In Nairobi, minibuses adorned with bright graffiti and blaring music are more than just a way to commute, they reflect Kenya's vibrant matatu or nganya culture.
Portraits of global icons such as Barbadian singer Rihanna and Jamaican music legend Bob Marley decorate the buses.
Matrix-inspired 'NeoOne' and 'MoneyFest' matatus are some of the iconic nganyas on Nairobi roads.
Their interiors resemble that of a moving nightclub – huge screens and powerful sound systems.
“They are fast, entertaining and represent our Kenyan culture,” commuter Dennis Machwani said.
For graffiti artists, the industry is not only a form of creative expression but also a means of earning a livelihood.
"This job has a lot of benefits. It helps raise school fees, rent and the matatu owners get more customers because of the artwork," he said.
For enthusiasts, the appeal goes beyond transport. Praise Mwangi says the buses reflect the identity of Nairobi youth.
"They represent us and our hustles. What we go through is kept as graffiti,” he said.
Riding a nganya is also about shared energy and connection, Mwangi says.
“When you ride it, you feel the vibe with other youths and you get to interact more with them.”
Privately operated, matatus carry a large share of commuter traffic in Kenya’s major cities, drawing inspiration from hip-hop, film, sports and global pop culture, all backed up by powerful sound systems.
