Crayon’s Quiet Tribute: Singer Shaves Off His Dreads to Honor His Late Mother on Her Heavenly Birthday

Nigerian singer and Mavin Records star Crayon began the new year on an emotional note, choosing a deeply personal act of remembrance to honor his late mother, Evelyn Chukwu, on what would have been her birthday. In a gesture rooted in tradition and love, the singer shaved off his signature dreadlocks, marking what he described as a painful but meaningful milestone in his journey of grief and devotion as a first son.

On January 1, 2026, Crayon took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the moment with fans and followers, posting a heartfelt message that quickly resonated across social media. “Happy heavenly birthday mum,” he wrote. “Today as your first son and as tradition requires I cut my hair. I hope it shows how much I love, respect and adore you mum. I miss you everyday — my everything.” The message, raw and unfiltered, reflected a son still learning how to navigate life without the woman who shaped his world.

The post, which included images of his freshly shaved head, struck a chord with many Nigerians who are familiar with the cultural significance attached to hair cutting during mourning, especially among first sons. In several Nigerian traditions, cutting one’s hair after the death of a parent is a symbolic act of respect, closure, and acceptance of a painful new reality. By choosing to observe this rite publicly, Crayon blended cultural heritage with personal vulnerability, turning a private ritual into a moment of collective reflection.

Crayon did not shy away from expressing the depth of his pain. “Words can’t explain how hard today is, it hasn’t been easy navigating this world without you,” he continued. “I promise to make you proud mum. Till we meet again. I love you mum.” The message amassed hundreds of thousands of views within hours, with fans, fellow artists, and public figures flooding the comments section with messages of condolence, prayers, and admiration for his strength.

The singer, whose real name is Charles Chibueze Chukwu, has often spoken about the influence his mother had on his life and career. Long before the fame, chart-topping hits, and international recognition, Crayon was a young boy with big dreams, supported by a mother who believed fiercely in his talent. Her passing, which he has referenced sparingly in the past, remains one of the most defining moments of his personal life.

For many fans, the act of shaving off his dreads carried added symbolism. Crayon’s dreadlocks had become part of his identity since his breakout into the mainstream, representing youth, creativity, and freedom. Letting go of them was seen not just as a cultural obligation, but as a visible sign of sacrifice — a willingness to shed a part of his public image to honor someone who mattered more than fame or aesthetics.

Social media reactions reflected this sentiment. Fans described the tribute as “pure,” “heartbreaking,” and “beautifully respectful.” Some shared their own experiences of loss, noting how grief has no timeline and how certain dates, like birthdays, often reopen wounds that never fully heal. Others praised Crayon for keeping tradition alive in an era where modernity often overshadows cultural practices.

Within the Nigerian entertainment industry, artists also showed support. Messages of encouragement poured in from colleagues who acknowledged how difficult it can be to grieve under the constant spotlight of fame. For a public figure like Crayon, whose career thrives on visibility, choosing to show vulnerability rather than maintain a polished image was seen as both brave and human.

The timing of the tribute, on the first day of a new year, added another layer of emotion to the moment. While many were celebrating fresh beginnings and setting resolutions, Crayon was confronting the absence of his mother, using the symbolic act of hair cutting to mark both an ending and a continuation. It was a reminder that for some, the new year begins with remembrance rather than celebration.

Cultural commentators online noted how Crayon’s gesture reignited conversations about the role of tradition in modern Nigerian society. In an age dominated by global trends and digital identities, moments like this underscore how deeply rooted customs still shape personal decisions, especially during times of loss. For first sons in particular, such rites are often seen as non-negotiable expressions of respect and filial duty.

Despite the sadness that surrounded the post, there was also a quiet sense of resolve in Crayon’s words. His promise to “make you proud” echoed the aspirations of many children who lose parents too soon, carrying forward their dreams as a way of keeping their memory alive. Fans interpreted this as a sign that the singer intends to channel his grief into purpose, growth, and continued excellence in his craft.

Crayon’s career trajectory has been marked by steady growth, with hit songs, major collaborations, and a reputation for infectious energy on stage. Yet this moment peeled back the layers of celebrity to reveal a son still deeply connected to his roots and family values. In doing so, he reminded fans that behind the music and accolades are real stories of love, loss, and resilience.

As tributes continued to pour in, many wished his late mother a peaceful heavenly birthday, while offering prayers for Crayon’s strength. The overwhelming response highlighted how shared humanity often bridges the gap between public figures and their audiences, especially during moments of genuine emotion.

In honoring his mother through tradition and transparency, Crayon transformed grief into a quiet statement of love. The shaved dreads may grow back in time, but the meaning behind the act will remain etched in memory, both for the singer and for those who witnessed it. As he steps into a new year without her physical presence, Crayon carries forward her legacy — not just in music, but in the values of respect, devotion, and cultural pride that she instilled in him.