Barber With Legacy

From its early roots as an ultimate grooming practice to its contemporary evolution as an art form, barbering has gone through a gradual and non-stop transformation in Malawi.

Meanwhile, it is better to acknowledge that through this transformation, barbers have also evolved from mere groomers to craftsmen and artisans who are infusing creativity and innovation.

Amidst this craftsmanship is Prince Butani a renowned Lilongwe barber who has found himself a star in the industry for providing remarkable and eye-catching hairstyles. His journey mirrors the evolution of the barbering industry itself.

Prince grew up in Machinjiri Township in Blantyre. Like any other young man, he was filled with hopes and dreams, that he studied journalism.

However, after a series of job fetching and hunting which did not go as planned, he sought for greener pastures in Cape Town, South Africa where he was inspired to venture into barbering.

“In 2012 while in Cape Town, I got inspiration when I looked at the industry that side that is when I got a vision because I was looking for something that I could do when I came back to Malawi, so I started to notice and learn about the industry and I could see there were gaps I could bridge in the process,” he said.

While penetrating an industry from far seems to be one of the easiest tasks, it took the visionary man in Prince to push the dream to reality.

“In 2013, I came and I started my barbershop. At this point, all I came with from Cape Town was a vision, by then I did not know how to cut hair because my plan was to have a team and just be the brains behind a hair cutting business,” he said.

It is a well-known thought that leading by example positively impacts a team drive, many are the times when staff members get inspired and motivated when they see the boss actively involved and proficient in the work.

It is after realising this, that Prince picked up some clippers and got himself involved in the work, it was time for him to learn.

“After understanding the industry for a while, I realised it was time for me to get involved knowing that if I didn’t things would go bad. So, I was able to subscribe to channels that teach how to cut the hair and that got me started on learning the skill,” he said.

Through his career and artistry, it is clear that Prince has not only transformed hair but also the lives of those he touches. His charity endeavours through the years exemplify a young man whose talent is intertwined with a deep-seated desire to uplift the community.

He has on various occasions used his talent to uplift but also inspire the less privileged by providing free haircuts to street children, children living with cancer but also different homeless individuals.

“I am not a person who came from a big background so because of that I always have a soft spot for the less privileged, I see how so many people are struggling and it is always a pleasure working with them.

“I strongly believe that everyone, regardless of where they are coming from, deserves to be loved and it has always been nice to interact with them and just understand in general what they go through,” said Prince.

His legacy is one of resilience, hard work and generosity as he continues to wield his clippers with delicacy. He leaves an enduring impact in the industry as well as inspiring those who have had the privilege of sitting in his chair.

Every artist has their favourite piece and for Prince the barber, the fading hair technique stands out among his repertoire. To him it is not just a haircut, but a work of art where he blends creativity as it embodies most of the hairstyles.

One of his clients, Berry Mbalame, said he is extraordinary.

“I went to his barbershop once after a friend took me there. I just went to try it out after seeing many rave reviews on social media and I must admit that I was impressed. That week I got so many complements. I plan to make myself a regular client,” he said.