Trading Places: The Merchants of Nairobi - Tapa dura

'... an intriguing procession of street art that is as colourful as the characters Steve interviews' - Amateur Photographer 'A compelling read and moving portrait of a side of Africa not often seen ... An excellent read and valuable to anyone looking to get into reportage photography' - What Digital Camera? 'A unique book that uses photography to get right under the skin of a community and will excite anyone who delights in the creative energies of the street, and of the photographer' - The Photographer

For this latest project, Steve Bloom has stepped away from the magnificent wildlife and landscape photography with which he made his name to create a unique portrait of the small traders of Nairobi. This is a place where slick advertising has made few inroads and shopping malls and supermarkets remain a rarity. As across Africa, that is an opportunity for an outpouring of creativity. Businessmen and women paint their own hoardings and signs, or call in friends who happen to be handy with a paintbrush. The results are delightfully quirky – an authentic form of popular street graphics that is endlessly fascinating. Through his images, a master photographer gives us an unforgettable picture of one of the world’s most intriguing communities.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Afya Fish and Chips · Beauty Hair Salon · Family Care Hotel · Eclipse Hair Cut · Shoe Repair · Hygiene Butchery · New Wave Gym · Pumwani Electronics · Area Kawangware Radio Sales · Aberdare Trading Syndicate · Damos Video Centre · Kampala Coffin Centre · Half London Greengrocer