IN a controversial move, the government of Zanzibar has issued a ban on men braiding their hair, imposing a strict penalty of one million Tanzanian shillings (about $410), six months imprisonment, or both for violators of the directive. The ban has sparked debates surrounding cultural traditions and individual freedom.
Omar Adam, the Executive Secretary of the Council of Arts, Film, and Culture in Zanzibar, expressed strong disapproval of men plaiting their hair, deeming it unacceptable. In a radio interview, he warned, ‘Police will arrest all men who plait hair; this is not acceptable by the arts council, and there is a special permit for plaiting hair, which is TSh1 million, and we have set that price in order to deter them. Now it is your choice to either pay TSh1 million to plait or buy a razor to shave.’
Adam further highlighted that many young people in Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination, have developed the habit of braiding their hair, which he believes goes against the traditions of the Zanzibari people. In another interview with BBC Swahili, he expressed his concern, stating, ‘I don’t know if there is any father here in Zanzibar who will take his son to a hair salon. This is not the culture of Zanzibar, and we as law enforcers must prevent this.’
According to Adam, the police will soon take action against all men found braiding their hair in Zanzibar without a special permit. He further explained that individuals seeking permission to plait their hair will be required to pay TSh1 million. It is worth noting that this law has been in existence since 2015 but has never been enforced until now.
