This Issue on popular culture was conceived to begin the conversation around the question: whither popular culture today, in post-pandemic 2022 Kenya?
The study of the popular in Kenya is not new, and indeed, vibrant scholarship and reportage around popular culture in general has existed for about two decades now. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to a halt most activities that spur, facilitate, and mediate popular culture, including the making of music, film, television, art, theatre, dance, and even transportation which, in Kenya, is a source of the artistic and the musical. This Issue therefore sought to act as a check on the current state of the popular.
Jahazi on Popular Culture brings a diverse range of articles that speak to both the wider debates around popular culture, as well as practical work being done by practitioners of art and culture on the ground.
Mueni Lundi
Faith Onea
Lydia Muthuma
Irene Cege
Garnette Oluoch-Olunya
Kahithe Kiiru
Mwenda Ntarangwi
Issue Editor:
Caroline Mose
Publisher:
Kimani Njogu
Design & Layout:
Victor Gitonga Twenty Twenty Design
Photography:
Matwana Culture
Alex Kamweru
Photos of Patrick Mukabi’s artwork by Mary Kabui
Part 1
Part 2