Globetrotter, Joy Udoh Ubade has defied the odds, transforming her storied past into a profound statement of courage and adventure. At 32, she embarked on an extraordinary solo journey across Africa on her motorcycle, becoming the first documented Black African woman to travel solo from East to West Africa.
As an Afrobeats singer, Joy’s journey spanned an impressive 9,000 kilometers (5,600 miles) from Mombasa, Kenya, to Lagos, Nigeria, over three months. Along the way, she faced and overcame numerous challenges, pushing herself beyond her limits. She encountered stunning landscapes, visa complications, an underground network of African bikers, solitary rides through daunting forests, and an emotional homecoming celebration.
In solo, she reflects:
“Being alone and travelling on those roads, not understanding the language, I was always travelling with fear, which was good because my fears keep me alive,”
The Journey Begins
Joy’s adventure started earlier this year when she flew to Kenya and purchased a 250cc motorbike named Rory. On March 8, she began her odyssey through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Nigeria. She avoided the Democratic Republic of Congo due to safety concerns and poor road conditions.
Kenya was an ideal starting point, with its warm and welcoming people. Uganda’s capital, Kampala, presented her with some challenging roads, but Rwanda impressed her with its seamless border crossing and visa-free travel for all Africans.
Throughout her journey, Joy faced extra costs, bureaucracy, and lengthy delays at numerous borders, but her determination never wavered.
A Fascinating Journey
By the end of her trip, Joy had garnered over 100,000 followers on Instagram, many of whom were women inspired by her journey. She broke gender stereotypes and showcased the strength and independence of women.
“Thank you for showing the WORLD how amazing women can be!” one supporter commented.
Joy Ubade’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of adventure, proving that with courage and determination, boundaries can be pushed, and new paths can be forged.
Serendipity!
