MTM AWARDS presents
World Kiswahili Day
At the World Kiswahili Day Glittering Gala Evening held in Westminster London, attendees experienced a mesmerizing event celebrating the richness of Swahili culture. The 1st Sema Jambo Awards (SJA) by MTM were grandly launched, honouring outstanding achievements within the Swahili-speaking community.
The venue, Westminster Central Hall, was transformed into a captivating display of Swahili aesthetics, with carefully curated lighting and table set-up showcasing vibrant colors and patterns synonymous with Swahili traditions. KISUTU, a traditional printed Swahili cloth, adorned the tables, while KISUTU fabric covered the chairs, adding an authentic touch.
The evening’s most striking features were the concept of DHOWS, stunning one- or two-masted Arab sailing vessels with lateen rigging, showcased thanks to the artistic expertise of Mohamed Mbwana from the Shungwaya Welfare Association and conceptualised by Q of MTM and crafted in Lamu.
The event’s visual appeal was elevated by the craftsmanship of Huris Collection based in Mombasa, Kenya, highlighting the artistic heritage of Swahili-speaking communities. Overall, the World Kiswahili Day Glittering Gala Evening was an unforgettable and culturally enriching experience, uniting the beauty of Swahili tradition and the grandeur of Westminster London for all attendees to cherish and remember.
World Kiswahili Day, officially recognized by the United Nations on the 7th of July, was celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural splendor in 2022 and continued with exciting events in 2023.
In 2022, to mark the occasion, MTM Awards, in collaboration with Bristol Black Carers, hosted the first Kiswahili Day celebrations at The River Room of the House of Lords in Westminster.
The event was graciously hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma, and H.E Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The World Kiswahili Day Festival in 2023 commenced on Thursday, 6th July, with a “Beautiful Swahili Evening” at the River Room of the House of Lords in London, hosted by Lord Boateng, courtesy of the Lord Speaker.
The evening featured the esteemed Keynote Speaker, Mr. Ahmed Rajab, a BBC Legend. The dress code for the evening was Official Lounge, promising a delightful experience of culture, networking, Swahili entertainment, and light refreshments.
On Friday, 7th July, the festivities continued with a grand “Red Carpet a Ticketed Dinner & Entertainment Evening” at Westminster Central Hall in London.
The evening celebrated Swahili culture, music, and entertainment, honoring individuals from Swahili-speaking countries in the UK, Europe, and across the globe for their outstanding contributions in propagating Swahili.
The event aimed to celebrate, network, inspire, and create awareness. attendees were encouraged to join in the joyous singing.
The World Kiswahili Day festivities were truly a magnificent celebration of Swahili culture, language, and heritage, uniting people from different backgrounds to cherish and promote the beauty of Swahili traditions.
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