanese wife, treating her like their own daughter. His sentiment about feeling like an "Asian person trapped in a Black person's body" underscores his deep sense of belonging and cultural integration in Taiwan, a testament to his long-term commitment and affection for the island.

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I feel like an Asian person trapped in a Black person's body!