Best African Dating Apps
- Best African Dating Apps For Seniors
- Free African Dating
- Best African Dating Apps 2019
- Best Dating Apps For Professionals
Whether you’re happily single, in a healthy relationship, or looking for love, it’s been a challenging time on the dating scene. Between 2020 and the ongoing pandemic, it seems like traditional dating may be a thing of the past. Some elements remain: a romantic night at your favorite restaurant or bar (outside of course) can still pop off with the required face masks. And a “sneaky link” – casual, discreet hookups – may definitely raise eyebrows in the time of quarantining, but is still possible with proper quarantining, temperature checks and testing available.
But it’s clear that online dating is king right now. From the simple swiping of apps like Tinder and Bumble to the more detailed, needle-in-a-haystack sorting options on platforms like Match.com and OkCupid, people are finding love from the comfort of their homes and the reliability of their smartphones. Though anyone who has tried online dating while Black will tell you that there are even more challenges involved, including the eligible dating pools for people of color.
In the hopes of helping you better navigate all this in the new year, and to make 2021 one of your best dating years ever, we called on Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Marketing & Brand at BLK – one of the largest dating apps for Black people, to give us some dating insight. Check out his tips to lead you in the right direction in your love life, and learn why you need to join BLK to make the right connection.
Madame Noire: How has 2020 changed the dating scene?
Jonathan Kirkland: There’s no doubt that the coronavirus changed the way people interacted in 2020. However, what we learned is that although people have been socially distancing, they do not want to be socially isolated. During the first two weeks of lockdown/quarantine (March 2020) – we saw an 18% increase in the daily user activity on BLK with users swiping 39% more and exchanging messages 61% more than they were pre-pandemic. Now here we are, 10 months later and we continue to see these positive trends month over month.
Africa has proven itself to be the hub of mobile phone usage and growth in using mobile apps. With studies by the Pew Research Center showing that while only one in ten individuals on the continent owned a mobile device in 2002, is has rapidly changed and so follows mobile apps usage. May 12, 2019 AfroIntroductions is a trusted African dating site with over 2.5 million users. You can sign up a free profile with an email address or Facebook. Then you can upload your photos and set location. AfroIntroductions connects and helps the single men and women from all over the world find their perfect match bringing out the best of Africa.
How is dating during a pandemic different than any other time?
People are taking more time to get to know one another on a deeper level and making more authentic connections. People are also finding creative ways to have “date nights” while being in separate homes – such as cooking a dinner together and watching streaming movies together, all while not being physically together.
What advice do you have for people when it comes to navigating dating apps?
Be open-minded. Be real. Understand that the next potential match is only a swipe away; therefore, present yourself in a way that will command attention to your profile page and make people intrigued, engaged, and interested. This means: (1) clear SOLO pics of you (nobody likes a group pic as your main pic and then have to figure out who is who), (2) take time to complete your bio, (3) state your intentions upfront.
Source: BLK App / BLK APP
What are some of the challenges Black people face with dating apps and how does BLK solve some of them?
Simply put, racism and discrimination. With the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice against Black people were on full display for the world to see. Not only do these injustices live in real life, they also show up in the digital world, including dating apps. A study released by OkCupid (also a Match Group company) discovered that Black women were the least desirable group on general market dating apps. On general market dating apps, Black women receive the least amount of message replies, inbound messages, and right swipes amongst any other racial or ethnic group. At BLK, we have created a space where Blackness is celebrated and appreciated in all its forms. We go beyond just dating. We engage our community in conversations around topical cultural and social issues and reclaiming and giving new meaning specific to the Black American experience and Black relationships. BLK is in the business of Black love because Black love is our business – not just during Black History Month, but 24/7/365.
Dating apps have a reputation for hookups and short-term relationships. What is the key to finding long-term happiness or even a marriage partner in these online spaces?
First, we must not shame hookups and short-term relationships as a culture. The beauty of the African diaspora is that it is not monochromatic nor indistinguishable. We are a collection of communities and as such miraculously multifaceted – even in how we define our own personal relationships. Although the majority of BLK users are high intent users, meaning they are looking for serious relationships, we also have users looking for something more casual. And that is 100% okay. As we look at Gen Z young Millennial generations, 75% of BLK users are under 35, this is the age group leading the change in defining their own rules in terms of relationship status, education, employment, and gender “norms.” The key to finding what you are looking for on a dating app – whether that is short or long-term is being open, honest, transparent, and authentic in your intentions upfront. This way you will not waste your time, or anyone else’s.
What does the future of dating look like, from your perspective?
A recent Stanford University study revealed that meeting online has become the most popular way U.S. couples meet – followed by restaurants and bars. So what we are seeing with the popularity of dating apps is not a new trend, it is something we’ve already noticed, just accelerated by COVID-19. As we look to 2021 and beyond, we do not see this trend changing. We will see people turning to dating apps as another social media platform to connect with people who understand who they are and their experiences, which is found on niche apps like BLK. With this will come additional features extending beyond the core dating product, but into more lifestyle and everyday in-app engagements. Dating apps aren’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Through years, online dating has evolved. It definitely eases the searching of a local partner. It could not be limited to getting a partner but also it allows people to expand networks and gain experiences along the process. Of course, African dating sites are also emerging and overwhelming options are out there. The main objective of African dating sites is to help the locals seek a romantic relationship with African or other international members. These African dating sites somehow aim to promote a global presence in matchmaking and encourages its international members to experience the local African or Afro American culture and heritage.
Before starting on signing up to any of the sites, please be careful in creating profiles. Most of these African dating sites are prompted to enter several details from each member and about the kind of partner to connect with. It is the basic profiling for easier matching.
To trim down these channels, here are the top African dating sites which are carefully researched, reviewed and studied. It will show the top features of each site, pros and cons, and the verdict of the editor.
#1 AfroIntroductions.com
AfroIntroductions has been the largest and most trusted African dating site. It has over 2.5 Millions of users since it has started in 2002. The main goal of this site is to connect singles all over the world together of bringing out the best of Africa. They are dedicated to helping singles to find the perfect match. This is part of Cupid Media network which operates many communicate niches dating sites.
Top Features:
- Access to messages, advanced matching feature and instant messaging are its key features
- Free membership gets basic matchmaking feature and able to communicate via email and receive messages from other paying members
- Offers paid membership like Gold and Platinum to enjoy enhanced features and higher chances to find love of life
- Platinum members get profile highlighting and message translation
Pros:
- Easy to signup for FREE without use of credit card
- Dating profiles are manually verified
- Trusted site supported by Cupid Media
Cons:
- Free trial gives very limited features
- Enhanced features are restricted unless membership is upgraded
- Available in Google Play store only
Editor’s Review:
AfroIntroductions is known to be a trusted African dating site communicate and many success stories have proven for its dedicated service. Inspiring stories are posted to their sites which can feel the love and gratefulness for finding the soulmate through this site. Since it is part of Cupid Media, this highly recommended and trusted.
#2 AfricanLove.com
AfricanLove has been said to be a fast-growing African dating site that is tailored for African and Afro interaction. They have this 5-star safety program that shows how safe and friendly environment that AfricanLove has to offer. They are focused on finding its members the match safe and quickly by providing extensive profiles for members to get a lot prior meeting each other.
Top Features:
- Sending and receiving messages is free to use which is a must-have for every dating sites
- Sign-up and creating profile is free, it may take time but totally worth it
- Search and browse photos are also free of charge, this is the way where attraction started
- Video chats are an advanced feature of this site
Pros:
- Almost everything is free, thus finding a love in no time is free
- Extensive profiling which helps members to scrutinize the qualities of potential match
Cons:
- Site does not show most of the important details
- No dedicated app
Editor’s Review:
AfricanLove unique extensive profiling is very good. It is indeed a good community for African singles and creates friendships which have similar interests, values, and cultural background. It allows members to immersed in African culture and heritage.
Popularity: 4.5/5.0
#3 KissesOfAfrica.com
KissesOfAfrica is established since 2006 and has a growing 300,000 active members. It aims to retain the first African dating online site for members looking to match with gorgeous African women. The main priority is to assist African girls to perfectly match with either an African guy or international guy.
Top Features:
- Free to sign-up and browse which is hassle-free since it will provide the very basic feature of an online dating site that can have
- Lifetime emails and chat with contacts is a total priceless as members can communicate to other members at no cost
- Offers online translation of emails, chats, and description which is surely handy for international members to communicate with local and other cross-countries
Pros:
- Even it is mainly created for African girls, it also open internationally
- Able to view location of each member
- Good admin support for further assistance
Cons:
- Limited search engine criteria
- 24 hours wait time to verify the account
Editor’s Review:
KissesOfAfrica site is not much well created but has very entertaining and exciting content which can be found on the homepage. Integration of free use of translation is its best key feature, which enables members to communicate easily and definitely comprehensible with other members of different languages and at the same time learning a new language is fun.
Popularity: 4.0/5.0
#4 SouthAfricanCupid.com
SouthAfricanCupid is one of the leading South African dating sites. It is also part of well-known niche dating sites operator, the Cupid Media network. The site mission is to connect South African singles worldwide in which it is very particular in finding a perfect match for each member. Many have shared success stories of a happy couple that found true love over this site.
Top Features:
- Easy to use and navigate. It is built in such a way that it is user-friendly and people will no longer need the usual customer support but of course unless it is deemed necessary
- Review matches for free without upgrading to paid membership plan
Best African Dating Apps For Seniors
Pros:
- Free 3-month trial in Platinum membership
Cons:
- Available in Google Play store only
Editor’s Review:
Free African Dating
SouthAfricanCupid tagline says it all as it provides premium service intended and creatively created to bring South African singles together in one friendly environment online community. Since it is also part of Cupid Media, this highly recommended and trusted.
Popularity: 3.5/5.0
3 Other Popular Dating Sites
SoulSingles.com
SoulSingles.com is a fast-growing African American dating site. If you want to meet African American singles, you can join this site.
Best African Dating Apps 2019
AfricanDate.com
AfricanDate.com is an international dating site connecting Africans from all over the world. If you want to meet Africans from different countries, you can join this site.
Best Dating Apps For Professionals
TrulyAfrican.com
TrulyAfrican.com is one of the leading online dating sites in Africa. Founded in 2009, this site has helped thousands of singles to find a partner.