We can accept that the dreadlock hairstyle is synonymous with Jamaica. That’s why many non-Jamaicans automatically assume that a person sporting the hairstyle is a Jamaican, of the Rastafari faith or has some connections to Jamaica. Born out of practices of the Masai tribesmen of Kenya and popularised by Rastas, the dreadlock hairstyle has been viewed as a symbol of rebellion against colonial structures. Therefore, its wearers are oftentimes rebels in their own right. But as time has shown, there are quite a few Jamaican public figures who have parted ways with their dreadlocks

Let’s look at 5 Jamaicans who decided to cut their dreadlocks.

1. Wayne Marshall

I know many Gen-Zers who enjoy watching “Meet The Mitchells” will not believe me but I kid you not. Wayne Marshall used to sport dreadlocks, back in the day when he was a hot dancehall act. Did he become a born-again Christian? The Dancehall community was ripped with conviction that the “Glory to God” entertainer had signalled his walk into the Christian faith with the cutting of his ‘locs in 2018. However, the artiste set the record straight by explaining that cutting his ‘locs was his way of embracing a new chapter in his life. At the time, Marshall also said it was his way of coming to terms with the passing of his father.

2. Dr. Peter Phillips (Veteran Politician)
Maybe his public relations team went to town on this one and wiped the internet of all images of Dr. Peter Phillips sporting dreadlocks. So let’s just say, well-placed sources have confirmed that he was a rebel with a cause in his younger years. If you happen to find a picture of a dreadlocked Dr. Phillips while browsing these internet streets, please share with listsja.com.

3. Vybz Kartel

The incarcerated Dancehall deejay who sported shoulder-length ‘locs’ during his court trial proceedings, was spotted afterwards in 2012 wearing a low-fade. A source close to the deejay said he was left with no alternative but to remove the false dreads because there were limited resources in his new abode to facilitate regular hair maintenance. It could be true, afterall, Reggae singer Jah Cure, who is well-acquainted with the prison life, did detail the hardships of prison in one of his popular songs, “Prison ano bed a rose”.

4. Judy Mowatt – formerly of I-Threes

After sporting dreads for some 22 years, the iconic Judy Mowatt – one-third of the famous I-Threes singers – removed herself from the ‘natty dread’ lifestyle with a big chop. She became a Christian. Incidentally at that time, Judy was not alone on her new Christian journey. She was among the wave of Jamaican singers such as Papa San, Carlene Davis, Chevelle Franklin and Stitchie who decided to start their march in Christianity in the late 90s.

5. Natural Black

Ok, we know that Natural Black is a native of Guyana but for his contribution to Reggae music, we’ll call him an honourary Jamaican. Zeen!

In 2012 when the Reggae singer whose given name is Mortimer Softley, was ready to hop onto the hard-core Dancehall wagon, he rebranded his public image with sharp scissors in his hands, intentionally removing his ‘locs’.

Of course, his seemingly spontaneous decision was met with harsh criticism from some fans who believed he was “far far from reality”. The former roots and culture artiste said he had to bid farewell to the dreads to expand his musical horizons. And in his defence, he’s not the first reggae singer to rebrand and cross-over to dancehall and he definitely won’t be the last.

We are sure you may know other Jamaicans who were once members of the ‘natty dread posse’ because this list is certainly not exhaustive. Tell us in the comments below another popular Jamaican who formerly sported dreadlocks and let’s keep this list growing.

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