Haesu Shin - Matatu art scene, youth pop culture in Kenya

Matatu art scene, Youth pop culture in Kenya

These popular share taxis are called “MATATU” or simply “MaTHREE” in Sheng’ (a Nairobi Street slang). Apart from being colorfully decorated, they also have entertainment installations like TV screens, woofers, and speakers. The entertainment installations make MATATUS ideal for Nairobi musicians to play and promote their music to passengers right on the go. The relationship between MATATUS and music is widely accepted in the city, especially among the younger generation. And as such a MATATU without music can be seen as dull and boring.

케냐에서 만났던 화려한 버스. 케냐 나이로비 대중문화의 하나의 상징과도 같은 마타투는 사설에서 운영하는 버스입니다. 낡은 차체를 개조하여 배기음, 조명, 차체 프레임, 그래피티, 내부 음향시설, 와이파이 구비까지 튜닝할 수 있는 모든 것을 개조한 하나의 ‘움직이는 미술관’이라고 할 수 있습니다.

Thank you!