Matatu Express: The Video Podcast

I'm working on two trailers for Matatu, but for fun (or most probably, as a diversionary method of procrastination) I started cutting a video podcast. It's basically a collection of production photos and behind the scenes shots. A special thanks to Jane for providing the music - she is singing a very beautiful traditional Maasai song. It's on the video page. Or, here is a direct link to it as well.
****Special Bulletin***** As I've mentioned before, I do not have a high speed connection, it is low speed and extremely unstable, making uploading or downloading video content a near impossibility where I am here in Nairobi, so I am unable to verify the video. As I understand it, the promo video is working fine, although it may take several minutes to load, so please be patient. Please email me asap at colm@matatuexpress.com if something isn't working as it should be. I will convert and upload some of the videos to flash (which should make them much quicker to load) as soon as it's technically possible for me on my end. Another option for the video podcast is to click the "download to my ipod link" below the video. Thanks for your patience and understanding everyone.

Hustlers of Kibera Album Available Online

I have uploaded the debut album of the sensational Hustlers from Kibera online. You can hear it on their facebook page. Please check it out, and show them some love by becoming a fan, commenting on their page, or drop them an email. Here is a link to their facebook page. I am still waiting on song titles and album information. I will provide additional info when it arrives. For anyone interested, the music used in the recent promo video is Track 10.

New Promo Video Available Online

"Me and my gun makes you
break your spinal chord
ready to blow understand this metaphor
Gimme the dough
Walk down we are ready to go
so come slow."
- The Hustlers

After dealing with about a kazzilion technical issues, I was finally able to cut a promo for Matatu. It is a collection of B Roll shot around Kibera and features a wicked track from The Hustlers. It is slightly larger and has better resolution than the other videos, so it may take a few seconds to load. You can find it on the main page at Matatu Express. Here is a direct link to the video.

Matatu Ride with Mras

Last official day of shooting was Friday. Who did I interview, you ask? Well you don't do a documentary called Matatu Express without doing an interview with a Matatu driver. So that's what we did. We met Mras who has one of the most dangerous jobs in Kibera. He navigates the treacherous roads of Nairobi picking up and dropping off people and cargo all over. He dodges police, people, bandits, and most importantly, other matatus, all in a day's work. We had a great interview and went for a ride in his matatu all along the outskirts of Kibera for some B roll. What can I say? It was fun, and as a bonus, I never once dropped my camera, despite sticking it out the side window to capture people jumping on and off and hanging on for dear life while standing upright out the open side door.
In other news, I am really happy to announce that the Hustlers will be providing the soundtrack for Matatu Express. I think these guys are seriously talented, so I provided a facebook and youtube page for them. I will be adding more content to the pages as time goes on. Now the long and arduous process of editing begins!
Photo above taken by Peter Opudo