The Real Deal Behind The Kenyan Matatu Culture .

Kenyan Matatu industry holds on a culture that has been admired across boarders. This comes by courtesy the kind of pimping the matatus’ are fitted with all the way from the outside to the inside to bring along a good vibe to the passengers as they travel along.

One of the pioneers of the culture, Matwana Matatu Culture was founded in 2010 by Brian “Graff Matwana” Wanyama with a purpose to rebrand and build value for the Matatu Industry. Owning up to the classy kind of matatu they come up with.

What Matwana Does:

They Sell Matatu Merchandise, Offer Graphic Design and Concept Development ideas, Matatu Consultation, Matatu Hires, Workshops and Events, Matwana TV Show, Branding, Repair and Customization services of matatus’.

” We seek to Promote, Preserve & Showcase the Matatu industry and the vibe that comes along with it. We Celebrate this Means of Transport through Art, Music, People & Culture to add on all the passion we have .” Brian Wanyama ‘Matwana.

In the event of doing what they love most, the Matwana Culture have not gone un noticed, they have records of what they have achived.

AWARDS, ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES : 

1. Marketing, Conceptualizing, Matatu Coordination for Nganya Awards 2010
2. Marketing, Conceptualizing, Matatu Coordination for Nganya Awards 2013
3. Marketing campaign & Matatu coordination for launch of Safaricom Vuma Online, Matatu WiFi 2013
4. Best Matatu Platform Nganya Awards Winner – 2016
5. Matwana TV Season 1 aired on K24 TV
6. Safaricom Blaze Mentor for the Creative Arts Industry 2017-2018 alongside Kate Actress, Njugush, Patricia Kihoro & Mca Tricky
7. Best TV Documentary Kalasha Awards Winner – 2017
8. Repackaged Matwana TV Season 1 & aired on DSTV Multichoice Maisha Magic TV station

RECOGNITION & INTERVIEWS :

• CNN Inside Africa
• SAFM by South African Broadcasting Corporation
• CNN Parts Unknown by Anthony Bourdain

Over the years they have been fortunate to work with well established companies such as Nrg Radio, Dodi Fabricators, Google Kenya, Pioneer Electronics Kenya, Britam, K24, Rockford Fosgate East Africa, Multichoice, Choda Fabricators, Safaricom, Eabl, Decimal Records and many more.

How does the designs come along ?

Matatu designs come up from a Matatu designers concept or Matatu driver and conductor ideas. At times from the name which a Matatu owner might have come up with. Also from what’s trending in pop Culture or on social media..but its hugely depended on budget and Route that Matatu will ply.

A Matatu is termed as a Manyanga when..Crew is on point, Good Music system, Art and creativity.

For one to design a matatu, they will have to pay from 50, 000 kenyan shillings for a 14 seater and from 100, 000 kenya shilings for a 32 seater matatu. Whereas the cost for a brand new 33 seater already branded will be from 6.5 – 10 Million and from 1 – 3 Million for a 14 seater.

Challenges in the industry : 

1. Lack of support from government especially ministry of sports, arts and culture.
2. Funding.
3. Police crackdowns.

Twitter | @MatwanaCulture
Twitter.com/matwanaculture

Facebook Page | Matwana Matatu Culture
Facebook.com/matwanaculture

TikTok | @MatwanaCulture
Tiktok.com/@matwanaculture

Facebook Group | Matwana Matatu Culture ® Group
Facebook.com/groups/matatuculture

Instagram | @MatwanaCulture
Instagram.com/matwanaculture

YouTube | Matwana Matatu Culture
Youtube.com/matwanamatatuculture