Martin “Safro Fades” Safari is not a barber who follows the traditional rules of the trade. Instead of using clippers or scissors, he styles his clients’ hair with knives, shovels, and hammers.
Passersby are attracted by his distinctive method, frequently halting to watch Safari expertly use his equipment. Safari’s clients trust him to handle potentially dangerous equipment like shovels and hammers.
Safari’s unusual barbering skill has brought him both attention and a source of income. After each shaving session, his clients look well-groomed and clever. He was named Best Content Creator at the 2023 Barber Grammy Awards, making history as the first African winner, according to The New Times.
“I did not attend the (Grammy) awards ceremony because I did not think I would win,” he was quoted as saying by TRT Afrika.
“I had been nominated with more prominent and well-traveled barbers. My victory, therefore, came as a surprise,” he said.
The 24-year-old Rwandan national relocated to Nairobi in late 2023. “My move to Nairobi four months ago was deliberate. “I felt the city would boost my profile as an unconventional barber,” Safari said, adding that his move “has paid off.”
His Instagram profile (@safro_fades) has over 230,000 followers, and his most popular video has had an incredible 95 million views.
Safari made the daring decision to stop his business administration studies at a Rwandan university in order to follow his actual passion: hair grooming. In December 2022, he gained traction with a viral video displaying his theatrical shaving tactics, which included using a hammer and chisel on clients.
This video boosted Safari’s Instagram following from 2,000 to an astonishing 100,000 in less than three weeks.
“I wanted to stand out as a barber,” he explained, adding that he charges between $45 and $60 every haircut.
In 2023, he was honored to serve as a celebrity judge at a barbershop competition in Cameroon. Reflecting on his uncommon approach, Safari explained how difficult it is to gain clients’ trust in his trade, especially given the odd equipment he uses.
To combat mistrust, he occasionally provides complimentary shaves and treats skeptical clients to lunch as an incentive. Looking ahead, Safari hopes to create an international barbers’ convention to display his unique skills to a global audience.
“I believe expos would offer publicity avenues for talented barbers to expand their markets,” he went on to say.
He also plans to set up training sessions for anybody interested in learning his unique haircutting techniques.