Smatta
JF-Expert Member
- Nov 5, 2008
- 2,348
- 733
FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW: The word "matatu" is derived from the Swahili word for three - "tatu" - referring to the three cents fare for a trip when they were first introduced in the 1960s. Matatu is also called Mathree or Ma3. No doubt that they are a tourist attraction. 🙂
Talk of a pimped-out public transport system, then Kenya is the place to be. These mini-buses with creative graffiti, loud music thundering through their tinted windows, in-door entertainment, the nasty & rowdy rides and in some cases the high-pitched "frenoh" that pumps out the exhaust system like a jet engine, or at times turbo-charged with its noise-making exhaust pipes (mufflers) which growl loud when they accelerate, loud hooting, flashy lights... are all that makes a MATATU... a mobile disco young Kenyans love to jav (travel) with.
Many Kenyan matatus are equipped with powerful car audio systems, including high-powered woofers, sub-woofers and Plasma/ LCD screens. Loud music & graffiti is a popular means of advertising, the theory being that the matatu with the loudest & most fashionable hip-hop or reggae music, and cool graffiti would appeal to a larger crowd, hence making higher profits.
Matatu isn't just about transport, it's also our culture, our way of life... the streets, the arts, the music, our expressions, our talents, uniting people. Lets show the world what we made of!!!
Therefore a trip to Nairobi cannot be complete without a ride in a Matatu 🙂
Talk of a pimped-out public transport system, then Kenya is the place to be. These mini-buses with creative graffiti, loud music thundering through their tinted windows, in-door entertainment, the nasty & rowdy rides and in some cases the high-pitched "frenoh" that pumps out the exhaust system like a jet engine, or at times turbo-charged with its noise-making exhaust pipes (mufflers) which growl loud when they accelerate, loud hooting, flashy lights... are all that makes a MATATU... a mobile disco young Kenyans love to jav (travel) with.
Many Kenyan matatus are equipped with powerful car audio systems, including high-powered woofers, sub-woofers and Plasma/ LCD screens. Loud music & graffiti is a popular means of advertising, the theory being that the matatu with the loudest & most fashionable hip-hop or reggae music, and cool graffiti would appeal to a larger crowd, hence making higher profits.
Matatu isn't just about transport, it's also our culture, our way of life... the streets, the arts, the music, our expressions, our talents, uniting people. Lets show the world what we made of!!!
Therefore a trip to Nairobi cannot be complete without a ride in a Matatu 🙂