The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast #50 – Jabu Stone: Why I Don't Like The Term "Dreadlocks"

On this episode of The Relebogile Mabotja Podcast, I am joined by Jabu Stone.We talk about his incredible journey from an electrical engineer working in a factory during the apartheid era to becoming a household name. Jabu opens up about his early entrepreneurial spirit and the bold decision to take unpaid leave to assist his sister in a salon, where he learnt the trade and perfected his craft.Our conversation explores the origins of the natural hair movement in South Africa. Jabu reveals the shocking ingredients people used to use on their locs—from brown bread and Coca-Cola to Sunlight soap—and shares the fascinating story of how he began working on his products.He reflects on his travels through West Africa and the US, and his mission to rebrand "dreadlocks" into simply "locks," removing the fear and stigma associated with natural African hair. He shares the heartwarming and humourous story of how he met his wife on the street and drops a powerful gem on the secret to their long-lasting 35-year marriage.We also dive into the spiritual significance of hair as an "antenna" to the divine, his resilience in business, and the importance of self-love and African pride.This is an episode filled with history, heritage, and wisdom—a masterclass in building a legacy against the odds and reclaiming identity through entrepreneurship.#RelebogilePod