Mathree culture on show

Forget the usual pimped up rides or the vintage whips shows; it was the turn for the hottest matatus showpiece, writes Caroline Nyanga.

The music blared as fans danced in the sunny afternoon heat. Soon their attention was turned towards the main Kenyatta International Conference Centre entrance gate.

A pimped up mathree ‘towed’ by a black Hummer; followed by four chase cars made a grand entry. It was official; the hottest mathree show was on.

This was none other than Francis Asanyo aka Franco’s popular mathree Kenya One aka Dust arriving for the show. The eye-catching stunt saw many fans cheering Franco as others took photos using phones and personal cameras. And after doing a lap of honour they parked next to equally pimped up Brain Child and Heartless — the two top contenders for hottest matatu contest. Other fly mats on show included Baby aka Money 2 Blow, Flo Rida aka XXL, Carter III, Jivu, Chihuahua, Marines, School Van, Micharazo, Limos from Limos R US, Mololine, Double M services and GM buses and minibuses among others. It was now pomp and colour as celebrations got underway.

Two traffic police outriders made a grand entry with a patrol car in full regalia for the show. Led by a car filled with Kenya Road Safety Network beauties, the motorcade did a lap of honour drumming up support for responsible behaviour and road safety as matatu crew and fans cheered them on.

They later proceeded to talk to Kenya Road Safety Network ambassador Pierra Makena and Pulse Editor CEO. The matatu showpiece was on and more matatus and buses arrived to grace the show aimed at positive influence among the youth. In fact, on paying Sh100 entrance fee each fan was given a bottle of H2O water to underscore the fact that it was a non-alcoholic function. The event organised by fastest rising showbiz outfit Flame Entertainment, Grip Ventures and Pulse drummed up support for matatu industry positive culture devoid of alcohol and drugs.

"We want mathrees to work closely with Music Copyright Society of Kenya because they play music to passengers all the time," he adds.

As mats played music hundreds of youth especially young girls and odieros hovered all over them taking snaps. It was the first time nearly all hot matatus were on show and not minting money on the roads. Meanwhile on the main stage Homeboyz and Flame Entertainment Deejays kept the crowd moving in new dance steps.

At around 2pm Pulse Editor CEO introduced MC of the day, Philippo of Tru Blaq. And true to his jocular self, Philipo drove the crowd to stitches with his humour. As he entertained the crowd Calif Records stable artistes led by Genge luminary Jua Cali and Mejja arrived for the show. First on stage was Calif’s upcoming artiste Lavie. He belted out two songs before paving way for Jaymo who proved beyond reasonable doubt that there is immense unheard talent out there.

Niaje Wasee? Does this sound familiar? Well, it was Calif’s songstress Kendi who took the centre stage rocking revellers with two hits before ushering in King of Genge.

Watu mnajua niaje? Yes, it was Jua Cali stamping his authority on stage as fans cheered and ran towards him. And Jua Cali did not disappoint as he sang his hits from Kiasi, Kamata Dame, Kwaheri, Ngeli Ya Genge, Bidii Yangu and Ni ya Leo before bowing out.

And before more performances the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. It was time to award matatu with prestigious awards for positive influence in the industry.

Best Matatu Conductor went to Faizal Mohammed who operates on route 237 Thika Road while Best CBD operator went to Double M.

Best Shuttle award went to Mololine, while Emmanuel Mataza got the award for the Best Traffic Police man. The Best Mathree VDJ went to DJ Kalonje while Samuel Kamau of the Rift Valley Shuttle took home an award for Best Driver. General Motors East Africa was Best Exhibitor. Moha Graphics won Best Graffiti Artist.

Before the two main awards for Best Matatu —14 seater and 29 seater— was announced, MC Philipo called Mejja to rock the audience and lower anxiety among hundreds of fans.

Mejja aka Okonkwo brought the roof down singing hits Jana Kuliendaje, Roundi Hii and Niko Poa.

Soon it was time to award the best mathree as dusk approached. And Heartless scooped the Best 14-seater mathree as its crew jumped on stage celebrating their victory. And after running around the grounds in jubilation, it was time for the Best Mathree 29 Seater, which was deservedly won by Buru Buru’s finest Brain Child.

This is when hell broke loose as hundreds of fans and crew jumped on stage to savour their victory. The winning mats did a lap of honour still blaring their honks before hitting the streets to do what they know best–minting money– as fans followed them cheering. The show was over. Only a handful of celebrities including Pilipili, Miti, Cartel and Anyuola Family who had performed earlier on remained behind. Others included Daddi V from Mombasa who also made a debut on stage, Solo and Kizo B.

The event was sponsored by Ministry of Transport, Brand Kenya, Kambi Bonzo, Ministry of Sport, Matatus Owners Association. Others included Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP), Johari Clef, Homeboyz,Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), G4S in full regalia Fire Brigade, St John’s Ambulance, Kenya Red Cross, General Motors, Pulse among others.

The show demonstrated civility and positivity in an industry that is often associated with all manner of chaos and ices.