BOB MARLEY’S GRANDDAUGHTER CREDITS KENYA’S MAU MAU FIGHTERS AS ORIGIN OF DREADLOCKS

In a moment that has since gone viral across social media, Bob Marley’s granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast educated millions of viewers on the global origins of dreadlocks during a livestream with popular streamer IShowSpeed.

The conversation, which took place in Kingston, saw Prendergast reveal that dreadlocks have deep roots in both Kenya and India. She specifically cited the Mau Mau fighters, who grew matted hairstyles as a form of camouflage during their armed resistance against British colonial rule between 1952 and 1960. She also linked the hairstyle to Indian Sadhus, holy men living ascetic lives in the mountains.

“Dreadlocks comes from Kenya with Mau Mau warriors and India the Sadhus, the holy Indians who live high up in the mountains and they’re dressed like that also that’s where ganja comes from,” Prendergast told IShowSpeed during the broadcast.

The clip spread rapidly across multiple platforms, triggering an outpouring of pride and joy among Kenyan viewers. Many celebrated the recognition of the Mau Mau fighters, whose role in the country’s liberation struggle has often been under-documented in global pop culture. The livestream has since amassed millions of views, reigniting conversations about the African and Indian origins of Rastafarian symbolism and practices.