If you are active on Instagram or Tiktok you probably have stumbled upon Sueh Owino’s page. If you don’t know who that is don’t worry I’ll fill you in, in a moment. Well, well, well. This lady embodies the traditional African wife title, making other married women look like jokers.
Sueh keeps raising the bar higher each day by doing outrageous things just to make her husband happy. Extremely yes. She is a jack of all trades with every skill rolled up her sleeves. She even literally hunts for meat for her partner “come with me to the bushes to catch a wild hare for my husband” Eeh!.
The things we do for love…tsk! (smh). One time she cooked an Ostrich egg, actually scratch that, how did she even get the egg. I saw a video where she went to harvest honey from a beehive just to use the honey to make cough syrup to cure her husbands cold. I mean I’m sorry madam, we have to ostracize you, because the pressure!!.. But it’s safe to say, if her husband one day (God forbid) cheats on her, then we will find him and flog him as an online community. I mean that’s practically ‘after everything I did for you’.
Okay forget about Sueh. There is a saying that goes “once you arrive at the coast there’s no going back”. The reason backing up that saying is almost similar to Sueh Owinos shenanigans but in a chiller manner. Meet the coastal tribes of Kenya and Tanzania. Mama! I mean if the games of pots and spoons were an Olympic sport then without a doubt, they would be the record holders.. The ladies from these regions don’t play when it comes to cooking. It’s as if they were handed the secret to a man’s heart by the ancestors themselves. They know every trick in the book; talk about romantic paralysis. That’s a story for another day.
So, what were we talking about…. Ah yes!
The African wife; a mystery, a blessing, and sometimes a hilarious headache depending on which century she’s living in. The comparison between traditional wives and modern wives in African households is nothing short of a reality TV show that writes itself.
Cooking: The Eternal Test of Womanhood
- Traditional Wife:
Cooking is her superpower, and the kitchen is her fortress. She’s kneeling at dawn, grinding pepper with a mortar and pestle like it’s an Olympic event. She serves meals that smell like ancestors’ blessings—perfectly puffed ugali and stews that make your soul do a happy dance. - Modern Wife:
“Why cook when UberEats exists?” she asks, sipping iced coffee in her leisure wear. Her kitchen? Aesthetic for Instagram reels. Her specialty dish? Indomie, if you’re lucky. “Cooking isn’t gendered,” she declares, as she scrolls TikTok for meal-prep hacks while her husband eyes a half-burnt rice cooker.
Verdict: The traditional wife wins this round, if we’re judging by flavor. But modern wives? They’re saving time—and acrylic nails.
Fashion: From Head-Wraps to Ripped Jeans
- Traditional Wife:
She wears her dera and kitenge (or kanga, depending on the region) with the pride of a lioness. Accessories? Beads that jingle with every step. She’s dressed to show respect, but don’t sleep on her fashion game—her headwrap is tighter than some marriages. - Modern Wife:
She’s a walking fashion week. Ankara is a vibe for brunch, but she’s slaying in high-waist jeans, heels, and bold red lipstick at night. And let’s not even mention the wigs—lace-fronts that can survive a tornado! And lashes that look like a Chinese broom. Traditional wrappers? “Auntie, that’s for cultural day.”
Verdict: Traditional wives get points for elegance, but modern wives can shut down a party with their glow.
Handling In-Laws: Gladiator Arena Edition
- Traditional Wife:
She lives to please Mama Wafula. Early morning visits to the in-laws? No problem! She shows up with fresh yams and bowing so low, she nearly scrubs the floor with her forehead. Criticisms? She swallows them like bitter kola, with a respectful smile. - Modern Wife:
“Why is your mother calling me to ask about soup?” She believes boundaries are sacred, and she sets them faster than you can say, “But she’s family!” She loves her in-laws, but from afar. If the mother-in-law complains, she might send a polite text. Or not.
Verdict: Traditional wives win the in-law approval Olympics. Modern wives? They’ve got the mental health therapist on speed dial.
Work-Life Balance: The Hustle and the Home
- Traditional Wife:
Her workspace is the home. She’s a full-time CEO of Domestic Affairs Incorporated. Laundry? Ironed like a soldier’s uniform. House? Sparkling like heaven’s foyer. She takes pride in her role and runs the household like a well-oiled machine. - Modern Wife:
She’s chasing career goals with her tote bag and ambition. If work emails arrive at midnight, so be it. Household chores? Teamwork makes the dream work—she married a partner, not an employer. “Let’s hire a cleaner,” she suggests.
Verdict: Traditional wives keep homes pristine, but modern wives keep bank accounts fat. Pick your struggle.
Conflict Resolution: Drama Queens vs. Silent Ninjas
- Traditional Wife:
Silent treatments are her go-to. When she’s mad, she’ll pound yam with so much vigor you’ll fear for the pestle. Her philosophy? “Why talk when the sound of my pounding or sweeping can scream louder?” - Modern Wife:
She’s dragging you into a TED Talk about emotions. Armed with psychology books and Beyoncé lyrics; Irreplaceable, she’ll dissect the issue, present a PowerPoint, and end with, “So what are we going to do about this?”
Verdict: Modern wives win in communication (even if it’s exhausting). Traditional wives? They win in saving your eardrums.
Romance: Love Languages
- Traditional Wife:
Romance isn’t a priority. Love grows as the cassava grows in the soil. Gifts? We don’t do that here, only acts of service. You’ll feel her love in the extra meat she sneaks onto your plate or the way she warms your bathwater. - Modern Wife:
Romance is an experience. Date nights, surprise trips, “couple goals” selfies, and let’s not forget the constant reminders of how you’re lucky to have her. She’s fluent in love languages and expects you to be, too.
Verdict: Modern wives for the win—if you can afford the lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Who’s the Real MVP?
This isn’t a competition, but if it were… both win! Traditional wives embody culture, respect, and home-making finesse. Modern wives bring empowerment, partnership, and flair.
So, whether you’re enjoying a steaming plate of biryani from a traditional wife or sitting through a long therapy session with a modern wife, one thing is clear—African wives, in all their glory, are undefeated.
P.S.: If you’re African, don’t let your mother see this article. You might not survive the lecture!
