Meet Bernard Darko: The Taxi Driver Who Turned His Cab into a Living Museum of Hamburg's History
Meet Bernard Yaw Darko, a Ghanaian-born taxi driver who has been navigating Hamburg's streets for three decades. His daughter, Zandile Darko, an artist, has turned her father's life story into a unique art project, 'Taxi Darko', offering passengers a fresh perspective on the city and its history.
Bernard Darko's journey is one of detours and breaks, shaped by family life and the city he calls home. For him, the taxi is not just a workplace, but a living space where conversations with strangers flourish. His daughter Zandile sees these interactions as political moments, opening spaces for belonging and renegotiating identity.
The 'Taxi Darko' project is a culmination of Bernard's experiences and Zandile's artistic vision. It includes a sound collage of around 15 hours of recorded material, condensed into an hour-long taxi ride. Passengers on this 'Taxi Darko' performance experienced a shared ride, listening to Bernard's story and seeing Hamburg in a new light. The project weaves personal memories with societal questions, including migration, education, and postcolonial history.
Through 'Taxi Darko', Zandile has not only honored her father's life and work but also invited the public to reflect on Hamburg's history and its diverse communities. Bernard's taxi, once just a means of transport, has become a space for storytelling, connection, and dialogue.
