In a roadside shack on the outskirts of Nairobi, Safari Martins is redefining the art of the haircut. Known to his millions of followers as 'Chief Safro', the Rwandan-born barber has achieved international social media stardom by abandoning traditional shears in favor of unconventional tools—most notably, a razor-sharp shovel.
Martins’ journey began in 2018 while he was still a high school student, offering quick trims to classmates with borrowed clippers.
However, his career took a dramatic turn five years later when he pivoted to digital content creation. By blending his technical skill with theatrical flair, Martins began producing videos that pair high-stakes grooming with African folk tales and cultural voiceovers.
His inventive methods—which include using iron boxes and heavy garden tools—have earned him nearly one million followers on both TikTok and Instagram.
This viral success has allowed him to charge a premium for his services. While a standard haircut in Nairobi is relatively inexpensive, Martins charges up to 1,500 Kenyan shillings (approximately USD 12).
For clients like Ian Njenga, the price tag covers more than just a trim; it offers a rare opportunity for social media exposure on a global platform.
Despite his massive reach, Martins highlights a significant gap in how specialized creators are compensated.
While social media usage in Kenya has surged to over 15 million users as of 2025, the "Chief" argues that the barbering niche still lacks the financial respect seen in gaming or lifestyle sectors.
"Barbers get viral but are not respected," Martins remarked, noting that translating millions of views into sustainable monetization remains a hurdle for many in the trade.
Regardless of the industry’s challenges, Chief Safro’s blend of traditional storytelling and "extreme" barbering continues to captivate audiences, proving that in the age of the creator economy, sometimes a shovel is the sharpest tool in the shed.
Source: AP
