‘Rapunzel Rapunzel, let down your hair’

Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
WHILE many of his peers were fixated or rather pre-occupied with engaging in delinquent activity, popular Bulawayo dreadlock stylist Bervis Jay Jay Ndlovu’s passion lay in subtle activity — hair.

Reminiscing how it all began, he said if it wasn’t for his infatuation with hair he would have most likely found himself behind bars, likening his story to that of the Grimm brothers fairytale Rupunzel, whose life was saved by her long flowing hair.

Warmly referred to as Ras Jay Jay, he said when he discovered he had deep-seated passion for hair he decided to try his luck and doesn’t regret taking a leap of faith.

“To this day I regret nothing. This was surely a good move on my part as I have realised that I could have lost not only myself but my family if I got carried away and joined my peers in delinquency,” said Ras Jay Jay.

He said he started doing locks professionally in 2005 after undergoing training in South Africa.

“I started doing locks in 2005. This is when I wanted to put my talent and passion to the test. I have got a passion for natural hair and want to promote our African heritage,” said Ras Jay Jay.

Born in 1985, Ras Jay Jay said through his passion and trade he has managed to meet different people from all walks of life.

“Doing locks has changed my life. I have met people from all walks of life and from many countries, even those from oversees. I have also experienced a lot and I have found so much exposure. I have had the opportunity to travel the world,” he said.

Ras Jay Jay also mentioned that he has a wide clientele base, stemming from as far as Harare and Victoria Falls.
“I have a huge clientele and I even do dreadlocks of popular musicians,” he said.

Ras Jay Jay added that through his passion for hair, he has managed to accomplish what many youths could not have in a short period of time.

“I have managed to acquire property and also look after my family. I would have been nobody if I followed suit in what my peers were doing when we were growing up,” he said.

Some of the styles he does are illustrated in the pictures.