Over the past eight weeks entertainer Wayne Marshall has been hitting the headlines.

In May, the artiste shocked many with the release of his gospel music-influenced single Glory to God — a strong departure from his secular catalogue. Four weeks later, he put out a call for prayers and support for this father, Wycliffe Mitchell, who was hospitalised after suffering what he described as a “massive heart attack”; two days later his father died. Now, the artiste is again attracting attention having cut his locks.

Best known for tracks such as Marshall in Town, Marry Wanna and Overcome, Wayne Marshall made the reveal via his Instagram account on Friday. The first of two images shows a handful of shorn locks, captioned “Transform”. Wayne Marshall then goes on to define transform: “Make a marked change in the form, nature, or appearance of.” The second image shows Wayne Marshall sporting freshly cut hair.

Since the release of the images there has been a barrage of comments, both positive and negative, about his latest move.

When contacted by the Jamaica Observer the artiste said he was unable to speak at this time.

In May, he explained to the Observer that the song Glory to God came after “the powerful inspiration he had experienced as an artiste”, and noted that he was given clear instructions from God.

This led many to question whether or not he had become a Christian, to which he further noted that is all part of a journey that he is on.

“I have opened myself up to ideas that were previously outside my vibration, and this is a validation of that journey… I have been patient, obedient and following the guidance that I am being given, and committed to seeing the signs and acting on them. I am on a journey, and I am where I should be. I just want people to know that God is accessible, even for a secular artiste,” he said during that interview.

— Richard Johnson