Samini calls out ‘fake rastas’ over artificial dreadlocks in Ghana

Dorcas Agambila 11:16 - 04 September 2026

Samini Dagaati

Ghanaian dancehall star Samini has sparked a conversation about authenticity within the Rastafarian community after taking aim at people he believes are using artificial dreadlocks to create the appearance of having grown their locs naturally.

Samini has criticised people he believes are pretending to be Rastafarians, questioning the use of wigs and mesh extensions to create artificial dreadlocks.
The dancehall star described the trend as a “Fake Rasta purge season”, insisting that growing dreadlocks should involve patience and “no shortcuts”.
While making the comments, Samini also teased his upcoming project, #RED Final List Vol. 1, giving fans another reason to pay attention.

The musician shared his thoughts in a post on X, questioning the growing popularity of wigs and mesh extensions designed to replicate traditional dreadlocks.

Samini appeared particularly critical of those who, in his view, present themselves as having spent years growing their hair naturally when they may have relied on artificial additions.

Let’s all pretend they grew those locs like we’ve grown in over 20 years,”* he wrote, before adding: *“It’s all mesh and wigs

The dancehall veteran continued his commentary by referring to what he described as “too many rental dreads and wanna-be natties”.

For Samini, growing dreadlocks should be a process that requires patience rather than shortcuts.

'No shortcuts,' he stressed, suggesting that time would eventually reveal who had genuinely committed to the process.

He further labelled the period a “Fake Rasta purge season”, making it clear that he believes the issue deserves closer attention.

While his comments have generated discussion, Samini did not identify any particular individuals in the post.

Amid the commentary, the award-winning musician also appeared to shift the conversation towards his music, teasing an upcoming project titled #RED Final List Vol. 1.

The post has therefore served a dual purpose for the dancehall artiste, calling attention to his views on authenticity while also giving fans something new to anticipate.

Known for his long-standing association with reggae and dancehall culture, Samini has maintained a distinctive image throughout his career, making his remarks about dreadlocks particularly notable among his followers.

Whether his comments will spark a wider debate about cultural authenticity, artificial locs and Rastafarian identity remains to be seen.

🤔 ok … let’s all pretend they grew those locs like we’ve grown in over 20 years when in actual facts it’s all mesh and wigs 😂. Too many rental dreads and wana be natties. No short cuts here. Time will expose all wolf in sheep clothing. Fake Rasta purge season lol. I vex mad…
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) September 2, 2026

Ghana Music