SJA - World Kiswahili Day Gallery

SJA - World Kiswahili Day Gallery Celebrating Excellence of Swahili Speaking Communities Across The World on World Kiswahili Day!

SJA Special Recognition Awards 2025 – Celebrating Beautiful Swahili on World Kiswahili Day, LondonThey came from across ...
05/08/2025

SJA Special Recognition Awards 2025 – Celebrating Beautiful Swahili on World Kiswahili Day, London

They came from across continents, from diverse communities united by a love for Beautiful Swahili. On World Kiswahili Day 2025, London became the heart of the celebration as guests graced the Red Carpet at the prestigious SJA Gala Evening.

From the moment they arrived, attendees were immersed in the magic of Swahili culture. A refreshing welcome drink, specially crafted at the Swahili Passage, set the tone for the evening. They explored the Swahili Expo, a rich showcase of art, fashion, music, and heritage, before dining Swahili style – a true culinary journey through East Africa.

The night reached its crescendo with the presentation of the SJA Special Recognition Awards 2025, honouring excellence, heritage, and community impact. And just when it seemed the evening couldn’t offer more — the legendary Awilo Longomba lit up the stage with his timeless hits, bringing everyone to their feet in a final, joyful celebration.

Unforgettable. Unifying. Unapologetically Swahili.
This was SJA 2025.

Simply UNFORGETTABLE MomentsCaptured at the Sema Jambo Swahili Gala Evening – London 2025Through the lens of our photogr...
04/08/2025

Simply UNFORGETTABLE Moments
Captured at the Sema Jambo Swahili Gala Evening – London 2025
Through the lens of our photographers – a true magical omoment.

SJA Awards Celebrate the Beauty of Swahili Culture on World Kiswahili Day 2025 at the Prestigious London Marriott Hotel ...
29/07/2025

SJA Awards Celebrate the Beauty of Swahili Culture on World Kiswahili Day 2025 at the Prestigious London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square

In an unforgettable celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, the Sema Jambo Awards (SJA) marked World Kiswahili Day 2025 with a grand and glamorous gala at the prestigious London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.

The evening brought together diplomats, dignitaries, cultural ambassadors, artists, and guests from across Africa and the diaspora for a heartfelt tribute to the Swahili language—one of Africa’s most unifying and beautiful cultural treasures.

With the theme “Celebrating Beautiful Swahili,” the gala honoured Swahili not just as a language, but as a living expression of identity, resilience, and unity. The event featured an enchanting blend of Swahili music, cuisine, fashion, poetry, and storytelling, reflecting the diverse traditions of the Swahili-speaking world—from the shores of Zanzibar to the heart of East and Central Africa.

Highlights of the evening included the SJA Awards Ceremony, which recognised outstanding individuals and organisations who have championed Swahili culture, arts, media, and community service globally.

From captivating live performances to powerful speeches by esteemed African leaders and cultural icons, the night was a vibrant and proud affirmation of Swahili's growing global influence and relevance.

The 2025 celebration firmly positioned London as a global hub for Swahili heritage, echoing the African Union’s recognition of Kiswahili as an official working language and celebrating the unity it fosters across borders.

Sema Jambo – World Kiswahili Day, LondonSince its inception in 2022, Sema Jambo has grown into a powerful cultural movem...
06/07/2025

Sema Jambo – World Kiswahili Day, London
Since its inception in 2022, Sema Jambo has grown into a powerful cultural movement, celebrating the richness, beauty, and global significance of the Kiswahili language. As the first UK-based initiative to mark World Kiswahili Day, it has brought together communities, dignitaries, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from across East Africa and beyond. Through music, fashion, cuisine, and dialogue, Sema Jambo continues to raise awareness of Kiswahili as a unifying language spoken by over 250 million people worldwide.

The Significance of the River Room, House of Lords
Hosting Sema Jambo at the prestigious River Room in the House of Lords is both symbolic and historic. Overlooking the River Thames, this exclusive venue within the UK Parliament reflects the importance of cultural diplomacy and inclusion. It sets the tone for meaningful dialogue between nations, honours the contributions of Swahili-speaking communities, and underscores the role of language in fostering unity and global understanding.
Photo Credit Al-Nur Sunderji London

Aasif Karim – Kenya’s Cricketing TrailblazerNominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025Cricket Captain | Le...
01/06/2025

Aasif Karim – Kenya’s Cricketing Trailblazer
Nominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Cricket Captain | Left-Arm Spinner | Sports Ambassador

Born in 1963, Aasif Karim is a celebrated former captain of the Kenyan national cricket team. Known for his skillful left-arm spin and dependable lower-order batting, he played a pivotal role in putting Kenyan cricket on the international map.

Karim’s leadership and sportsmanship helped inspire a generation of cricketers in Kenya, elevating the sport’s profile across the nation and beyond.

For his significant contributions to Kenyan cricket and sports development, Aasif Karim is a deserving nominee for the SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
Winners Will Be Announced July 5 - The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square!

Abdilatif Abdallah – Voice of Courage and Swahili PoetryNominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025Swahili ...
01/06/2025

Abdilatif Abdallah – Voice of Courage and Swahili Poetry

Nominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Swahili Poet | Political Activist | Cultural Icon

Born in Mombasa in 1946, Abdilatif Abdallah is a major Swahili poet whose powerful work, Sauti ya Dhiki (Voice of Agony), was composed during his imprisonment from 1969 to 1972 for his courageous political activism against the Kenyatta regime.

Writing under harsh conditions in solitary confinement, Abdallah’s poetry captures the struggles, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of coastal Kenya.
His work reflects Mombasa’s unique blend of Indian Ocean influences and its complex colonial history.
Voice of Agony remains a landmark in African literature, symbolizing the power of art to challenge injustice. Abdilatif Abdallah’s legacy as a fearless voice of conscience and culture makes him a distinguished nominee for the SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
Winners Will Be Announced July 5 - The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square!

Minaz Manji – Visionary Behind Twiga Tours Nominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025Tourism Pioneer | Con...
01/06/2025

Minaz Manji – Visionary Behind Twiga Tours
Nominee: SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Tourism Pioneer | Conservation Advocate | Philanthropist

After returning from the UK in 1976, Minaz Manji began exploring every game park in Kenya, nurturing a deep passion for wildlife and conservation. In 1980, he co-founded Twiga Tours with his father—a bold venture that grew into one of Africa’s most respected safari brands, known for world-class service and authentic African hospitality.
Minaz’s philosophy of treating guests as family helped shape Kenya’s tourism narrative. While building the business, he also supported the industry by leasing vehicles to other tour operators and promoting Kenyan tourism internationally.

His legacy goes beyond business. Through the Manji Foundation, Minaz supports children’s education by funding school meals, hiring qualified teachers, constructing classrooms and dormitories, and supplying books and uniforms.

For his transformative impact on tourism and unwavering commitment to community development, Minaz Manji stands as a distinguished nominee for the SJA Ahmed Rajab Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
Winners Will Be Announced July 5th - The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square

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