In Summary
- Higgines Nikita who spoke to Ghetto Radio says that he has been an easy target in during police patrols and crackdown as the youths with dreadlocks have been profiled as criminals or drug peddlers
- The 27 year old paint artists who doubles up as an acrobat says that having dreadlocks has made him standout among other peers in the creative industry
A dreadlocked acrobat based in Ofafa Jericho area has complained of victimization by the security agents in the area.
Higgines Nikita who spoke to Ghetto Radio says that he has been an easy target in during police patrols and crackdown as the youths with dreadlocks have been profiled as criminals or drug peddlers.
“Sio poa poa ku profile mtu because of their identity or tastes. I have always been victimized because of dreadlocks, sometimes tunawekelewa eti tuna tumia bangi na mimi situmii,” said Nikita.
The 27 year old paint artists who doubles up as an acrobat says that having dreadlocks has made him standout among other peers in the creative industry.
He complained that his decision to have dreadlocks was triggered by the blind eye the society had turned on artists adding that he had to churn his path through signature dreadlocks.
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Tough economy
He also says due to tough economic situation, most artists have experienced a low turnout in social halls where artists showcase their works and skills.
“Some time back, social halls zilikuwa zina jaa siku hizi hakuna ina bildi twende streets or tukuwe gate crushers kwa functions..artists hawana pesa kama kitambo,” Nikita said told Ghetto Radio.
Lately, there has been an emergence of new trends among the Kenya youth, one of them being the emergence of dreadlocks as a hairstyle, fading out the Afro hairstyle which was synonymous with Africans of the older generation.
Even though common assumption being that locks are an emblem of crime, some of youths have remained firm about having the style despite the situation, while others have opted for a clean shave in order to avoid unnecessary pre-judgments.
“The dreadlocks on my head are a sign of bravery. I have always stood against the orders despite the society profiling, wengine wananyoa juu wanaogopa serikali,” he added.
