Nairobi's urban 'Matatu' culture

[Smatta]

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

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

​

 

[Soulbrother]

truly every culture expresses itself in its own way. That is creativity of a high order

 

[Smatta]

>> PROPER SOLUTION FOR CITY TRAFFIC JAMS: Why travel in a plain white boring mat and waste fare for nothing??? The latest Mathreez (nganyaz) are the answer!! They have gone a step forward to installing LCD screens on almost every seat, or on each seat pair, not excluding additional overhead flip-down screens, and a large "home theatre" or PLASMA screen that completely separates the driver from the rest of the crew and commuters. Nowadays mats have 'Hater-vision screens' at the back so as to create public attention. Not forgetting a recent trend in installing DSTV & a fridge!
Some also have arm rests, cup holders and air conditioning... It seems these rides are slowly evolving to the next "Virgin Atlantic" with respect to indoor entertainment. To top it up, these mats are appropriate to travel with especially during traffic jams!

 

[Rodelite]

Naona Mathrees wamefika mbali....I give them credit...

 

[Nyaralego]

OMG!!! miss those matts...that is mos def a culture to behold.

 

[Chapakazi]

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. ....

Ivi is Ma3 na mathree pronounced differently? Umenifurahisha sana na hii sentensi, but we get what u meant...lol

yea...certainly a culture to hold on to. Big up to Ma3. Shows creativity katika biashara binafsi.

 

[Smatta]

Ivi is Ma3 na mathree pronounced differently? Umenifurahisha sana na hii sentensi, but we get what u meant...lol

yea...certainly a culture to hold on to. Big up to Ma3. Shows creativity katika biashara binafsi.

VP mtoto,

Ma3 na Mathree is pronounced the same lakini written differently as you can see. Please refer to my first post na kama nimeandika they are pronounced the same, na kununulia lunch kesho.

Enjoy your afternoon.

 

[Chapakazi]

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.

Ivi is Ma3 na mathree pronounced differently? Umenifurahisha sana na hii sentensi, but we get what u meant...lol

yea...certainly a culture to hold on to. Big up to Ma3. Shows creativity katika biashara binafsi.

VP mtoto,

Ma3 na Mathree is pronounced the same lakini written differently as you can see. Please refer to my first post na kama nimeandika they are pronounced the same, na kununulia lunch kesho.

Enjoy your afternoon.

heshima kwako mh,
hujaandika pronouced, umetumia neno called. I would imagine unapotumia neno call lina-refer to pronouncing hicho kitu. Yani u have to say it. Sasa sentinsi yako inasema linaitwa M3 au Mathree...ambayo kama unatamka basi huwezi ona hiyo tofauti. Nadhani ungetakiwa kusema, yanaandikwa M3, au mathree. Au nimekosea?

 

[Smatta]

heshima kwako mh,
hujaandika pronouced, umetumia neno called. I would imagine unapotumia neno call lina-refer to pronouncing hicho kitu. Yani u have to say it. Sasa sentinsi yako inasema linaitwa M3 au Mathree...ambayo kama unatamka basi huwezi ona hiyo tofauti. Nadhani ungetakiwa kusema, yanaandikwa M3, au mathree. Au nimekosea?

Wala haujakosea ndugu, what I meant was written and not pronounced.. ma bad... Lakini wazionaje hizo mathree?

 

[Chapakazi]

Wala haujakosea ndugu, what I meant was written and not pronounced.. ma bad... Lakini wazionaje hizo mathree?

...
yea...certainly a culture to hold on to. Big up to Ma3. Shows creativity katika biashara binafsi.

sasa mh, lunch yangu inakuwaje?lol

VP mtoto,

Ma3 na Mathree is pronounced the same lakini written differently as you can see. Please refer to my first post na kama nimeandika they are pronounced the same, na kununulia lunch kesho.

Enjoy your afternoon.

 

[Smatta]

sasa mh, lunch yangu inakuwaje?lol

LOL... nilikuambia unionyeshe mahali ambapo niliandika ku pronounce na ukashindwa mh, kwa hivyo lunch zi.

 

[Chapakazi]

LOL... nilikuambia unionyeshe mahali ambapo niliandika ku pronounce na ukashindwa mh, kwa hivyo lunch zi.

no sweat....g'day

 

[Janerose mzalendo]

Ma3 .Kenyan culture

 

[Arnold mrass cannambo]

The finest!

 

[kirk git]

Hao mara mingi ni wakora wa mungiki. Kazi yao ni kuongeza nauli na kutesa wakenya.

Wapi BRT only.

 

[Janerose mzalendo]

Hao mara mingi ni wakora wa mungiki. Kazi yao ni kuongeza nauli na kutesa wakenya.

Wapi BRT only.

Kondeshwa na mambo yako ya Kenya huyawezi

 

[Arnold mrass cannambo]

Nimemlenga ju nikama haelewe kenye anaongelea. Like seriously, Do mongiki exist these days! Akina maina Jenga sahii wako kwa makanisa wanaubiri na ndio walikuwa wakubwa wa Mongiki. What is this guy even talking about.

Kondeshwa na mambo yako ya Kenya huyawezi

 

[Janerose mzalendo]

Nimemlenga ju nikama haelewe kenye anaongelea. Like seriously, Do mongiki exist these days! Akina maina Jenga sahii wako kwa makanisa wanaubiri na ndio walikuwa wakubwa wa Mongiki. What is this guy even talking about.

Let's just ignore him. Hajielewi