THERE are names in the country’s showbiz scene that do not require further introduction, some of whom have been known for signature hairstyles that made fans identify them better.

These artistes include Winky D, Jah Prayzah and Selmor Mtukudzi, among others.

It appears the celebrities who were known for sporting signature hairstyles have started experimenting with different looks, much to the delight of some fans and disappointment for others.

Is it a marketing gimmick?

NewsDay Weekender Life & Style traced artistes who experimented with new looks that wowed fans when they appeared different from the usual.

Baba Harare abandoned dreadlocks

Social media was abuzz this week as Baba Harare, born Braveman Chizvino, popped up with a haircut which had netizens saying that there were resemblances between him and fast rising artiste Bagga, the Gevha hitmaker.

While cutting long hair has been seen as a symbol of letting go of the past, a period of transition, new beginnings or grieving, Baba Harare did not leave any hints close to that, but simply posted a picture of him rocking the new haircut on his social media platforms.

The picture was accompanied by a caption of his partnership with a clothing company “New look requires a great suit ...” he wrote.

Since coming into the limelight in 2009 under Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation band, Baba Harare has been sporting dreadlocks.

However, the musician’s decision to go for a new look had fans wondering how it is going to be like in his musical videos making jiti dance moves without dreadlocks.

Reaction from fans

Baba Harare’s dancing abilities are truly impressive; those who have watched his music videos can testify.

Some fans were left wondering if he would be able to pull those moves as interestingly as he did with locks flying in the air.

Others said the locks and his genre were a perfect match, dancing is a skill that has nothing to do with hair.

When Hope Masike went bald

Mbira princess and poet Hope Masike ditched dreadlocks that had become her signature hairstyle, which she slayed in various styles too.

She appeared bald in February last year and told NewsDay Weekender Life & Style that her dreadlocks were not connected to any tradition or cultural affiliation.

It was just a hairstyle that was convenient for her and going bald was not prompted by any particular reason, she said then.

The Mabhanditi hitmaker now rocks haircuts

A few months ago, Zimdancehall musician Seh Calaz, born Tawanda Mumanyi, appeared in a social media posts with a haircut.

He again had ditched dreadlocks.

Although the musician hogged the limelight without dreadlocks on his hit song Mabhanditi, his decision had other people jokingly asking if “Mabhanditi” (as his fans call themselves) had agreed with him to cut the locks that he had kept for a long time.

Songbird Tamy Moyo experimented with various hair colours

Songbird Tamy Moyo, who consistently slayed stunning white or blonde hair during performances and musical videos, decided to try something new and experimented with different types and colours of hair while maintaining her stunning appearance.

Who might be the next famous person to ditch their signature look in favour of trying something different?