Renowned rapper and musician Tyga was pleasantly surprised to find a Kenyan Matatu prominently displaying his graffiti artwork.
Taking to his social media platforms, Tyga shared a picture of the matatu adorned with his artwork and expressed his fascination.
"Where in the world is this… and what are they on?!" He wrote.
Where n the world is this..and what they on?! pic.twitter.com/YsAjio3qMV— T-Raww (@Tyga) July 6, 2023
The unexpected encounter sparked a wave of excitement among his fans and ignited conversations about the vibrant and artistic matatu culture in Kenya.
Kenyan Matatu culture
Matatus, the popular minibus taxis in Kenya, are known for their vibrant and eye-catching designs that showcase local culture and feature images of famous personalities.
The colourful and intricately designed matatus have become a significant part of Kenya's urban landscape.
In 2020, then President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted a planned ban on 14-seater matatus and allowed the return of graffiti and artwork on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
This decision was met with widespread support, as it not only provided a platform for artistic expression but also empowered the country's youth.
Kenyatta, while addressing the issue, emphasized the importance of supporting the youth and their creative talents.
"I do not see anything wrong with the artwork and creativity in matatus, and we should surely support our youth to do business with their talents, as long as it does not interfere with the driver's vision and other regulations," he stated
This endorsement further solidified the significance of the matatu culture as an art form that resonates with the Kenyan population.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also defended the matatu culture, saying it's part of the Kenyan culture.
He further added that the Matatu industry will be awarded in the Nairobi Festival for 'Nganya Awards' for the best decorated Matatu in terms of Graffiti and discipline.
The artwork on matatus often features local and international celebrities, athletes, and musicians, reflecting the diverse interests and influences of Kenyan society.
These striking designs not only add visual appeal to the vehicles but also serve as a form of cultural expression and identity for the communities they serve.
