Nameless reveals the story behind his signature durag and shades look

Singer David Kamoni Mathenge, popularly known as Nameless, has opened up about the story behind his signature durag and shades, revealing that what started as a way of dealing with his shyness eventually became part of his identity.

Speaking about his early days in music on Friday, August 14, 2026, Nameless explained that he was naturally shy and initially struggled with being in front of large crowds and having many people’s attention on him.

He said even his stage name, Nameless, came from his desire to remain anonymous in case his music career did not work out.

“You imagine this, you’re a shy guy, you’re just doing things. Even the name, I didn’t really want to be known. It’s weird. Yeah, it’s like a conflict. You wanna do this, but you’re not sure,” Nameless explained.

He recalled that when he was asked for his name as he began pursuing music, he simply chose “Nameless” because he did not want people to know his real identity.

“So you end up saying, ‘What’s your name?’ And you’re like, you’re shy about it, and you say, ‘Nameless.’ And then it begins to be your name, because you don’t want people to know you in case it doesn’t work out,” he said.

Nameless said he wanted to remain anonymous in case his music career failed.

“I was like, if it doesn’t work out, they can just- no one will know it was me. If no one knows it was David,” he said.

However, the name eventually stuck and became synonymous with his music career.

How the shades and headgear started

Nameless said his shyness also affected how comfortable he felt performing in front of audiences.

When he began getting invited to perform, he found a way to make himself feel more confident on stage by wearing a mask.

“Then they’re calling you for a show, and I’m like, still I’m not that confident to come out for a show. So what I did was wear a mask, and it psychologically helped me to go on stage and perform,” he explained.

According to the singer, the mask eventually evolved into the headgear and eyewear that became associated with his image.

“So that began to be the brand. And as it went on like that, now I was like, ‘Okay, I have to change something else. I can’t wear the same thing.’ Durag, kofia. I change it, but it’s normally headgear and eyewear,” Nameless said.

Although he is short-sighted, the singer said the shades and headgear have grown beyond being simple accessories.

“Yes, I’m short-sighted, but the truth is that’s who really Nameless is. Nameless represents that,” he said.

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