THE EMERGENCE OF DREADLOCK AS A TREND IN NIGERIA’S POP-CULTURE BY "AKOR JANET"

The Emergence of Dreadlock as a trend in Nigeria’s Pop-Culture
By "Akor Janet"

The history of dreadlocks itself varies and differs, one account claims that dreads in recent time originated from Rastafarians of Jamaica to Indian sages and yogis, it originated from eastern holy man. Locks were embraced by rastas in recent times for different believe, some considered it to be holy and powerful for spiritual convictions, while others were for political statement. Elsewhere in West-African, it is common amongst priest and spiritual heads of the Celestial Churches and the Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Nigeria.

Slavery was a thing in those days and over time they began capturing and enslaving people from India and its environs, Hindu yogis and holy men with their dreads fled to Caribbean islands and they were seen more in places like Jamaica were they were accepted by the Rastafarians and holy men of the island.

I must say the invention of dreads in pop-culture music, can be traced down to Bob Marley's history, his dread stood out for him as a unique characteristics and trademark, he had the best dreads of all times. Somehow Bob found the balance between his personality and his music; he radiated peace, love, wisdom and spoke about God in his music. He spoke about Jah endlessly; Jah, an Hebrew name for God meaning the eternal God.

Bob Marley grew his dreads as part of his Rastafarian belief, he influenced people with his music; he also brought about the dread music with other artist embracing it, most especially in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the early age of reggae music saw the likes of Raskimono, Majek Fashek, Orit Wiliki, Rhymzo, Buju Bantu as one of the major players in the industry in the early 90’s, as they also wore the trademark dreadlock.
However, this trend has transcended to our modern day Nigerian Pop-artiste, as many of them now put on the dreadlock. But there is a much different conviction/reason as to why the first generation put on the dreadlock looks compare to our modern day artiste.

As earlier stated, the artistes of the early 90’s put on the dreadlock look because of the spiritual advantage and believe/meaning attached to it. Whereas to the modern-day artiste it is more of a fashion trend and a lifestyle to go with.

The re-invention of dreadlocks into modern trends in the Nigerian music scenes keeps transition into different styles amongst the artists not leaving out individuals, the likes of Asa and love for dreads is undying and cannot be overlooked. Reekado banks of the Maven Records has is dreads fast becoming his signature. Flavor awesome qualities, is body structure and a sense of unique sound has his dreadlocks to complement it. Fast rising star Ycee also known for his choice of dreadlock as his trademark hairstyle.

Nowadays, it is about standard to have locks, now with different styles, you can decide to give your locks some curls. Dreadlocks styles like the simple Bun, French braid, Mohawk and also the curls and wavy locks as most of this styles are rocked by females.

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