World Kiswahili Day 2025 with Sema Jambo ….
Tongue of the Coast, Voice of a People
A poem to celebrate the Kiswahili language…by Yasmin Jefferies…Enjoy!
From coral shores where dhows would glide,
Across the Indian Ocean’s tide,
Was born a tongue both strong and free
The noble voice of Kiswahili.
In Zanzibar and old Lamu,
Where trade winds whispered secrets through,
The Arabs, Bantu, and Persians met,
And in their mingling, roots were set.
Born of tide and ancient trade,
Where sun met spice in harbour’s shade,
This language rose just like the dawn
A tongue where many roots were drawn.
She spoke with grace from every shore,
Of those who knocked on Africa’s door:
The sailor, scholar, farmer, guest,
All found her words and made them nest.
From Kilwa’s walls to Mombasa’s sand,
She carried stories, hand to hand.
Not just a language, but also a flame
Of shared identity and name.
She sang in chants and wedding drums,
In warrior tales and kingdom sums.
She crossed the borders none could see
A rhythm set in unity.
And thus a tapestry of words took shape,
Of rhythm none could dare escape.
From marketplaces songs took flight,
In Kiswahili, a pure delight.
“Jambo!” cried the child in play,
“Karibu!” said the host each day.
Through coastal lanes and forest deep,
The language found its voice to keep.
It bore the dreams of sultans’ reigns,
It marched through colonial chains.
It stirred the hearts of those oppressed,
A banner held above the rest.
Uhuru sang from mouth to sky
In Kiswahili, nations cry
For justice, unity, and for peace,
For Africa, her soul’s release.
When freedom stirred in colonized lands,
She marched with banners in our hands.
Through Kiswahili, voices rang:
Of struggle, pride, the songs we sang.
Now borders blur where it is heard,
A binding thread in every word.
From Kenya’s hills to Congo’s plains,
Its beauty flows like summer rains.
Today, her echoes span the earth,
A language of eternal worth.
In classrooms, courts, and global halls,
Her gentle cadence proudly calls.
And far beyond the continent,
Its voice has crossed the firmament.
A bridge of culture, hope, and song,
That welcomes all and rights the wrong.
The past remembered, the future drawn.
She is the bridge we stand upon,
Tongue of the Coast,
Voice of a People,
The Ocean’s inheritance,
And our pure decadence!
And so on World Kiswahili Day,
We raise our voices high to say:
This language, ancient, bold, and wise,
With her bright song beneath the skies.
Shall always ever, ever, rise…
Sema Jambo: A Celebration of Swahili Language, Culture & Heritage
World Kiswahili Day Evening – London 2025
Sema Jambo is more than just an organisation – it is a vibrant celebration of Swahili language, culture, and heritage. Our mission is to honour and elevate the diverse traditions of the Swahili-speaking world, uniting communities through the beauty of language, art, and shared history.
At the heart of Sema Jambo lies a vision: to bring together Swahili-speaking communities and allies from across the globe to the vibrant city of London, showcasing the richness of Swahili culture, cuisine, fashion, music, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Since its historic launch on 7th July 2022 at the House of Lords—graced by H.E. Asha-Rose Migiro, High Commissioner of Tanzania to the UK, and Baroness Sandy Verma—Sema Jambo has grown into a flagship event for cultural diplomacy and community pride.
Join us to celebrate, network, and shine a global spotlight on the vibrant Swahili heritage at this prestigious gala. Don’t miss this unique celebration of Swahili excellence on the world stage!
#BeautifulSwahili
Sema Jambo gives participants an unparalleled platform to showcase their excellence and achievements in both business and community work.
We are the bridge that brings diverse communities together, by shining a spotlight on extraordinary individuals, innovative businesses, and community organisations that make our world a better place.
As we embark on our fourth year, we’re thrilled to build upon the success of Sema Jambo 2024.
We’re delighted to announce that the legacy continues, and we’re all set to honour those that make a difference once again in 2025!
2023: Our inaugural Sema Jambo Awards (SJA) took place at Westminster Central Hall, welcoming nearly 300 guests and dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of Seychelles, H.E. Patsy Moustache.
This marked the debut of the SJA Exhibition, showcasing authentic Swahili artefacts and craftsmanship.
Sema Jambo was founded in 2018 by MTM Awards to connect the platform with its East African roots — a region dear to the founders’ hearts.
When the United Nations declared July 7 as World Kiswahili Day, we officially launched Sema Jambo on this significant date.
In true MTM tradition — as creators of the Sema Jambo Swahili celebrations in London — we showcase talent across music, media, art, and fashion.
In 2023, we proudly welcomed two remarkable young artists: Kenya’s Taarab maestro Brother Nassir and Namite Selvaggi, an Italian of Tanzanian descent from Terracina, Rome.
Following the success of the 2023 Sema Jambo Evening, we moved to the prestigious London Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, July 2024, presenting an immersive celebration of culture, fashion, music, and enterprise. H.E. Mbelwa Kairuki graced the event alongside dignitaries from Uganda, Kenya and Burundi, with a special reception hosted at the House of Lords by Lord Paul Boateng. A number of inspiring SMEs participated in the Kiswahili Business and Culture Fair — a valuable platform for partners to showcase their brands.
Now in 2025, Sema Jambo returns to the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square for an unforgettable showcase of art, culture, fashion, cuisine, and enterprise, culminating in the prestigious SJA Awards ceremony.
Following the successful 61st Union Day celebrations, organised by our associate group Simba Productions for the High Commission of Tanzania, we are geared up for a grander Sema Jambo Glittering Gala Swahili Evening — a day of vibrant culture, music, fashion, cuisine, business, and Diaspora unity.
Festivities begin Thursday, 3rd July, with an invite-only diplomatic reception at the House of Lords, and the main gala on Saturday, 5th July.
At Sema Jambo, inclusivity is not just a value—it is our foundation. We are committed to ensuring our celebrations reflect the rich diversity of the global Swahili-speaking community, including voices from East Africa and the diaspora.
We provide a platform for businesses, creatives, and change makers to connect, celebrate, and be celebrated.
With a strong diplomatic presence, curated exhibitions, and electrifying cultural showcases, Sema Jambo is a one-of-a-kind event where heritage meets innovation.
Join us on July 5 to embrace the beauty of Swahili – a language that transcends borders, connects hearts, and uplifts our shared identity as a global family, sharing a common platform at the guests’ favourite – The SJA Red Carpet.
Celebrate with us. Exhibit with us. Grow with us.
www.semajambo.co.uk | +44 7852 100879 | info@semajambo.co.uk
Sema Jambo!
Which simply means Say Hi in the Beautiful Language – Kiswahili!
A celebration of cultures, music, and food
Sema Jambo is a celebration of cultures, music, and food, sharing the richness of Kiswahili with the world and inviting travellers to explore Swahili-speaking countries.
July 2023 we proudly launched our inaugural Sema Jambo Gala Swahili Evening, honouring the unsung heroes who have contributed to the awareness of Kiswahili through various forms of art and expression.
This event was a first not only in the UK but possibly in the world, bringing Kiswahili to the heart of London on World Kiswahili Day at the House of Lords in July 2022!