Madanga: A man in a woman’s world

Saturday Leisure Reporter
WITH more than 20 years experience as a male hairdresser, Bulawayo-based Patrick Madanga has stood the test of time and conquered temptations that are associated with his line of work. Madanga (35) has been around long enough to have lived through the years of perm, razor cut, wigs and freeze.

He faced many challenges when he ventured into the world of hairdressing as his family was not supportive and he was not yet married which made him vulnerable to many temptations. He said even society could not fathom a man who fixes hair, but with his artistry he convinced many that he was good at his chosen career.

Married to Naomi Madanga and blessed with three children Patrick Junior, Immanuel and Fadzai, Madanga said hard work and perseverance had made his dreams come true.

His first experience as a hairdresser was in 1993 at the age of 15.
“I learnt this trade from a friend of mine who used to invite me to his saloon where I assisted him running around buying hair products for him. During his spare time he taught me a few basics. From then on, I developed passion for hair,” he said.

A year later he became a barber and advanced his hairdressing knowledge when he got employed at Rough Cuts. “The Rough Cuts owner inspired and helped me a lot. He sent us on customer care and further hairdressing lessons in South Africa. I wanted to be like him and own such a company, so when I went for training I gave it my best,” he said.

Madanga was voted the best student in his category and worked at Rough Cuts a few more years before relocating to Botswana in 2003 where he became a full time hairdresser. While in Botswana, Madanga teamed up with Congolese, Nigerian and Tanzanian nationals who helped him develop his talent.

“I enjoy my work and it has brought so much happiness and success in my life as I am now a proud owner of a car, house and I am able to send my three children to school as well as spoil my wife,” said Madanga.

He said he can do all beautiful hairstyles and was not ashamed of his profession.
“This is a job that requires total discipline. Imagine me proposing love to every girl that comes here and in the end all of them bring their relatives to have their hair done. That can be a disaster and I thank God so much because he saved me from all that,” Madanga said.
He said he has more advantages than female hairdressers but the most important thing was to stay focused on his goals.

“Most ladies prefer me doing their hair than having a female stylist. I do not know why but that is the way it is. If I was not disciplined I could have told myself that they like me, but I have grown to know Jesus and I speak about the Bible whenever I am with my customers,” he said.

His family has begun to appreciate his talent and it was only this year that his sister came to him to have her hair done for the first time.
“God highly favoured me and gave me a supportive wife. She understood me from the moment we met and up to now she has never had a problem with my work. Naomi knows I work with ladies and she trusts me a lot because she has never complained about my working relations with them,” said Madanga.

He has learnt a lot in his line of work and encouraged aspiring male hairdressers not to be afraid of judgmental tongues, but to pursue their talents and dreams. “Life is about what you are capable of and your passion. The biggest attributes being discipline and focus in order for one to be successful in this line of work,” he said.

Madanga said even though he had became successful in his line of work, he did not wish his children to take after him but wanted them to be better than him.

“I am sending them to school so that they can do more than I have done. If I have built a big house then they should big flats and drive expensive cars. I always tell them to go after what they want but not after my profession,” he said.