By Fanuel Viriri
For years, Red Rose Salons has been shaping more than just hair. They have touched hundreds of heads — from everyday legends and celebrity icons to ordinary people walking in with dreams and walking out with confidence.
And when Red Rose Entertainment takes the mic? She brings the world to Zimbabwe. Through her promotions arm, scores of international and local musicians have graced her stages, making thousands dance, sing, and forget their troubles for a night.
But behind Red Rose stands a rose and force called Barbara Chikosi — the woman who makes it all happen.
Born in Marange in 1955, Barbara grew up in Highfield, Harare, sharing a classroom with the late Oliver Mtukudzi.
She did her O and A-Levels in Zambia before returning home with a vision bigger than a salon chair. In the 1980s she opened the first Red Rose Salon in Mufakose.
What began with scissors and combs has since grown into Red Rose Hair & Beauty, Entertainment, Events Management, and Real Estate.
Mentored by Tuku’s former manager Debbie Metcalfe and veteran promoter Patrice Chakanyuka, Barbara launched her first show in 2002: Alick Macheso & Diamond Musica.
She went on to make history as the first Zimbabwean promoter to bring South Africa’s Mafikizolo to Harare.
She reunited Macheso with Nicholas Zakaria on one stage, and gave early platforms to Soul Jah Love, Kinnah, and Seh Calaz through her “Ghetto vs Ghetto” gigs. When Jamaica called, she answered: Turbulence, Capleton, and Chris Martin all landed in Zimbabwe through her promotions.
Most notably Mama Redrose made it possible for the crowning of Winky D as King of Dancehall after a show held in the Harare Gardens where the Bigiman went head-to-head with King Labash and Sniper Storm.
Her love for the game saw her sponsor Mufakose Queens, chair Cyclone Stars, then rise to chair the Zimbabwe Women’s Football Super League in 2018. She also served on the ZIFA Executive Committee, surviving the 2021 board suspensions.
One woman. Salons that crown you. Promotions that move you. Football that empowers you. Barbara Chikosi did not just build businesses — she built confidence, careers, and concerts.
The hands behind Red Rose are hands that shaped a city.
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