Joseph Rutebeza, known as Joseph Cutz, a prominent Nairobi barber, has revealed that American streamer IShowSpeed compensated him with between Ksh. 2.6 million ($20,000) and Ksh. 6.4 million ($50,000) for a haircut during his recent trip to Kenya.
“Joseph Cutz here, the top barber in town. I see many people discussing this online. The fee for a haircut could range from 20,000 to 50,000 dollars. I’m the only barber in Nairobi who cuts hair for top A-list celebrities,” Joseph stated, emphasizing his elite status.
Following the haircut, IShowSpeed expressed his contentment.
“I got my hair done in Kenya. You did a great job, bro,” IShowSpeed commented.
Joseph Cutz, with over a decade of barbering experience, began his career in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, before moving to Kenya.
He runs a physical barbershop in Lavington and has established a client base ranging from ordinary citizens to politicians and celebrities, leveraging social media, especially Instagram, to display his craft.
This approach worked when he received an unexpected direct message.
“I checked my DM and someone inquired about my services and pricing. Then he asked if I could cut iShowSpeed’s hair,” Joseph recalled.
He quickly identified the message as coming from Speed’s manager.
The manager requested complete confidentiality.
“He told me not to share anything until after Speed has left the country. I assured him I would comply,” Joseph explained.
When Speed arrived in Kenya, Joseph was summoned to the hotel where the streamer and his team were staying.
“Speed is a very pleasant person. He remained cheerful throughout; he recorded videos and shared them on his social media accounts. He also encouraged me to take as many pictures as I wanted,” Joseph described, calling this experience the pinnacle of his career.
Looking forward, the barber has ambitious expansion plans and aims to attract more high-profile clients to his roster.
“I cut hair for everyone. This year, I hope to cut President Ruto’s hair. I’m optimistic it will happen,” he said.