Multitalented musician and social media influencer Kevin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, has followed through on his bold promise and shaved off his iconic dreadlocks after Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on the night of Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Bahati had earlier vowed to part ways with his signature hairstyle if Arsenal ever lost to the French side — and true to his word, he did just that.
Taking to Instagram after the defeat on Thursday, May 8, 2025, a visibly heartbroken Bahati posted a video mourning his team’s loss.
In the emotional clip, his barber stands behind him, clippers in hand, ready to shave off the dreadlocks he’s worn for a decade. Bahati, covering his chest with an Arsenal jersey bearing his name, mentally prepared for the dramatic makeover.
In the video, the singer expressed his disappointment over Arsenal’s performance and admitted the night had taken an emotional toll on him. He also acknowledged the importance of keeping one’s word, no matter how tough.
“I have had a bad night. The boys Arsenal, they did what they did; at times, a man has to keep his word, and I think it is time,” he stated.
Shortly after, Bahati shared a photo of his freshly shaved head on Instagram, captioning it “New season” — a sign of embracing change and perhaps a fresh start following the symbolic gesture.
Or maybe it was in reference of Arsenal’s promises of always looking forward to the next season, while not winning any trophy?
Bahati had revealed earlier that the promise wasn’t made lightly. The singer disclosed he had agreed with his wife, Diana Marua, that if Arsenal fell short on Wednesday, the dreadlocks he’d kept for ten years would have to go.
“I have agreed with @diana_marua that if Arsenal loses this Wednesday’s game, I will shave my 10-year dreadlocks,” he disclosed.
