By Chris Onuoha 

James and Sarah Nathan are a Nigerian couple living in Canada. The couples who met each other through social media interaction, now married, found a unique rhythm in their creative journey creating entertaining content with their children across multiple platforms aside from their careers.

Nathan shares insights into his family’s dynamic content creation process, the cultural richness they bring to their work, and the story behind their union:

Can you tell me a bit about your background, education and profession?

I’m a Nigerian Canadian individual, born in Lagos, Nigeria, and a proud heritage of Umuahia, Abia State. My educational journey has led me to achieve a degree in Addiction and Mental Health. Professionally, I thrive as an educator, dedicating myself to imparting knowledge and fostering growth in others in our Canadian Community. My multicultural background enriches my perspective and allows me to bring a diverse and inclusive approach to your work and relationships.

My wife is a first-generation born Canadian with her family originating from Portugal, and I speak Portuguese fluently. She has a background in Medical Office Administration. Her profession revolves around working in the medical field.

How did you and your wife meet, and what brought you both into content creation?

My wife and I met on a dating website. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ventured into content creation out of sheer boredom. It became a way for us to engage, entertain ourselves, and connect with our community.

How do your Nigerian roots influence the content you create?

My Nigerian roots deeply influence the content we create in several ways. They shape my storytelling style through our contents, on rich cultural narratives and traditions that resonate with my audience. Themes of resilience, community, and familial bonds often feature prominently, reflecting values ingrained in Nigerian culture. Moreover, my heritage inspires me to celebrate diversity, infuse vibrant colors and music, and explore topics that highlight the beauty and complexities of African identity. Overall, my Nigerian roots infuse authenticity and depth into the content I create, fostering a deeper connection with viewers who share similar cultural backgrounds or an interest in African perspectives.

How do you blend Nigerian and Portuguese cultures in your content?

Blending Nigerian and Portuguese cultures in our content is seamless due to shared family values, cultural perspectives, and my wife’s upbringing in similar Christian values.

What inspired you to start creating content on social media with your family?

I enjoy creating and sharing videos with my family in Nigeria on social media for two main reasons. Firstly, as the only son among seven siblings living far away, it’ was a way for me to stay connected and share a part of myself with them. Secondly, I create these contents to preserve memories I can look back on in the future.

How do you come up with ideas for your videos and posts?

We generate content ideas by drawing inspiration from watching other videos and reflecting on everyday life situations.

Can you describe your creative process when making content as a family?

We come up with an idea and we discuss it collectively as family and contribute our inputs.

What has been your most successful piece of content, and why do you think it resonated with your audience?

Our most successful content piece has been our comedy, humor and dramatic act mixed with culture, which resonated with our audience.

How do you manage to balance family life and content creation?

Managing family life and content creation involves effective time management, self-care and taking advantage of special unique family moments. 

What roles do each of your family members play in the content creation process?

Brainstorming and generating creative ideas together, and contributing unique perspectives and talents to content production.

How do you ensure that creating content remains fun and not stressful for your children?

We involve my children in content creation in a way that feels like play, respecting their interests and limits to keep it enjoyable and not stressful. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a family of content creators?

Managing time effectively between family responsibilities and content creation. Handling pressure to consistently produce engaging content while prioritizing family well-being.

 Ensuring privacy and maintaining boundaries between personal life and public content.

How do you handle negative feedback or online criticism?

As a public figure or content creators, we grown and learn not to take online criticism to heart because without criticism can there is no growth. We use those criticisms as a form of improvement and focus more on the positives.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating content with your family?

The most rewarding aspect of creating content with my family is that it creates Family Bond and unforgettable memories together. 

How important is it for you to represent both Nigerian and Portuguese cultures in your content?

It’s essential to us to represent both Nigerian and Portuguese cultures authentically in our content to celebrate our heritage and connect with diverse audiences.

How do your followers from different parts of the world respond to the cultural elements in your content?

Our followers from around the world respond positively to the cultural elements in our content, appreciating the diverse perspectives and rich traditions we showcase.

What are your goals for your content in the next few years?

Our goals for our content in the next few years include expanding our audience, deepening cultural engagement, and continuing to create meaningful and impactful stories.

Are there any new projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

Yes, we’re excited about new projects and collaborations that will expand our creative horizons and reach new audiences.

What advice would you give to other families who are thinking about starting their own content creation journey?

Start by defining your shared interests and strengths as a family. Plan and schedule time for both content creation and family activities to maintain balance. Communicate openly and support each other’s ideas to create content that reflects your unique perspective and values and enjoy every moment you share planning and creating videos together. Lastly, hard work, patience, an open mind for criticism and consistency is the key. 

What do you think is the key to maintaining a strong family bond while working together on social media?

The key to maintaining a strong family bond while working together on social media is open communication, love, mutual respect, and prioritizing quality time together.