Filipino-American artist Toro Y Moi donates his tour jeep to cultural org in SF
Photo from Toro Y Moi website
Filipino-African-American singer, songwriter, and visual artist Chaz Bear, popularly known as Toro Y Moi, bought a jeepney off eBay in 2021 that would eventually inspire his 2022 album “Mahal,” which also happens to be the name of the said vehicle.
Toro Y Moi used the 1960s converted passenger-style jeep to interact with fans during the pandemic while touring was postponed. “The idea was to do a mobile, guerilla-style approach and bring the record, speakers, and a sound system to people,” he said in an interview with GQ. The colorful icon of mass transit soon found its way onto the cover of his 2022 psych-rock album.
“I connected to it because of its story,” he said of the jeep, which became a popular mode of transport after World War II, converted from abandoned Willys Jeeps of the Americans. “The fact that this American thing had gone to the Philippines, and got reappropriated to be this Filipino art piece. And now it’s back in the States where there is another level of life to it.”
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Two years since he got it on eBay, Toro Y Moi is now saying goodbye to Mahal. In an Instagram post, the artist said he has decided to donate the jeep to San Francisco-based organization SOMA Pilipinas.
About SOMA Pilipinas
Located in the South of Market neighborhood—hence its name—SOMA Pilipinas is a cultural heritage district, one of the first to be designated as such by the California Arts Council.
The community-driven cultural initiative aims to increase visibility and celebrate the contributions of the Filipino community in San Francisco, California. Its efforts to sustain the Filipino cultural legacy include events, development of cultural arts, assets, and creative place-keeping and place-making.
On June 17, SOMA Pilipinas put out a call for jeepney drivers and mechanics after announcing that it is acquiring a jeepney to be a centerpiece at community arts and cultural events, celebrations, and festivals. “By making our creative presence visible, Filipino community members can feel connected to their culture and history, and visitors to the cultural district can learn more about the Filipino community’s contributions and presence in SoMa,” the post read.
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Toro Y Moi expressed his excitement about Mahal’s second life with SOMA Pilipinas. “I’m so excited for the Bay to enjoy this amazing cultural relic,” he said. The Filipino-American artist also thanked his fans for supporting his outings, ride-alongs, pop-ups, and projects.
“Y’all made this all of this possible. That was hella beautiful, Mahal Kita.”
