Esosa Oduwa (not real name), a Banking and Finance student of University of Benin, was not given a favourable answer when he applied to one of the commercial banks in the capital city of Edo State for a three-month internship.
“He looks irresponsible,” the manager told his colleagues.
Esosa ticked almost all the boxes in terms of what the bank required of an intending intern, but he wore dreadlocks.
Esosa’s experience points to the unwanted attention, sometimes not positive, that having dreadlocks as a grown man or woman can often draw. Despite education and social status, many people still cling to stereotypes about dreadlocks, with these stereotypes often associating dreadlocked men or women with danger or irresponsibility. This perception often leads to instances of not-so-nice reactions towards – or treatment of – individuals with deadlocks. The community may view them as misfits, untidy and wild, resulting in neglect and even violence.
Traditionally, dreadlocks were seen as representative of an individual’s appearance, looks and religious beliefs, or how such an individual wants to be perceived.
Dreadlocks have a rich cultural history that extends beyond mere fashion. They represent a journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and individuality. Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks did not arise from a lack of concern for grooming or personal hygiene, but instead emerged as a form of self-expression when individuals sought to style and profile their hair according to their desired taste.
History of dreadlocks
The origin of dreadlocks can be traced back to the ancient cultures across the globe, with its earliest written evidence dating back to 2500-1500 BC, where the god Shiva and his followers were described as wearing “knotless of tangled hair”, known as jaTaa.
This hairstyle often associated with the Rastafari movement has a rich history and deep spiritual significance. Originating in Jamaica in the 1930’s, the term “dreadlocks” was initially used derogatorily to describe the marginalized poor. However, for Rastafarians, dreadlocks are much more than a hairstyle.
For followers of the Rastafari movement, dreadlocks are a symbol of devotion to spirituality and nature. They view growing their hair naturally and allowing it to form to dreadlocks as a way of honouring the sacredness of life. This connection between hair and spirituality highlights the profound depth of personal experience within the Rastafari movement.
Different views
How people view dreadlocks varies from individual to individual. The acceptance and perception of dreadlocks can be subjective and dependent on cultural or individual influence. While some embrace and appreciate it as a form of personal expression and cultural identity and as a way to celebrate African heritage and showcase their individuality, others see it as unconventional and unprofessional, with this perspective being influenced by societal norms and expectations surrounding hairstyles.
However, for the most part, dreadlocks are often unfairly associated with criminal activities like cybercrime, known as ‘Yahoo’. Some people also associate the hairstyle with mental illness.
Today, it is difficult for a lady to take a man with dreadlocks to her parents for marriage. The parents would most likely not agree to that marriage because the society perceives those with dreadlocks in a certain way. So also, when a guy with dreadlocks walks into a banking hall, he is often monitored and suspected. The bank officials might not take him seriously and when he complains about it, security may be called on him.
As we have seen in the case of Esosa, it’s also hard for companies to accept guys on dreadlocks. Individuals wearing this particular hairstyle are sometimes seen as a threat to the morality of the community, and they are often harassed by law enforcement agents, especially operatives of the SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squads) of the Nigeria Police Force, who seem to misunderstand these individuals.
The celebrity connection
Celebrities like Omay Lay, Burna Boy, Shalipopi, Fireboy, Rema, Adekunle Gold, Asake, Seyi Vibes, Benson (Buju), among many others keep dreadlocks as a hairstyle and it has become their trademark. This also influences fans to follow through this lifestyle. Many young Nigerians wear dreadlocks as a means of support to their musical icons who themselves lock their hair in dreads to look different and easily recognized by their fans.
What some Nigerians think
The Nigerian Observer interacted with some Benin City residents who expressed their opinions on dreadlocks.
“It’s a protective hairstyle, it gives the feel of Africa and nature. In Africa, it is natural to have locks which comes with its low maintenance cost and helps the hair grow faster,” said Benita Obajuobalo.
A respondent who preferred not to be named said, “I don’t like cutting my hair, and when I leave it, it grows to dread and I start maintaining and relocking it.”
Ochiwu Anthony, another Benin resident, said she is personally dynamic with her hairstyle and wouldn’t want to have a particular hairstyle for too long.
“I like to have afro, sometimes braids, twists, curl and sometimes a ponytail. Now dreadlocks have hairstyle braid and hairstyle ponytail which is cool, but options to the dynamics of the hair are just limited in comparison to that of afro, which you can almost do anything with,” she said.
Dreads also serve as a form of side hustle. Hairstylists request for natural dreads from those who wear them and when they are cut, they are sold at a very high price.
A hairstylist who pleaded anonymity said there is a high demand for natural dreads from customers.
“Some prefer the artificial which comes at a lower price while some request specifically for dread. With the harsh economic situation now, people have no choice but to sell their hair for money,” the person said.
