Radio Jambo host Massawe Japanni has unveiled a dramatic new look after shaving off her signature dreadlocks.
The media personality shared her transformation on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Her long dreadlocks had formed a central part of her public image for several years.
She accompanied the post with a direct statement explaining her decision.
"Not a crisis. Not a phase. Just growth,” Massawe Japanni wrote.
Contrasting the Before and After Images
The presenter shared a series of photographs documenting her transition step by step.
In an earlier outdoor photograph, she poses amongst tall palm trees wearing a bright orange and white geometric-patterned off-shoulder dress with puffed sleeves and a matching long skirt.
Dark sunglasses cover her eyes, while her black dreadlocks fall loosely around her shoulders as she holds a straw tote bag and raises peace signs.
In another picture from the Radio Jambo studio, she sits behind a microphone labelled Radio Jambo. She wears a white blazer over a low-cut top, accessorised with gold chains and orange-tinted glasses.
Her dreadlocks are tied up into a high bun against soundproof wall panels.
A close-up photograph displays her severed dreadlocks lying in a thick pile. The brown and reddish strands still feature small white beads threaded through them.
The final photograph shows her new appearance in a salon mirror selfie. Covered in a dark cape, she holds a black smartphone with red-painted nails.
Her head is completely shaved, accompanied by full makeup and earrings, whilst a mannequin head holding a wig rest on a shelf behind her.
Social Media Reaction and Key Numbers
The Instagram post generated quick engagement, recording over 1,800 likes within three hours of publication.
Followers responded under her handle @massawejapanni with a mix of surprise and support.
User @fridahkimaita commented: "It’s a new chapter.”
User @katenotts70 wrote: "Welcome to the club my sister.”
User @almarula posted: "I loved your hair so much but cheers to growth/new chapter.”
User @kurrlygirl added: "All the phases are worth it. Cut mine earlier and the year and each season is beautiful."
User @alex_lister_ke stated: "Ohooo nooo ... but still looking fresh.”
User @faithkithumbu expressed surprise: "I thought it was a joke all along! Still looking gorgeous in this one too.”
User @faithjabalim noted: "Asi.... asi mwetu wa mwaitu... anyway a change is as good as a rest.”
User @dominic_kaimenyi asked: "What happening?”
User @muticiadoreen complimented: "Gorgeous new look.”
User @zawadis wrote: "My dada @massawejapanni . Uzuri una baby face.. hapo kwa kibaridi Cha Nairobi inakuwaje.... Sasa njoo vacation huku maji ya chumvi ule breeze..."
Career Background and Industry Context
Massawe Japanni hosts the popular mid-morning radio programme Bustani la Massaweon Radio Jambo. She is widely recognised for her command of Kiswahili and interactive discussions on relationships and daily life.
