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 was founded in 2012 to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of South Asian communities across the South West of England.

Born as an extension of Mast The Magazine, a community-focused publication for Black, Asian, and Ethnic communities, the awards emerged to address a glaring gap: the lack of representation and recognition for diverse businesses and grassroots organisations within mainstream local award platforms in Bristol. Despite their vital impact on the economy and local community life, these individuals and organisations remained largely under-recognised. MTM Awards was created to change that narrative.

The vision was spearheaded by founder Abdul Q Sheikh (famously known as Big Q), a celebrated broadcaster from Kenya, alongside Junior Sheikh. Drawing on decades of combined experience working closely with grassroots communities since 2004, they recognised that meaningful recognition is a catalyst for true empowerment.

Having previously launched Radio Ramadhan Bristol in 2005, Radio Mast FM in 2008, and Mast The Magazine in 2009, they had built deep trust and genuine insight into the needs and aspirations of diverse communities across the region. Their mission was simple yet transformative: to recognise, uplift, and inspire.

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

Over the years, MTM Awards has evolved into a nationwide celebration of diversity, inclusion, and excellence, expanding far beyond its original scope to embrace inclusive, diverse communities across the UK and internationally.

As the founders reflect: "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.

The MTM Glittering Gala Award Evening is more than an event; it is an unforgettable celebration set in a vibrant cultural atmosphere at the heart of Bristol.

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

With a star-studded line-up of entertainment, exquisite dining, and special guest appearances, the Gala delivers an experience like no other.

Since 2014, the prestigious Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre has served as the home for this remarkable evening, with its Bristol Suite transformed into a spectacular red-carpet venue that welcomes guests into a night of elegance and culture.

As one of the most distinctive awards ceremonies in the United Kingdom, the gala brings together a richly diverse audience from regional, national, and international communities all under one roof.

Dining at the MTM Awards is an experience in itself, celebrating diversity through global flavor. Guests are taken on an extraordinary culinary journey inspired by the historic streetscapes of Zanzibar, the vibrant Caribbean Islands, the aromatic spice traditions of the River Ganges, and the rich cuisine of the Arabian Gulf. Every dish reflects the authenticity, richness, and global spirit that define the MTM ethos.

The evening’s live entertainment further showcases the world's best music and dance, featuring captivating performances that span continents.

From the formal awards ceremony through to the lively after-party, the MTM Glittering Gala offers a seamless, all-under-one-roof experience for anyone who believes in the power of community.

Join us as we honour achievement, elevate diverse voices, and bring communities together in a way that is truly meaningful and unforgettable.

We Are The  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.