In a world where awards ceremonies are often associated with red carpets, corporate sponsorships, and polished speeches, the true question remains: who is really being recognised—and who is still being left out?

Over the years, several national award platforms have played an important role in elevating conversations around equality, inclusion, and representation across the United Kingdom. They have provided visibility to inspiring individuals and organisations, helping to shape mainstream narratives around diversity.

But while such platforms are vital, they represent only part of the story.

Across the UK and beyond, a different kind of movement has been growing, one that is less corporate, more grassroots, and deeply embedded in the lived realities of communities. This is where platforms like MTM Awards and the Sema Jambo Awards (SJA) come into their own.

MTM Awards, launched on December 1st, 2012, in the South West of England by Big Q (AbdulhaQ) and now led by CEO Junior Sheikh, was never created to compete with mainstream recognition platforms. It was built to fill a gap, a space where everyday excellence in underserved communities was often overlooked, not because it lacked impact, but because it lacked visibility.

Now marking over 15 years since its inception and entering its 14th Season, adjusted due to the global hiatus caused by COVID-19 in 2020, MTM Awards has demonstrated resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to its purpose.

With its powerful mantra, M.A.D – Making A Difference, MTM Awards has consistently gone beyond the surface of glamour. Yes, it delivers a world-class glittering gala, but behind the lights lies something far more important: real stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and community transformation.

From local heroes to international change-makers, MTM has created a platform where recognition is not filtered by status, but driven by impact.

Building on this foundation, the Sema Jambo Awards (SJA) emerged in London in 2022 during World Kiswahili Day celebrations at the House of Lords. More than just an awards ceremony, SJA represents a cultural movement, one that connects the global Swahili-speaking diaspora with their roots through language, music, fashion, cuisine, and shared identity.

In a time when cultural identity can often feel diluted in diaspora communities, Sema Jambo has boldly reclaimed space, turning celebration into a form of cultural diplomacy.

The distinction between these platforms is not about competition; it is about complementarity.

While national awards platforms operate at a broader level, influencing mainstream visibility and institutional recognition, MTM Awards works at the grassroots, where impact is immediate and deeply personal. Sema Jambo Awards, meanwhile, bridges continents, using culture as a unifying force across borders.

Each plays a role. But what is becoming increasingly clear is this:
Community-led platforms are no longer optional; they are essential.

They reach the people others don’t.
They tell the stories others miss.
And they celebrate excellence in its most authentic form.

A Call to Partners, Sponsors, and Institutions

As the UK continues to evolve as a multicultural society, there is a growing need for organisations, brands, and institutions to go beyond symbolic support and invest in platforms that deliver real, measurable community impact.

Supporting MTM Awards and Sema Jambo Awards is not just about visibility; it is about alignment with purpose:

• Direct engagement with diverse and dynamic communities
• Authentic brand positioning within trusted grassroots networks
• Contribution to cultural preservation and global diaspora connections
• Participation in legacy-building initiatives that extend far beyond a single event

From the Sema Jambo Festival during World Kiswahili Day in London (July 7–12) to the prestigious MTM Awards Season 14 (November 28th, 2026), these platforms offer partners a unique opportunity to be part of something meaningful, impactful, and enduring. 

The Future of Recognition

The future of awards is changing.

It will not be defined solely by scale, celebrity, or sponsorship size, but by authenticity, inclusivity, and impact.

Because true recognition is not just about being seen on the biggest stage,
it is about ensuring that everyone has a stage to stand on.

MTM Awards: Celebrating Grassroots Excellence & Achievements

MTM Awards was founded in 2012 to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of South Asian communities in the South West of England. Born as an extension of Mast The Magazine—a community-focused Black, Asian, and Ethnic publication—the awards emerged from a clear gap: the lack of representation and recognition for diverse businesses and community organisations within mainstream local award platforms in Bristol.

Despite their significant contributions to the economy and community life, many of these individuals and organisations remained under-recognised. MTM Awards was created to change that narrative.

The Vision Behind MTM Awards

The vision was led by founder Abdul Q Sheikh (Big Q), a celebrated broadcaster from Kenya, alongside Junior Sheikh. With decades of combined experience working closely with grassroots communities since 2004, they understood the importance of recognition as a tool for empowerment.

Through their work with Radio Ramadhan Bristol, Radio Mast FM, and Mast The Magazine, they built strong relationships and deep insight into the needs and aspirations of diverse communities across the South West.

Their mission was simple but powerful:
to recognise, uplift, and inspire.

A Platform Built on Inclusion and Impact

The inaugural MTM South West Asian Awards took place on Saturday, 1st December 2012, marking the beginning of what would become a respected and sought-after platform.

Over the years, MTM Awards has evolved into a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and excellence, extending far beyond its original scope to embrace wider Black and Ethnic communities across the UK and internationally.

As the founders describe:

“We understood the needs and aspirations of our communities, and that insight shaped MTM Awards into what it is today—an inclusive, diverse, and highly respected platform.”

MTM GLITTERING GALA AWARD EVENING – AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

The MTM Awards Black-Tie Glittering Gala Evening is more than an event—it is an unforgettable experience set in a unique cultural atmosphere at the heart of Bristol.

Designed to bring people together, the evening offers the perfect setting for networking, celebration, and connection, uniting business leaders, community champions, and distinguished guests from across the UK and beyond.

A World-Class Celebration

With a star-studded line-up of entertainment, exquisite dining, and special guest appearances, the Gala elevates MTM Awards onto a global stage.

Since 2014, the prestigious Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre has been home to this remarkable evening, with its Bristol Suite transformed into a spectacular red-carpet venue—welcoming guests into a night of elegance, culture, and celebration.

 A Truly Unique Gathering

As one of the most distinctive awards ceremonies of its kind in the United Kingdom, the MTM Glittering Gala brings together a diverse audience from regional, national, and international communities—all under one roof.

It is a space where cultures meet, stories are shared, and achievements are honoured in an atmosphere of unity and pride.

 A Culinary Journey Across Cultures

Food at the MTM Awards is an experience in itself—celebrating diversity through flavour.

Guests are taken on a global culinary journey, inspired by regions such as:

• The historic Stone Town of Zanzibar
• The vibrant Caribbean Islands
• The cultural richness of the River Ganges

Each dish reflects the richness, authenticity, and diversity that define the MTM Awards.

 Diverse and Captivating Entertainment

The evening’s entertainment showcases the very best of global culture, featuring performances that span continents, including:

• Traditional Mauritian Sega
• Energetic Cuban Samba
• Passionate Flamenco
• Nepalese and Romanian dance performances
• The enchanting sounds of the Tanbur from the Nile region
• Soulful musical influences from across Africa, including Somalia

Every performance adds to the vibrant, immersive experience that defines the MTM Awards.

 More Than an Awards Night

The MTM Glittering Gala is a must-attend celebration for those who believe in the power of diversity and community.

What sets it apart is its all-under-one-roof experience—from the awards ceremony to the after-party—creating a seamless, engaging, and truly memorable occasion.

 Celebrating Excellence. Uniting Cultures. Creating Impact.

Join us as we honour achievement, celebrate diversity, and bring communities together in a way that is both meaningful and unforgettable.

MTM Awards is not just an event—it is a true difference-maker.

We Are M.A.D – Making A Difference

Big Q aka Q

Founder, MTM Awards

Big Q (AbdulhaQ) is a celebrated Kenyan broadcaster and media pioneer widely recognised for transforming radio presentation style in Kenya, earning him the iconic name “Big Q.”

A graduate of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and the School of Journalism at the University of Nairobi, he began his broadcasting career at the Voice of Kenya (now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation), where he produced and hosted the Breakfast Show and a highly popular request programme that cemented his reputation with audiences nationwide.

Over the years, Big Q has played a significant role in shaping media and community broadcasting. His work includes involvement in landmark projects such as the 1987 All Africa Games Torch Relay Concert and Battle of the Bands in Kenya. In 1993, he launched Capital Q Radio Productions, a semi-independent Hindi radio network in partnership with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. He later served as a consultant for Iqra FM—one of the first independent Islamic radio stations—and contributed to Citizen Radio/TV.

After relocating to the UK, Big Q continued his commitment to community media by launching platforms such as Radio Ramadhan Bristol and Radio Mast FM. He also founded Mast The Magazine, the first full-colour publication dedicated to Asian, Black, and ethnic communities in the South West of England.

This foundation led to the creation of the MTM Awards, launched on December 1st, 2012, born from a simple but powerful observation—the lack of recognition for diverse communities despite their significant contributions to society and business.

Partnering with Junior Sheikh, MTM Awards has grown into a respected platform celebrating excellence across diverse communities, highlighting entrepreneurs, organisations, and individuals making a real impact.

Big Q’s work extends beyond media and awards. He has consistently championed community causes, including charity initiatives, awareness campaigns, and global impact projects. Notable efforts include the Ivory Belongs to Elephants Walk (London to Bristol, 2017) and the MTM Period Poverty Action Project (2021), which supports young girls in Lamu, Kenya, alongside support for organisations such as Prostate Cancer UK and Dementia UK.

In 2022, through Sema Jambo by MTM, Big Q and Junior Sheikh successfully launched the World Kiswahili Day London celebrations and the inaugural Sema Jambo Awards (SJA)—creating a global platform celebrating the Swahili language, culture, and diaspora identity.

Today, Big Q’s legacy is defined by one mission: creating platforms that uplift, recognise, and empower communities often overlooked.

“We are the difference. MTM Awards is the difference. We didn’t wait to be recognised, we created a platform that recognises us” – Big Q (AbdulhaQ)

The role of MTM Awards Ambassadors is pivotal in representing the brand. These individuals act as the “face” of the brand, embodying its values and vision. They wield their influence within their communities, leveraging their well-established networks and relationships to effectively market the MTM brand. Here are some key responsibilities and benefits of being an MTM Awards Ambassador:

Tastemakers and Word-of-Mouth Marketers: Ambassadors play the crucial role of being tastemakers within their communities. They engage in word-of-mouth marketing, actively promoting the brand through personal recommendations, referrals to friends, and discussions about MTM Awards.

Online Brand Advocates: Ambassadors also contribute to the brand’s online presence. They regularly post about the MTM brand on their personal social media accounts, helping to build awareness and garner sponsorship opportunities.

Representation at Events: Ambassadors represent MTM Awards at specific events. This may involve giving brand talks, distributing brand products, and fostering connections with a wider audience.

Advocates of the Vision: Being an MTM Awards Ambassador means advocating for the awards’ vision, spreading awareness about its significance, and encouraging engagement within diverse communities. These dedicated individuals serve as role models across the country, championing the celebration of excellence and achievements within Asian, Black, and Ethnic communities.

Positive Impact: For past MTM Award winners who believe in supporting, engaging, and creating awareness for the MTM brand in their region, becoming an MTM Awards Ambassador offers an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact. It allows them to continue their involvement with the awards and contribute to their community.

If you are interested in becoming part of the MTM Awards team as a Brand Ambassador, you can contact them for more information:

Email: info@mtmawards.co.uk Phone: +447807802325

By taking on the role of an MTM Awards Ambassador, you can actively contribute to the brand’s mission, share the importance of the awards, and help celebrate excellence within diverse communities.

Brand Ambassador Faduma Farah

Brand Ambassador Faduma Farah is a London-based social entrepreneur, disability inclusion advocate, and award-winning founder of Faduma Clothing, an adaptive fashion brand redefining inclusivity within the fashion and creative industries. Her work sits at the powerful intersection of creativity, social impact, and representation, challenging long-standing barriers faced by disabled and marginalised communities.

Faduma is also a core leader within Let’s Make Noise (LMN), where she supports children and families with special educational needs and disabilities through inclusive, community-led initiatives. Her leadership within LMN reflects her deep commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces that nurture confidence, visibility, and belonging.

Following a life-altering spinal cord injury, Faduma transformed personal adversity into purpose. Refusing to be defined by limitation, she became the first designer to showcase wheelchair-inclusive fashion on a London Fashion Week runway. Her historic showcase featured disabled models and boldly challenged conventional narratives around beauty, ability, strength, and leadership—marking a defining moment for adaptive fashion in the UK.

A recipient of the MTM National Role Model Award, Faduma is recognised for her impactful advocacy across BAME and disabled communities. She consistently champions representation, access, and excellence, using her platform to amplify voices that are too often overlooked. Through fashion, community leadership, and public speaking, she inspires individuals to rise beyond barriers and reimagine what leadership looks like.

As a Brand Ambassador, Faduma Farah embodies resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, courage, and inclusion—proving that true progress is achieved when everyone is seen, heard, and celebrated.