By Morenike Taire

COOL FM Morning Show anchor known as Manny is a proud father of one. He has worn his dreadlocks long for so many years that it has become a signature. He says with his man-about-town lifestyle, his dreadlocks are here to stay.

As a man wearing dreadlocks, do you sometimes get funny stares?

Yeah, all the time. In church, everywhere. People think I’m not normal

Are you?

I always say I’m the last sane generation in this country (laughs). Seriously, this is  a country where they write you off before they even know you

Have you ever been tempted to chop it off?

For what? I am not living for anybody, I’m living for myself.

Never even come close?

Actually, once or twice. There was a rumour in town that government said people with dreadlocks should be arrested. I was coming from Surulere that day when a friend tipped me off. I saw some policemen and I told them I was a media person.

Was it true?

You know Nigeria, rumour spreads faster than the truth. I was also tempted  just before I got married. There was a job I was going for and they said it was mine, but I had to cut my hair. Of course I refused.

Is it a youth thing, or would you still have your dreads when you are 60?

There are people who are 70 and have dreadlocks. I prefer to just be myself. I am not a hypocrite.

Does your wife have a problem with your hair?

No, my wife does not see my hair that way. She is a decent lady.

What does your present employer think?

Nothing. Nothing at all. The guy is exposed nowww.

I am told that women are attracted to men with dreadlocks. Is it true?

I think so. It’s just that a man with hair is very attractive. It’s even biblical. Not every man can grow his hair. Some don’t have the genes, some are not free. It takes a man who is free to express himself.

Freedom?

These days you see a white man walk into a bank with long hair and people are falling over themselves to attend to him. If Michael Jackson were to attend a church service with Oyedepo, would they ask him to cut his hair? It’s just a mindset; it’s a black man thing. I ask people, are you looking at my hair or looking at me? I believe things will change with time.

Has it been the case with you?

Manny is someone that gets the attention of a lot of ladies. I think it’s my nature. Women like a guy who can make them laugh.

So, it is not about your hair?

I am not sure it’s about my hair. I’m not sure.