As the traffic signals turn red at a congested junction in the Kenyan capital, a young performer dressed in leopard print steps into the road to tumble through the air. He is joined by five identically dressed companions who together execute a series of acrobatic maneuvers. One performer, juggling woven hats, detaches from the group to approach drivers in stationary vehicles.
Hoping for generous tips, he offers his hat to motorist after motorist while the rest of the troupe continues their display. As soon as the lights change to green, the group quickly clears the road. Nairobi's street acrobats made their debut in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic and have since become a regular sight at traffic stops throughout the city.
Taking advantage of heavy gridlock, these performers display their skills in return for cash to earn their livelihood. Mohammed Nyale, 22, said he took up acrobatics hoping for a life-changing occupation. "I have always loved acrobatics since I started performing at 15 years old," he said.
He and his fellow group members departed their homes along the Kenyan coast dreaming of theatrical careers and packed theatres, but have instead settled for the streets, demonstrating their acrobatic stunts to drivers trapped in Nairobi's perpetual traffic. Nyale’s troupe meets early in the morning in a vacant field in Kawangware, an impoverished neighbourhood in Nairobi, to practice their acts. They subsequently head out onto the roads as traffic begins to build during the morning peak hour.
"We say a prayer before changing into our costumes," Nyale said. Performing typically until midday, they take turns requesting tips from motorists. Sums donated are generally modest, rarely exceeding 50 shillings (approximately 40 US cents).
Because many Kenyans rely on mobile wallets, the acrobats also pass out slips of paper bearing phone numbers to which money can be sent. On a successful day, each member can earn roughly $6, which is enough to cover basic living costs, though on some days earnings are higher. That matches the daily wage earned by most casual labourers in construction or farming in a country where unemployment remains widespread.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
