The playbook for landing an older, wealthier lover was often a whispered tradition- look good, smell expensive and most importantly, be seen in the right places.
Today, this whispered tradition is an open secret shared on and off mass and social media spaces either by persons already dating older, wealthier lovers- men or women, married or unmarried- or people who dated around in such circles and are now ‘making a name’ for themselves sharing such information, sometimes at a price.
Younger ‘lover seekers’ are advised about the dress code that would attract potential older, wealthier lovers, high end private lounges, clubs and golf courses to be seen at or at exclusive networking events- because rich people don’t just roam anywhere.
And in this global economy, any means to make ends meet tends to be a ‘means justifies the ends’ kind of mentality for many young people among Millennials and Gen-Z.
In Kenya, these older, wealthier men are known as Mubaba while the women are referred to as Mumama/Aunty wa Harrier. And they are highly sought out- with or without wedding rings- as morals are chucked out the window; and people are out to have a good time or make money.
And if one is lucky enough to get their attention, the veterans of the game will school you on the next steps: speak with charm, stay updated on current events (yes, even stock markets and luxury travel spots), master the art of effortless conversation and, of course, keep their curiosity piqued long enough to get their wallets talking.
But here’s the thing—while the streets are full of ‘how-tos’ for securing a moneyed romance, there are just as many spots where you’ll be wasting your time. Let’s talk about where not to look:
- You will never find Mubaba/Mumama at budget eateries and fast food joints. Their tax bracket will have them owning bucketful of such joints but not dining in the same. Their palates are accustomed to fine dining in private or exclusive restaurants so do make sure to save up tons of money if you intend to roll around to these locations and manage to gain entry into one of these locations that often require reservations. So, no KFC, Java, Artcaffe or other mid-level swanky and widely popular restaurants about town. Go off the beaten path to find the locations they dine in.
- Bars and parties- Older, wealthier men and women- some of them- have no energy to keep up with the drinking and partying often witnessed in bars and parties. They are more sophisticated and go for members only events such as wine tastings, brunch or cocktail hours. If you do find them at such locations- whether they are in upmarket locations or not, they are probably there to indulge a sugar baby for the novelty of ‘trying to like what sugar baby likes’ otherwise, sugar baby will be swept up and registered as a plus one at the private club.
- Cheap vacations sports and on budget airlines- They are not walking down Pirates beach in Mombasa or sunbathing at a random hotel beach in Diani. They are not in the ‘first class’ of budget airlines from Nairobi to Mombasa or Malindi. They are in their private jets or privately chartered flights and in luxury resorts or exclusive getaways. One thing about older, wealthier lovers with or without sugar babies- privacy is key. They will go to lengths to avoid jam-packed tourist locations where they have to line up at buffets to get breakfast. f you’re scouting for a rich bae at a low-cost beach resort, you’re fishing in the wrong waters.
