Nigerian artists like Fireboy, Asake, and Pheelz are ditching the locs for clean cuts and refined fits. Is the ‘clean era’ officially here?
Something is changing in Nigerian music, and it’s not just the sound — the vibe is getting cleaner.
Artists like Fireboy, Asake, and even Pheelz are trading their locs and bold, statement-making looks for low cuts, sleek outfits, and a more understated confidence. What used to be all chaos and color has shifted to crisp shirts, minimal accessories, and a “grown-man” energy.
In Afrobeats, style is part of the storytelling. Every change in image sends a message. So when stars like Fireboy or Asake refresh their looks, it hints that something deeper is evolving in the scene.
Call it evolution, a rebrand, or the “soft life,” but it’s becoming clear that Nigerian artists might be stepping into a ‘clean era.’
The Chop That Sparked the Conversation
The conversation began when Fireboy DML unveiled his new look on September 29. Fans reacted instantly — the signature locs were gone, replaced by a low red haircut, paired with a black tee, gold accessories, and dark shades.
The transformation was sleek, minimal, and unexpectedly mature. Fans flooded Fireboy’s comments with fire emojis and praise, recognizing that the change was more than just style — it felt like a subtle rebrand.
Fireboy has always shown versatility, but this move hinted at a shift from boyish charm to grown-man confidence.
Next Up: Pheelz Joins the Trend
Recently, Pheelz followed suit. He ditched his dreads, released his new EP Peace by Piece, and shared a photo holding his chopped hair like a trophy. The symbolism was clear: a new project, a new look, and a cleaner, more refined identity.
For artists, a haircut is rarely just about looks. For Pheelz, it symbolized a fresh start and a reminder that reinvention is part of the craft.
Enter Asake — and the Internet Can’t Handle It
Fast-forward to now, and Asake, never one to go unnoticed, appeared online with a shaved head. In the post, he sports a shirt that’s either blue or white (opinions vary), tucked into black trousers, paired with dark shades and gleaming accessories — a look that’s already turning heads.
Something is shifting in Nigerian music. Male artists, once defined by bold hairstyles, vibrant colors, and rugged energy, are now embracing simplicity and refinement.
The era of dramatic locs, multicolored braids, and heavy accessorizing seems to be giving way to low cuts, sleek outfits, muted tones, and mature styles. It’s as if Nigerian artists are aligning their looks with the polished, refined sound that their music now conveys.
This emerging “clean era” projects confidence and arrival — artists are less focused on being seen and more on being understood.
It’s not just Fireboy, Pheelz, and Asake. Even Rema has toned down his image, opting for sharper lines, neater fits, and a more assured presence. The trend suggests a collective move toward sophistication, where the goal isn’t to shock but to evolve.
For some artists, this shift reflects personal and musical maturity. Fireboy’s last album, Adedamola, was deeply emotional and nostalgic, and his new look could hint at upcoming projects or renewed focus. Asake’s transformation, meanwhile, feels like a reset after two years of nonstop hits, signaling growth and reinvention.
The trend mirrors what we’ve seen with global stars like Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, who have rebranded by shedding old looks to mark new creative chapters. Whether it’s a personal evolution, a strategic rebrand, or simply a grown-man choice, Nigerian artists are clearly stepping into a new aesthetic.
While locs and braids may return in time, for now, low cuts, minimalistic fashion, and sleek confidence dominate. The message is clear: they’ve arrived and no longer need to prove themselves.
In short, Fireboy, Asake, and their peers may just be ushering in Nigeria’s cleanest musical era yet.
