Additional Coverage:
- Meet the TikTok-famous barber using a shovel and an iron to cut hair (the-independent.com)
Nairobi Barber “Chief Safro” Shaves His Way to Social Media Stardom with Unconventional Tools
In a modest roadside shack on the outskirts of Nairobi, a haircut isn’t just a trim – it’s a performance. Ian Njenga recently experienced the unique artistry of Safari Martins, a barber who has become a social media sensation with over a million followers on Instagram and TikTok under the handle “Chief Safro.”
His secret? Swapping traditional clippers for surprising household and agricultural tools.
“I just use unconventional tools,” Martins explains, moments before a razor-sharp shovel edge deftly glides across Njenga’s scalp, delivering a remarkably clean finish. This distinctive technique, often filmed by a helper for his vast online audience, has propelled Martins to become one of Kenya’s most recognizable figures in the grooming industry.
The rise of “influencer barbers” like Martins reflects a burgeoning trend in Kenya, fueled by the nation’s explosive growth in social media engagement. Platforms like TikTok are transforming traditional trades into digital spectacles, offering not only entertainment but also lucrative entrepreneurial avenues.
Originally from Rwanda and now based in Nairobi, Martins began his barbering journey in high school in 2018. Five years later, he embraced a camera and abandoned conventional trimmers, a decision that launched his viral career.
While his zany methods initially garnered attention, Martins has increasingly incorporated traditional African folk tales into his video voiceovers. “I’m motivated by African culture, by African stories,” he shares, noting that one of his unique tools, a sharpened iron box, was even blessed by village elders.
Martins’ enduring popularity stems from both the quality of his haircuts and the allure of appearing on one of Kenya’s most magnetic social media accounts. “If I compare him with other barbers his talent is next level,” says Njenga, a repeat customer. “When I get shaved here I get very comfortable… while walking in the streets I get very confident.”
Customers are willing to pay a premium for this unique experience, with Martins charging up to 1,500 Kenyan shillings (approximately £8.60) per cut – a significant increase from the typical Nairobi trim, which can cost a tenth of that.
This phenomenon coincides with rapid social media growth in Kenya. DataReportal indicates that the number of social media users in the country jumped almost 50% from 10.6 million in January 2023 to 15.1 million by January 2025.
For Kenyans, success online can bring a relative windfall, particularly as content monetization is often benchmarked against Western digital advertising rates. A June 2025 brief from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis reported that around 15% of Kenyan online content creators rely on it as their primary source of income.
Despite his massive online following, Martins expresses frustration that barbers don’t always reap the same financial rewards as other content creators. “Barbers get viral on social media but I feel like they are not respected,” he laments.
“You are not paid as a content creator, even though you have the views, even if you have the engagement.” According to Fundmates, a company that finances influencers, creators in gaming, education, or lifestyle content often command higher earnings due to wider applicability for brand deals.
Read More About This Story:
- Meet the TikTok-famous barber using a shovel and an iron to cut hair (the-independent.com)