The Kengaroo is a weekly newsletter that curates the latest on Gen Z culture in Africa and around the world. Subscribe to be among the first to get the next issue when it’s up.

🔥 Hot Topics

1 • The one thing Boomers and Gen Z have in common

In a viral TikTok last week, TikToker @flower_sea_sand called out the internet’s biggest bullies. Citing examples from reactions to viral TikToks where Gen Zs make fun of people, she argues that being “shameless bullies” is the one thing that Gen Z and Boomers have in common.

2 • How the recession is changing Gen Z’s dating plans

With 86% of Gen Zs believing there to be an incoming recession, they are prioritising loose relationships over long-term committed relationships. But what’s also interesting is that, at the same time, they’re deleting their dating apps. And it’s not for the reason you might think.

3 • The ‘Buy now, pay later’ generation

Having watched their parents suffer through credit card debt following the 2008 crisis, Gen Zs appreciate the transparency about how long it’ll take to pay off a big-ticket purchase that ‘buy now, pay later’ products allow. They also cite ease of interest-free payments as a reason for preferring this payment option over credit cards.

4 • Gen Z fuelling the rise of metaverse fashion brands

From a survey of 1000 Gen Zs, Roblox, the gaming company, found that 75% of Gen Zs are willing to pay for virtual fashion items to style their metaverse avatars. In response, leading design schools like the Parsons School of Design are expanding their curriculum to include metaverse design training programs.

⭐️ Z-Brand Spotlight: Mimi Pambo

Mimi Pambo is a Kenyan jewellery social enterprise that designs and produces chic gold and silver accessories that enhance the elegance of any look. The company was founded by Wambui Muritu in June 2021 to create jewellery that reflected the unique boldness, beauty, and edginess of Nairobi and its people.

Mimi Pambo is rooted in sustainable fashion as all of its jewellery is made from 18K gold-plated recycled brass and all other materials are ethically sourced. The brand represents a new age of contemporary youth fashion startups in Africa that tilt towards elegance, sustainability and design innovation.

✨ New on Kenga

• Why Gen Z is Not Feeling the Clean Girl Aesthetic by Victoria Audu, Kenga Style Editor

• Best Date Spots for Gen Zs in Nairobi by Nadia Kalinga, Contributor

🎵 TikTok of the Week

🐦 Tweet of the Week