Ghanaian musician and social commentator Wanlov the Kubolor has shed light on his long-standing decision to live largely without footwear, saying the choice is driven by minimalism, comfort, and personal freedom rather than style or public image.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Wanlov said his unconventional lifestyle reflects a deliberate rejection of excess and a preference for simplicity in everyday living.
He revealed that his approach to dressing is generally relaxed, especially on weekends, and sometimes extends to appearing at public engagements without a shirt until he arrives at the venue.
“On weekends, I like to dress freely a little,” he said, adding that his appearance is guided more by comfort than convention.
Wanlov traced the origin of his barefoot lifestyle back to his time in the United States, where he once owned over 100 pairs of shoes and even rented extra space to store them.
However, he said his outlook changed after reading books on Africa and minimalism, prompting him to reassess his attachment to material possessions.
“At a point, I realised I did not need all those things, so I gave them all away and was left with only my ‘Ahenema’ slippers,” he explained.
After relocating to Ghana in 2007, he said he began experiencing discomfort when wearing footwear for extended periods, which gradually led him to abandon shoes altogether in most situations.
Over time, he noted, his presence in the entertainment scene made his habit more accepted, with venue security becoming familiar enough to allow him entry without footwear.
“When I started music, the bouncers got to know me and allowed me into venues without my slippers. That was how it started, and it has stayed with me since then,” he said.
Wanlov added that while walking barefoot can be challenging in extreme heat, his body has adapted over the years after nearly two decades of practice.
“I started in 2007, so next year will make it 20 years of me walking without footwear,” he revealed.
He also addressed his frequent appearances without a shirt, explaining that it is partly influenced by concerns about uneven skin tone due to sun exposure.
The musician stressed that his lifestyle choices are intentional and rooted in personal philosophy rather than performance or publicity, emphasizing comfort, simplicity, and self-awareness.
