Dzmag print file april4 by kirkhyman

THE HOTTEST RESOURCE FOR DREADHEADS WORLDWIDE

winter/spring 2016

Asha Zulu

Longest dreads in guinness book of world records

Bob Marley

And his influence on mainstream America and the World

winter/spring 2016

table of con-

tents 2

Dreadsetterz Magazine

Solo_Dread

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7. 9.

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LETTER FROM EDITOR readsetterz Magazine was an idea that quickly became a movement in the Summer of 2011 and what a journey it’s been.

I myself, have had locs for 12 years and someone has always maintained them for me, but back then my hairstylist Missy, had moved to Tampa and I live in Miami, soooo yeah that created a dilemma. One day while leaving my friends house, I sat down in my car but before pulling out of the driveway, called around to multiple local hairstylist known in the area to try and set up an appointment to get my hair groomed, but two things happened; every stylist I called was either booked or didn’t answer the phone and I quickly became frustrated. Within that moment of frustration, I realized there wasn’t a resource catered for people with Dreads as hairstyle of choice and in that moment I decided to ceate a magazine for people with dreads. FAST FORWARD.... here we are. Something you guys may not know, is that I’m a Firefighter/Paramedic by day and giving back to the community is something that’s second nature for me. I’m also a Music Head and an Artist, which is why I feel it ‘s important to feature art from different mediums in each issue. I hope you guys love every issue and find it entertaining, inspirational and beneficial to your Loc journey. My goal for every person who reads Dreadsetterz is to realize that they must love themselves, embrace everything about yourself, flaws and all….we are all beautiful imperfections, nonetheless Beautiful. Enjoy being you, just as YOU are. Making “Natural” a Lifestyle. Bless. Niecy Founder, Editor in Chief

DREADSETTER

BEGinning Model: Irie/Photographer Matthew Thompson

By Jefriene Lancaster

[dred-loks] noun (used with a plural verb) A hair style, especially among Rastafarians, in which the hair is worn in long, rope-like locks. They may be controversial, or cause stereotypical views, but to the people that wear them it is a lifestyle, a style of fashion, a culture, or simply just another hairstyle! Depending on the lifestyle that you choose to live, dreadlocks can be very symbolic of that lifestyle. The hairstyle means a number of different things to different types of people from different walks of life all across the world.

Firstly, the Rastafarians wear their locks as a religious belief. Rastas refer to the bible Leviticus 21:5 “They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body.” The dread locks are a symbol of the biblical Lion of Judah as its mane, and the rebellion against Babylon (The government). The growth of the dread locks is associated with the spiritual journey that one takes to learn patience and become one with their spiritual mind and soul. Moving from one extreme to the next, many men who live in urban inner city communities in the United States wear dreads for the main purpose of giving off an image of a thug, or gangster. The look

exudes struggle, hardship, rebellion, and avoidance. Many gangsters grow dreadlocks and use them as fuel to do wrong and or commit crimes. Dreads are also sometimes a requirement to join a gang. The kinds of dreadlocks that are commonly worn by gangsters are sometimes described as carrot top, or wicks. These styles are not maintained, very well kept or manicured.

Dreadlocks mean afro-centrism, individuality, peace, love, and unity.

Model Chanel Eater/ Photographer Allura Rayford

Even though many people in America who wear dreads look to their hair as just a hairstyle, they sometimes naturally adapt to a more afro-centric style of dress. They feel as though they should not be set apart from any other human in the corporate world and feel as though they should not be judged by their choice of hairstyle. Though these are all very broad explanations and definitions of dreadlocks, each individual may have their own unique definition. After speaking with a few friends about their dreadlocks experiences, I heard some different meanings. Andrew Edwards, (of Jamaican background) explained how his life changed when he had dreads, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat pork and adapted to a righteous lifestyle. After pleasing his father by cutting his dreads, he picked back up all of his old habits. Rochelle Cassimire (of Trinidadian background) looks at her new dreads as a way to embrace her natural hair. She loves the versatility of style without chemicals. Adrian Graham (of American background) said his peers used to ask when he would cut his hair, his father always told him not to change for anyone, and after his father passed he decided to grow his dreads. What is your definition of Dreadlocks?

Freeformed DREADSETTER: JOSHUA COLE

A.K.A SPIRITUAL TWIN

Hometown: Norfolk, VA residing in FL hair? DREADSETTERZ MAGAZINE: How Long Have you been growing your hair? JC: 11 yrs DREADSETTERZ MAGAZINE: What was your reason for Freeforming? JC: “I wanted my hair to stand out, to be different from everyone else’s, but now I grow them for spiritual reasons”. My hair represents FREEDOM,STRENGTH,NATURE and WISDOM.” DREADSETTERZ MAGAZINE: Would you ever cut your dreads? JC: ”I would never cut my locs because they are apart of me.” DREADSETTERZ MAGAZINE: What is a motto you live by? JC: “Know Thyself” and “Get Back to Nature”

TO FOLLOW THIS DREADSETTERZ JOURNEY

@SPIRITUALTWIN11 @SPIRITUALTWINZ11

START THE FREEFORM JOURNEY.

SHARSTAR ART

www.sharstarart.etsy.com

Believe it or not the answer to that question does vary depending on where in the world you are asking it. In some parts of the world dreads are associated with holy people who guard their physical health as carefully as they do their spiritual and therefore would not smoke, drink, eat flesh, etc. While in other parts of the world dreads are associated with criminals that do nothing but smoke, drink, eat flesh, etc. However, most people here in the United States and perhaps the world mostly associate dreads with smoking weed. This being a dread magazine 10

it may have even crossed your mind when you first saw the title of this piece. But why is the increasingly popular habit of smoking bud the more common answer to my initial question? Of course the various depictions of dreads in movies and art have always programmed and reinforced the stereotype. Certainly every case cannot be art imitating life. Most cases I think are merely art imitating stereotype. I do suspect that the late Honorable Robert Nesta Marley, a dread that did smoke pot, has a lot to do with this stereotype. Mr. Marley was one of the most, if not the most prolific artist of any genre or medium to represent Jamaica. Marley is probably also the most famous dread. And, when you think about it, Bob Marley is also famous for smoking reefer. It is so synonymous with his name that one of herbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many aliases (aliases in this article are in bold) is actually Bob Marley or simply Marley. If one were to askwhere can I get some of that Bob Marley? Something seems to automatically tell you the request is not for music. His fame put his name in our mouths, music in our ears, and a stereotype in our minds. Being so famous

by Duan Sanderson he was naturally photographed a lot and many of the posters that were printed, even album covers had Marley with a fat spliff in hand. Such photo opportunities were frequent as Bob smoked often enough to burn around a pound a week (YouTubeWhy I smoke weed!).

Bob Bob Marley Marley was was perhaps perhaps the the first first dread dread that that many many people people around the world ever around the world ever saw saw and and with the dreads they saw the with the dreads they saw the marijuana. marijuana. I think this almost justifies the strong association of dreads with ganja. Isn’t it funny how most of the broccoli sold on the streets or in medicinal outlets come from Mexico or right here in the United States yet the main association of the drug in many people’s minds is still with Jamaica? I wonder if that has anything to do with Bob being Jamaican. Consider that Cannabis is by far the number one cash crop in the United States and has a production value higher than wheat, corn, rice, oranges and tobacco combined. Now I ask you how many dreads do you think there are in the

United States? Even if they all smoked as much as a pound a week it just doesn’t add up. The fact is it should be more of a stereotype that Americans smoke sess than dreads. So if you see a dread with a joint then he is simply just a dread that happens to smoke. This of course does not mean that all or even most dreads smoke. Similarly not all dreads come from Jamaica or Africa. All dreads are not Rastas (However, most Rastas are in fact dreads and most do smoke sinse. So the stereotype is pretty spot on for Rastafarians). Furthermore, dreads are not worn only by people of color but are proudly worn by all races and classes of people from all over the world. From the streets to the workplace, models, actors, athletes and musicians (not just Reggae) alike are seen with dreads. Be it for hair style or life style there is too much diversity among dreads to stereotype the lot. Stereotypes only cause us to pre-judge. So the blunt expression is:

Don’t be prejudice! Please.

s p i T e r a C Hair for the everyday

Dreadsetter

Cover your locs

Benefits:Prevents stuff from getting into your locs. ie; lint, pet dander, ***It is important and whatever else is to remember that laying around.When everyones hair naturally stuff gets into your grows at different rates. locs it’s difficult to get So don’t disappoint yourself by comparing out and if you’re not your growth rate to shampooing regularly others. its even harder. Lint and dander will actually weave itself into your locs and have to be picked out individually.At some point you will have to use to tweezers which can damage the loc itself. Once you’ve passed this point you only have two options left:learn to love it or dye it.

–J.Michelle www.locyourlocs.com

Water helps accelerate the loc’ing process. Each time you take a shower dampen your hair with water then dry your locs with ***Clients you have the a towel or air dry. right to ask questions, if your loctician doesn’t For loc newbies like questions then maybe it’s time to find a who are not new one. freeforming, who used the comb coiled method, wait a few months before attempting this. @loclivin

Dyed Locs Take extra care of your locs when colored, dye dries out your locs and also causes shedding. Water and Oil are your best friends.

***Retwist is optional but cleanliness is mandatory.Properly shampoo and dry locs at least once a month

Method to deep Clean Locs Vinegar and baking soda may be used to get rid of oils and build up in locs.It is one of the most natural ways to clean locs.

***Frizzies on your locs is part of the locking process!! As your hair trains itself, those stray fuzzy hairs get in line.

Protecting your Locs During Sleep Protect your hair while sleeping no matter how late it is or how tired you are. You can use a satin bonnet or dreadsock. This prevents breakage, dryness, and frizz. www.locsntwistsbylauren.com

Lockstyles QUANA

continued (on page 22)

LoC_Lub Brooklyn, New York msmcgee26@gmail.com Shiquna McGee @iamloclub

SALON SUGAR

Crissa Rajczy-Leo 711 E Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19147 Phone (215)-922-5522 www.salonsugarphilly.com @dreadloxoxo

continued (on page 22)

RAYCINE C-W

ANTONIO CARTER

Freshlocs 4040 Millersville Rd, Indianapolis, IN. 46218 Phone: 317-654-6855 www.freshlocs.com @freshloc Freshlocs Antonio Carter

Rob’s 5iveStar Barbershop 3215 W. Pleasant run. Lancaster. TX. 75146 Phone: (223)-383-4021 @RCWDREADS

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A DREADSETTER IS YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW OUR FEATURED DREADSETTER, XAVIER MCLENDON.

Xavier Mclendon has beat the odds, is an innovator and continues to make his own path. This young man hailing from Georgia, says he was inspired to loc his hair after watching the rapper E-40’S music video:”Tell me When To Go”, which captured teens dancing and shaking their locs. Not soon after deciding to grow locs,Xavier shares with us that he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 16 which caused him to lose his locs while receiving treatment for his condition. Miraculously, a year later Xavier was cured and had beat cancer, which is when he decided to regrow his locs.”I use the dreads as a timeline for how long I’ve been cancer free.” says Xavier.

GET TO KNOW XAVIER:

Who does your hair? Xavier: I do my hair myself. How long Does it take to do your hair? Xavier: 6 hours Would you ever cut your hair again? Xavier: Never. Not only is Xavier Mclendon a dreadsetter but he’s also a photographer and has his own company called Focused Mind Photography which he created after his battle with cancer. ”I have a new perspective on things, on Life, and Myself. I’m focused.”says Xavier. This is what makes him an everyday Dreadsetter.

How did you get into photography? Xavier: I use to beg people to take pics for free after getting my first camera. I also had the opportunity to work behind the scenes in the movie “ Curve Ball” and the directors loved the pictures. What are some of your hobbies? Xavier: Eating, Drawing, and Dancing Favorite Genre of Music? Xavier: OLD School, Neo-Soul Favorite Artists? Erykah Badu

Xavier Mclendon

DREADED

DAZE

The word Daze is defined as the ability to make someone unable to think or react properly. A person who’s in a “Daze” could also be described someone who is stunned, bewildered or confused. So how does this relate to our next Dreadsetter? Well it’s simple; He goes by the name of Daze, and not to mention everything about this being will leave you in awe. Maybe even in a trance, of course for Good reason. Daze is a Thinker, a Realist and a firm believer in being true to yourself, and your own beliefs, which is why he is the perfect example of a Dreadsetter. At first glance of the 32 y/o Daze, from Hialeah, FL whose is covered from head to toe in Ink, one may either be intimidated or attracted to his demeanor and style. As for myself, I was instantly drawn to Daze when I noticed his Ink and looooooong Dreads. He was the perfect fit for Dreadsetterz Magazine. I had to know his story. Daze tells us that when he was in high school he always had a “surfer look” that matted, unkept look, Daze states, “I use to use bees wax a lot to form them and that was the style back hanging around a lot of gangs.” Now, If you’re from Miami that style is called “wicks”, and although everyone with “wicks” a.k.a freeform locks, aren’t into criminal activity, that is the common association if you live in Miami. Daze goes on to tell us that he decided to cut his hair as a gift for his mom in 2002 when graduating from school, and completely shaved his head. ”I just wanted 18

to do it for her”, states Daze. Not s o o n after in 2005 the love for locks came back to Daze with a vengeance, and he began to let his hair grow back. Now something you may not know is Daze has been barbering since the age of 14 and has established himself as one of the best barbers in Miami, known for his dope designs. Daze tells us that he was cutting a client’s hair and the client expressed how easy it is for barbers to maintain their hair because their “Barbers” but the word Easy didn’t sit well with Daze who states ” I tried to tell him no, if you want anything you have to have patience. To prove a point Daze didn’t cut his hair or beard for a year, “I always shaved the sides off though,” states Daze. I just wondered what his reasons for locking up text continued (on page 39)

DREADSETTERZ

IN COLOR

Scott Bratek @Scott Bratek Scott Bratek@gmail.com

grew up in upstate NY and began drawing at an early age. After High School he attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to refine his skill and technique, concentrating on figure drawing and portraiture. The crosshatch technique has become his signature style and is immediately recognizable as his work. Over the past few years he has had successful solo and group shows in Atlanta as well as Miami. Currently residing in Miami Scott is always pushing his technique further with no end in sight.

The Dreaded Decision: Dreadlocks & Children When 6 year old Jahliyah looks in the mirror, she isn’t quite sure what to make of her hair. She wonders if it should be more like her Caucasian classmates with long, straight tresses or more like her mother’s, whose crown of dreadlocks cascades down her back. Monique Brown-Burroughs gently reminds her daughter to love the person she sees in the mirror—as is—and that neither of those choices are options, at least “I want her to discover who she is without my influence,” says Brown-Burroughs, 26. “As a child, I didn’t have an option about my hair and I eventually rebelled. I don’t want that for her.” Despite dreadlocks representing spirituality and faith for the family, she still believes it’s ultimately her daughter’s choice how she wears her hair.“My husband and I consider ourselves Ras-Christians, a blend of Rastafarianism and Christianity,” she explains. “I teach my daughters to embrace our beliefs but I won’t force 20

By Kerry Green-Phillips them to have dreadlocks. Perms are a no-no as well. It’s important for their hair to remain in its natural state.” Fifteen year old Zerah Hernandez of Fort Wayne, Ind., knows what it’s like to have a parent make the ultimate hair decision. She grew up in a family with dreadlocks and it wasn’t until her parents were divorcing that she was given theoption to cut her hair. For six years she had a love/ hate relationship with her hair and at age 13 made the decision to return to her roots. “My family wears dreadlocks for spiritual reasons,” says Hernandez who is of mixed heritage. “My hair is a connection to Jah, the creator, and the rejection of mainstream culture. I love my locks and feel they are a reflection of my inner self—a natural and free being.” While some families favor the Biblical approach of training a child in the way he should go, many are forgoing that belief and allowing children to find the style that best reflects their vindividual personality. Zerah, center, is pictured with her family.As a child, her parents made the ultimate hair decision for her, choosing to lock her hair to represent their rastafarian religion.

SHARSTAR ART

Lockstyles continued (from page 15)

QUANA

SALON SUGAR

By Monica Bedi

In popular consciousness, the 1930’s term “triple threat” can be applicable to the 2011 personification of the rising dreadlocks hairstyle. Highly skilled in three creative areas, it performs in the 3 E’s: Exhibition, Enhancement, and Energization.Made in Pittsburgh, the 8 year-old spiritual dreads of one of Pennsylvania’s most intriguing heads: Kyle Anthony Adams, are the epitome of triple threat.“My dreadlocks make feel as if I’m a plant. They shape themselves of my surrounded environment and exhibit energy. They’re a bit like antennas, crossed between branches of a tree - crossed between a Lion’s mane, feeling like more then just hair. As a Virgo (the earth sign), my dreadlocks enhance a strong synchronicity with the earth with their naturalness. Then, as a painter, they add creativity and my outward appearance reflects that. To say, at times when I encounter strong emotions, they’re an energized extension of my aura - pulling and exhibiting different energies and feelings in the air for people to pick up on.” Exhibiting power, Adams’ eye-catching and texturally complex dreads influence his world and the world around him. The dreads captivate children by their intricacies that reveal their substance. Children tend to point and shout on how “cool” Adams’ blonde locks are. Sometimes referred to as “Johnny Depp, Ragedy Andy, and the Scare Crow character,”

Adams sustains popularity with strangers who ask to touch them, therefore garnering widespread oohs and aahs as if “I have a zoo on my head,” Adams quotes. Enhancing business, Adams’ dreads take an understated approach to contriving a life-altering hold. As a graphic designer and web developer, Adams’ dreads helped him get his dream-job by showing his creative, bright, and happy side past his resume. Similarly, as a freelance painter, he is frequently asked if he is an artist. Thence, he networks and gives a notable first impression. “It’s hard to forget a white boy with blonde dreadlocks and a cur mustache,” he says. Energizing his spirit, his dreads enliven him. He considers them conduits to conduct personal expression, portraying the messages of freedom, artistic expression, independence, and style. If he lost his hair,

he’d tear up like he lost a piece of himself. Yet, if he still had his hair and the entire world had dreads, he wouldn’t get rid of his dreads to be different as he states that the odd assortment of his styled dreadlocks are very unique alone. Adams’ influx of accessories within his dreads defines his style as he utilizes a distinctive blend of collected aesthetics. His collected accessories include: soda can tabs, yarn, string, letter blocks “L A”, a gold eaglebutton, key rings and clips, snapable “O” ring, and an Metropolitan Museum of Art admission button. However, the unintentional accessory of dry paint also sets Adams’ dreads apart as the long-length interferes with his paintings which he says, “only adds to my dreads.”Selfreferred to as explosive, tribal, and bright, Adams rocks his triple threat dreads now and forever.

@Scott Bratek Scott Bratek@gmail.com

“It’s

not who starts the strongest, It’s who lasts the longest”, words spoken from 34 y/o Karega Davidson better known as Killa K, one of Miami’s hottest DJ’s, Bicycle enthusiast, and fitness Experts, this Dreadsetter knows all about the GRIND and will get it by any means. Killa K has beaten the odds born in Queens, NY and residing in Miami, FL for the majority of his life, this dude didn’t have it easy and could even be called a rebel by many. Killa K tells us he was a high school dropout, sold drugs, and used to hang out in the studio, but little did he know the place that was just a hangout and a spot to make money for him, would also be the key spot that would change his life forever. Killa K tells Dreadsetterz,” I use to make mixtapes but didn’t even realize I was making Mixtapes.” Soon after he began selling mix cds, and realized he had a real passion for music like no other but needed to take it serious. “I went to the Scratch Academy in Wynwood,” says Killa K. The scratch academy was where this young hustler began to take his craft of music seriously. Fast Forward, Killa K is now a well-known DJ in Miami affiliated to Street Connect DJ’s; he has hosted mixtapes such as “Live House Season 2”, for Miami Rapper Iceberg, amongst other events with the Rapper who had also gravitated to Killa K’s work ethic. Killa K has been a club DJ now for 3 years and is just getting better with no end in sight. So now you know the story behind the music, but the reason why we’re all here is for the Dreads right? Well Killa K tells us he began growing his hair when he was in high school, “I had wicks” says Killa K. In Miami Wicks are

KILLA K

Killing Everything on Site

free form locks but a tad bit wilder. Ok back to Killa K; “I re-did my locks later on and it’s been 14 years with dreads”, explains Killa K, or 14 mango seasons as he likes to call it, when referring to his mane. When asked if he would ever cut his hair Killa K told us, “Never”!! “Dreads are my Identity and my connection with my Ol girl,”which is slang for mother if you’re from Miami. Why is this significant you’re probably wondering?...well, because Killa K’s mother also has locks, so this is a characteristic they share and it definitely adds to their bond according to Killa K. Talk about family ties…. These two are locked for life.

Killa Facts: DSetterz: What is your ethnicity? Killa K: “Jamaican, American” DSetterz: What songs are on your playlist? Killa K: “Travis Scott, Kevin Gates, Rick Ross, and Adele; I’m listening to that Adele Heavy”. DSetterz: What are some of your Hobbies when you’re not in the DJ Booth?

Killa K: “When I’m not in the booth I’m either in the Gym, working as a Certified Personal Trainer or out riding bikes. I’m all about the bike life. I’m a part of a movement called Critical Mass Miami; it’s a huge event that takes place every last Friday of the month. Critical Mass is thousands of people coming together on bicycles riding throughout downtown Miami for about 1520 miles, you go at your pace, and it’s just a good vibe and also great cardio. I have been a part of the movement for a while and now I have most of my friends riding bikes, they love it”. Photographer Anthony Battle

Natural style life

Model Patrick Marcelino Photographer Joseph Ibrahim

Longest Dreads in Longest Dreads in the World? Is this actually possible? Yes. Asha Mandela holds the title for the longest dreads in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. At 19 feet long, Asha Mandela unapologetically embraces her extremely long locks and wears them with pride. Asha Mandela has been growing her locks for 30 years and tells Dreadsetterz that her journey was not planned, but more so provoked by visions and dreams that came to her at a time in her life when she was embarking on a spiritual journey; from that point on she made the decision to lock her hair and since, has never looked back. Asha was also featured in Ripleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Believe it text continued (on page 44)

19 ', 6''

just as

YOU are.

Nourishing spirit + soul + body

VEE+CO is a cruelty free, plant and earth based apothecary line dedicated to the "triangle of life". VEE+CO strives to nourish the spirit, soul, and body. Made with intention.

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Dreadsetterz Ruby Tafari is a Photography major in her second year of school pursuing herAssociates Degree and is also an Everyday Dreadsetter.“All of the stress of school and life had me unmotivated, but through photography, I’m getting my motivation back. I hope to start producing more work to share with the world and if all goes well, to make a living out of it. I grew up in a Rasta family. I’ve had my locks all my life ever since I had enough hair to tangle in to locks, I’ve had them. They are free form. I’ve never been to a salon ever in my life. I’ve “re-twisted” them less times than I have fingers.My locks represent my family and my life. I’ve literally grown them from the roots up. Everything I’ve been through is my hair, to some that’s a bad thing, but to me it’s a reminder that I’ve made it this far and I can continue.”

Ruby Tafari, 19, Atlanta

Photographer Ruby Tafari

Love, in itself, is a vital component to our existence.

Since I’ve started my loc journey in June of 2014 after a

It shakes our worlds, warms us, heals us of emotional

little over a year of growing my hair out naturally, I’ve

and mental wounds. We lean on it more than society

come to know a plethora of others along this path, with

leads on. But there are times that love seems as if it

me. I myself, have hardly been directly discriminated due

is not enough. Which is why it is so important to have

to my locs but I know stories of the plight so many have

an abundant love for ourselves.

to endure when making such a change to their life. Those that have ultimately had to cut their locs to retain a stable

Self-love is what keeps us in the fight of life. In a

job show that, though this journey is such a beautiful one,

world that has countless definitions of what beauty

it comes with stigmas nearly unparalleled for hair.

is supposed to be, we’re taught that we aren’t enough. That our appearance must fit the status quo

Those on the outside looking in believe that is unkept and

in order to be accepted. This can cause many of us

dirty, which is hardly ever the case. Locs, like all types of

to adhere to these stigmas and change ourselves

hair, require maintenance; and most are arguably cleaner

out of necessity to maintain jobs, social status, and

than most hairstyles. In fact, the beauty of locs, is that

in some cases, relationships. But it is when putting

they are more than just a hairstyle, but a part of a spiritual

focus into loving ourselves that we learn to accept

journey that each person takes on in the name of selflove.

who we are and all that it may bring. It is one of the

So it shows the dedication those will take to achieve

most challenging, necessary and rewarding acts

such love.

we face. So self-love is an important and vital component to our Growing up, I was a very self-conscious child.

existence. It is the one of the most challenging, necessary

Due to the darkness of my skin, I was the subject

and yet rewarding acts we’ll face in our lives; and many

of derogatory jokes among classmates, and

will go through great lengths to love themselves, even

consequently kept to myself. I began to doubt my

against societal stigmas. I will leave you all with my poem

own beauty and lost confidence in my ability to “fit

“Self-Love”: “Self-love is what we use to regenerate our

in”. I hated myself, I wanted my skin to be lighter, hair

drained souls from past and broken love. Empowers us to

that was tamer than that of which crowned my head.

look in the mirror and see beauty in the reflection. And it

As I grew older, I realized that the love for myself

is with that power, we must give its abundance to others

shouldn’t be a reflection of how anyone feels about

who are in the state we’ve since blossomed from. It is

me, except for me. That my appearance was nothing

important to reach the plane of loving ourselves; but it

to be ashamed of. I was slowly becoming more and

is even more vital to share that love with others who are

more comfortable with my skin and the person I am.

deprived of it”

By: Daeizm 34

Stylish Model: Irie/Photographer Matthew Thompson

THE LEGEND

BOB MARLEY Original Dreadsetter

2/6/1945 - 5/11/1982

“This is my Identity Mon.” Notable words spoken to a journalist during an interview, who asked the legendary Reggae Artist about his Locks. Born in Jamaica, Bob Marley was known to the world for creating and promoting Good Vibes through his soulful Music, which touched people from all walks of life, but what he truly embraced was Self-love, Peace, Awareness and unity between all mankind.These are what makes him an Orignal Dreadsetter. Marleys rebellious soul allowed people to feel andknow back then and even today, that it’s okay to be who YOU want to be, not worrying what OTHERS may think; breaking the cycle of mental slavery, which was very important to the Icon.

Most people relate Dreadlocks to Rastafarianism, but today, the culture of locks has spread throughout all parts of the globe, reaching all races and ethnicities. Locks are worn as more of a fashion statement for many people, but even this would have never been possible without

Bob Marley, who influenced the world to be comfortable in their skin, both through his own style and music.

Enjoy being you

Model Tracy-Ann Byfield Photographer Dolla Foster/ tennationdolla@aol.com

text continuing (from page 18) were…So I asked and this is what he had to say: “My Dreads are a symbol of Patience, Commitment, Loyalty, Accomplishment, and I have no plans to ever cut my dreads.” As Daze speaks he is looking me directly in the eyes, with a stern voice, he exudes confidence in every word. This is a Dreadsetter, I thought to myself while listening to him explain his reasons for his journey. Daze goes on to say, “I’m not a Rasta, not trying to be a Rasta. I simply like the style.” I quickly interjected and asked Daze, “How do everyday people with Dreads or even Rasta’s approach you? With no hesitation Daze replied, “I get respect from Rasta’s and regular people with dreads.” I then asked Daze has a Rasta ever said anything negative to you and if so how would you handle it? “If I ever met a Rasta who is negative about my hair, my take on that would be; you aren’t a real Rasta because Rastafarianism doesn’t promote negative vibes or negativity”, explains Daze. From this I’m sure you can gather that this guy knows who he is and what he represents and is educated on the culture. All I could do was nod my head and agree with him. Something about his vibe, his aura was one I haven’t encountered in a while. To some people they would probably think otherwise by his sleeve of tattoos, his piercings and etc.; but that was all the more reason I wanted get inside his mind. If you want to know just how versatile and talented he is well…. let’s see, Daze has been featured in music videos for DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, and Ace Hood to name of few, he is also a tattoo artist, with a background that began in the streets of Miami as a graffiti artist, and to top it off he is a photographer and creative director while on the sets of various photoshoots with his associate Fleitas Photos. How does he do it all? He says he manages himself. “I’m always busy, I’m always on the grind” says Daze. This is true indeed.

He won’t be stopped any time soon, you can love him or hate him, he is the true definition of an everyday Dreadsetter. Daze left me with a direct insight on his approach on life and it is this:“Before you point fingers remember God created everybody imperfect because nobody’s perfect. What is not fabricated is the freedom you are given to create. You must use your pain as passion.Be the best version of you, you can be”, states Daze. Now if that doesn’t leave you in a Daze then you must not be human, but this guy definitely lives up to his name.

Photographer Fleitas Photos

Dsetterz: How many dreads do you have? Daze: “ I have about 30 “ Dsetterz: How often do you wash your hair? Daze: “ Once every 2 months” Dsetterz: Do you mind people touching or asking questions about your hair? Daze: “ No, It’s a conversation starter” Dsetterz: How did you get the name Daze? Daze: “ In 96’ I think, when that Bone Thugs N Harmony song came out and the verse went “ These are the days of our lives”, right then it just hit me that would be my name, and I don’t go by my real name” Dsetterz: How many tattoos do you have? Daze: “ I’m covered from head to toe, literally, even my tongue.” Dsetterz: What does the Barcode on your forehead represent? Daze: “It means I am my own product. I can’t be duplicated, there is nobody else like me, I am my own product. I’m reminded everytime I look in the mirror. Dsetterz: What’s on your playlist? Daze: “Classic Rock, Alternative Rock and Classic RnB. It depends on the mood I’m in.” Dsetterz: What is your motto for life? Daze: “I live by the code of pirates, that is, no worries, just conquering wherever they land. I love to explore. I appreciate the positive and not the negative of what pirates do”.

Dreadsetterz On the Scene at Royal Coils Hair Show 2015

@naturaltrendsetters @simonesetstrends

text continued (from page 29) Or Not in 2008, which also put the spotlight on this Dreadsetterz locks or as she calls them, “My Crown of Love”. One may probably ask themselves what are the pros and cons of having hair this long? Also, what does your family think of them? Well, according to Asha, there aren’t many cons. “I don’t get headaches or back pain”, and as for family she tells us, “They just don’t understand it”. The hardest thing would probably be drying my hair, which can take about 24 hours” explains Asha. We asked Asha has anyone ever styled her hair and she told us, Maria Thompson, a Loctician and Owner of Twist and Turns in Hartford, CT, is the first and only person to have had the opportunity to style her hair. Asha Mandela explains to us that she uses about 3-5 bottles of Shampoo to wash her hair, because she has to make sure she gets a good lather. If your hair is going to be that long you have to keep them clean. Right? Not only does this Dreadsetter have locks but she also has a Natural Hair Care Product line called “ Zulu Earth Solutions”, and besides it being a popular line for naturals, she donates the money from her line to a Children’s Fund in Dandora, Kenya,

Photographer Keith Claytor

which she tell us has 150% poverty. There’s so much to say about this Dreadsetter, we could go on and on, almost like her locks, but we won’t, we’ll just leave you with her thoughts on cutting her hair: “My crown is a gift from the most high of which I will cherish forever and I will NEVER cut!! I absolutely love my crown”,

States Asha.

Model Casey Linden Photographer Matt Edge Photography