In a sparse roadside shack on the outskirts of Nairobi, a Kenyan barber is redefining his craft with a set of highly unconventional tools, capturing the imagination of millions across Africa and beyond. Safari Martins, known online as Chief Safro, has turned his unique barbering style into a social media sensation, thriving on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
From Borrowed Clippers to Sharpened Shovels
Safari Martins, who was born in Rwanda and is now based in Nairobi, began his journey in 2018 while still in high school. He started by offering haircuts with borrowed clippers outside classrooms and in cramped dormitories. His big break came five years later when he swapped a conventional trimmer for a camera and began experimenting with unusual implements.
Today, his toolkit includes a razor-sharp shovel, an iron, agricultural shears, and a wrench. In a recent session with client Ian Njenga in Kiambu, Martins demonstrated his skill, sliding the sharpened edge of the shovel across Njenga's head to create a surprisingly clean and precise haircut. A helper captured every angle on a smartphone, ready for his avid online audience.
The Social Media Engine Driving a New Trend
Martins is at the forefront of a new wave of influencer barbers in Kenya, where social media usage has exploded. He boasts around 1 million followers on each of his Instagram and TikTok accounts. His popularity mirrors the breakneck growth of social media in the country. According to market research group DataReportal, the number of social media users in Kenya surged from 10.6 million in January 2023 to 15.1 million by January 2025—an increase of almost 50%.
While his zany methods initially went viral, Martins has deepened his content by weaving in traditional African folk tales and cultural motifs into his videos. "I’m motivated by African culture, by African stories," he says, noting that one of his tools, a sharpened iron box, was blessed by village elders.
Fame, Premium Prices, and the Creator Economy Gap
The draw of a unique experience and the chance for social media fame allows Martins to command premium prices. He charges up to 1500 Kenyan shillings (almost $12) for a haircut, a significant sum in Nairobi where a standard trim can cost a tenth of that. For clients like Ian Njenga, the confidence gained is worth the price. "If I compare him with other barbers his talent is next level," Njenga states.
However, Martins highlights a disparity within Kenya's burgeoning digital creator economy. Despite high engagement and views, he feels barbers are not rewarded like other content creators. "Barbers get viral on social media but I feel like they are not respected," he laments. Data supports his claim; a June 2025 brief from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis found that while around 15% of Kenyan online creators rely on it as their primary income, the most lucrative brand deals typically go to gaming, education, or lifestyle niches, as noted by influencer financing company Fundmates.
Nevertheless, Safari Martins represents a vibrant and innovative strand of Kenya's digital revolution, proving that with the right blend of traditional culture, unconventional skill, and social media savvy, a barber with a shovel can carve out a unique and influential space online.
