A noticeable shift in aesthetics has swept through Kenya’s celebrity circles this year. A wave of prominent public figures, musicians, podcasters, and online personalities.
Who were long defined by their dreadlocks, have opted for the “big chop,” shedding their signature hair for shorter, often cleaner styles.
This trend has captured massive public attention. For many of these stars, their dreadlocks were not just a hairstyle; they were integral to their personal and professional brand. Shaving them off signals a significant personal transition.
One of the most surprising and publicised changes came from legendary rapper Nyashinski. His long, thick locks were a key part of his identity for over a decade.
He announced his dramatic transformation on 14 February 2025, sharing a picture of his new, short, curly high fade.
Online reports quickly offered context for the move:
“He always planned to do it once he hit 40, a decision he had made years ago; to change his look for his 40s,” a source close to the rapper revealed.
The timing, coinciding with his milestone birthday, suggests the change was a deliberate marker of a new life chapter. The public reaction confirmed the cultural weight of the dreadlock change in Kenyan celebrity culture.
The movement quickly spread across the digital media and content creation scene, proving the trend was less about genre and more about personal evolution.
Shiv Simani, the TikTok sensation, trainer, and wellness creator ditched his distinctive hair in early January, unveiling his new style on 7 January 2025.
Mwafreeka, co-host of the popular Iko Nini Podcast, he made his clean-shaven look public in June 2025, a move his fans saw as marking a new chapter in his successful podcasting career.
Raymond Kahuma, the renowned digital creator, known for his culinary adventures, shed his locks in May 2025. This fresh look sparked thousands of reactions from followers who had only ever known him with dreadlocks.
The style revolution continued towards the end of the year. On 1 December 2025, musician and Kodong Klan member Coster Ojwang surprised his fans with a new look to mark the start of the month.
He posted a picture of himself with short, dyed hair, a sharp contrast to his usual dreadlocks.
“New month, new me,” Ojwang captioned the photo.
Generally, celebrities decide to shave their longstanding dreadlocks for a mix of practical, emotional, and spiritual reasons. The decision is often tied to a desire for a fresh start or acknowledging a significant personal or professional life change.
