Cantonese culture enthusiasts likely recognize the dynamic duo, Fathima “Paji” Mohamed and Iasmin Lumibao, through their viral Instagram presence. Known as “Outcasts from the 853”, these Macau natives have been regaling their followers with light-hearted skits and insightful podcasts on the Cantonese culture and the unique experiences of third-culture kids.
One of their standout skits features Mohamed humorously misordering “dragon shrimp” (actually lobster) and “west broken flower” (broccoli). They’ve also delved into the various Cantonese names for an ambulance, playfully calling it the “beeboo” truck. However, these skits offer more than just laughs; they reflect the duo’s exploration into their multicultural backgrounds.
Mohamed, with Filipino and Sri Lankan roots, and Lumibao, a blend of Filipino and Brazilian, grew up in Macau and learned Cantonese at school. Their paths diverged in college, with Mohamed attending the University of Macau and Lumibao enrolling in Macao Polytechnic University. Destiny had another rendezvous planned when both separately relocated to the US, following their hearts to American partners. Their reunion ignited a rediscovered bond and shared nostalgia for their homeland.
Lumibao reminisces, “We talked about how much we missed the food, especially Portuguese egg tarts.” This profound connection and longing for their homeland led them to the world of podcasting. Mohamed’s tech-savvy, having made YouTube videos since age 12, further facilitated their online presence. Within hours, they designed a logo, referencing Macau’s flag, and named their venture “Outcasts the Podcast” to reflect their sense of being perpetual outsiders.
Their initial episodes highlighted the culture shocks they experienced upon their US move. However, a particular resonance with listeners was their Cantonese content. Despite initial reservations about only knowing Cantonese and not Mandarin, the duo discovered a thriving community of Cantonese speakers in the US. This epiphany transformed their content, leading them to produce humorous skits and podcasts on Cantonese culture, idioms, and proverbs.
This content shift proved fruitful as their popularity skyrocketed. Today, they boast an impressive 45,000 followers from various global corners, from Scandinavia to the Caribbean. Collaborations are aplenty, and they’ve even launched a merchandise line, featuring unique dim sum designs and the playful phrase “Delay No More”.
Despite the majority of positive feedback, they’ve encountered detractors and critics. However, Mohamed humorously rebuffs, “I am a fool, the clown for you to laugh at.” Their endgame remains connecting with audiences on Cantonese culture and the shared experiences of third-culture kids.
Lumibao summarizes their journey eloquently, “We named ourselves outcasts, but it’s like we found our home.”
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