I came across this Nganya Nissan Matatu scrolling through my social media feed, and it brought back bittersweet memories. Every 90s teenager had a thing for the ‘Nyanga’ or ‘Nisso,’ a.k.a tricked-out Nissan Urvan. The contraptions made us crazy, and the hype seems to be slowly brewing back.
“I know most men deep down inside given the chance would do a project nganya,” the OP wrote on X.com.
I’ll admit that I have some resentment towards these ‘things.’ They caused my first heartbreak. My first love, teenage bae, left me for a Donda. It was a clean sweep, and I accepted it. I couldn’t compete with these guys with my 300 bob/month high school allowance.
Those who grew up in Eastlands in the 90s know these Rick Flair stunting Nganya Nissan Matatu Dondas were chic magnets. These ninjas would pull up in Damani Dada, Fubu, Reebok, and Air Force One kicks and take your high school sweetheart in a heartbeat.
She’d get the front seat for FREE, and you’d get a fiver in the face—sorry, boss, the mathree is full. Take the next boring bus, or go home and cry to your mama. So, whenever I see these tricked-out Nissan Urvans, I relive my teenage trauma for a second before thanking God it’s not something that would worry me today but amaze me. It’s a culture that Kenya should embrace and run with it!
This particular unit looks mint in metallic yellow. That’s their MO. These Nganyas had to pop out, and that meant purple, black, metallic colors, gold, luminous green – or any other shade that’d be noticeable miles away under the sweltering city sun. They’d spot heavy graffiti and wild sounds. You’d feel the bass in your rib cage. Damn! Those were good days.
The trend seems to be coming back, but not for commercial purposes. These are actually private party vans, and they are active from Friday through Sunday. Go to Naivasha or Elementaitia, and you’ll see them in their full glory.
I admire the art and dedication put into these Nganya Nissan Matatu. They have a strand of JDM DNA in them. This unit is lowered, with wheels popping out, running a customized front lowered bumper, and daylight running lights—and it goes without saying that the speakers on the interior are thumping.
I’d give anything for a 30-minute ride in this Jav. Would I be willing to do a Nissan Matatu project car? Nope! I like my cars to be smaller and faster.
Still, I’ll give credit where it’s due. This is one hell of a build, and for that, it gets a spot as our highlight car of the week.
I know most men deep down inside given the chance would do a project nganya pic.twitter.com/ljqI6Zbkxc
— stiquez wabaki san (@stiquez) May 27, 2024
