Gallery
Explore the Essence of Swahili Culture - A Journey through World Kiswahili Day Celebrationsby MTM……celebrating World Kiswahili Day since 2022 – 2023 – 2024.. 2025…. and welocome to 2026!
Sema Jambo Awards on World Kiswahili Day by MTM House of Lords 2025
World Kiswahili Day by Sema Jambo – Supported by MTM
River Room, House of Lords, London – July 3, 2025
Sema Jambo, a cultural initiative powered by MTM, proudly commemorated World Kiswahili Day with a prestigious celebration at the River Room, House of Lords on Thursday, July 3, 2025. As the first UK-based organisation to formally honour this historic occasion, Sema Jambo has redefined the narrative around Kiswahili heritage—transforming it from a regional tongue to a global cultural treasure.
Held in one of the most distinguished and symbolic venues in British democracy, the River Room celebration brings together diplomatic missions, cultural leaders, policymakers, academics, artists, and members of the diaspora to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the Kiswahili language—a unifying voice of over 250 million speakers across Africa and the world.
This exclusive gathering featured:
- Keynote addresses from African high commissioners and ambassadors, community representatives, and guests.
- A ceremonial recognition of Kiswahili’s UNESCO global language status
- Cultural presentations highlighting the richness of East African art, music, and literature
- A moment of reflection on Kiswahili’s role in Pan-African identity, diplomacy, and education
With the grandeur of the House of Lords as its backdrop, the evening signifies more than just a celebration—it is a call to preserve, promote, and elevate Kiswahili as a global cultural heritage.
Join us as we honour the spirit of unity, pride, and shared history through the beautiful Swahili language in our fourth coming events, 2026.
Swahili - stands as a powerful symbol of unity
The Swahili language stands as a powerful symbol of unity — a common voice spoken across numerous African nations. More than just a means of communication, it is a vibrant expression of shared cultural heritage and historical legacy, celebrated by millions across the continent and the diaspora.
Since its official recognition by UNESCO in 2022, July 7th has been marked globally as World Kiswahili Day. In London, we proudly launched our inaugural celebration at the House of Lords on July 7, 2022. By 2025, we commemorated our fourth consecutive year of honouring this momentous day at this prestigious venue.
This year’s celebration marked a new chapter in our journey — themed “Beautiful Swahili by Sema Jambo”, the 2025 event brought together diplomats, dignitaries, cultural icons, and community leaders for a spectacular showcase of Swahili excellence. From the grandeur of the River Room the House of Lords to the elegance of the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, it was a testament to the growing global embrace of Kiswahili as a language of connection, pride, and cultural revival.
Celebrate Kiswahili. Celebrate Unity. Celebrate Us.
As proud pioneers of the World Kiswahili Day celebrations in London United Kingdom , we extend our heartfelt wishes to the 250 million PLUS Kiswahili speakers around the globe
Have a Blessed Kiswahili Day
Sema Jambo by MTM is more than just an event — it’s a movement.
A vibrant call to bring together diverse communities in celebration of the rich culture, heritage, and unifying power of the Kiswahili language.
Join us as we honour a language that serves as a global bridge — spoken in over 25 countries and embraced by millions worldwide.
Sema Jambo is about rekindling pride, preserving tradition, and awakening a cultural legacy that once risked fading — now rising with renewed purpose and passion.
World Kiswahili Day London
by Sema Jambo | Supported by MTM Awards
MTM Awards has a proven track record of celebrating diversity, excellence, and community impact. Over the past 13 years, MTM Awards has honoured 237 outstanding award winners and presented 121 Special Recognition awards, reflecting a powerful legacy of inclusion and achievement.
With 304,013 votes cast, 13,150 nominees, and 7,150 warm welcomes from communities across the South West, the wider United Kingdom, and beyond international borders, MTM Awards has grown into a respected symbol of unity, excellence, and community spirit.
Become an Exclusive Partner
Sema Jambo Evening – 5th Annual World Kiswahili Day London
We invite you to join us as a key sponsor or partner for the 5th Annual Sema Jambo Awards, a vibrant and inclusive multicultural celebration dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of the Kiswahili language and culture.
With over a decade of championing Excellence in Diversity, MTM Awards continues to support the preservation and promotion of Kiswahili, the language and culture of the Waswahili—a richly blended Kiswahili-speaking Bantu people rooted in the Eastern African Great Lakes region and the Comoros.
The Waswahili community is primarily found along the Swahili Coast, spanning the Zanzibar archipelago, coastal Kenya, the Tanzanian seaboard, and northern Mozambique.
Partner With Us
Become part of Sema Jambo and stand alongside a movement that celebrates excellence, diversity, and cultural heritage, while strengthening global appreciation for Kiswahili and its people.
Join us in celebrating language, culture, and unity—Sema Jambo.
Sema Jambo Awards on World Kiswahili Day by MTM – The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square 2024.
Swahili culture is characterised by its maritime heritage, as coastal communities have historically been involved in extensive trade across the Indian Ocean, fostering a cosmopolitan society.
An Extravaganza of Art, Music, and Cuisine
Experience the enchanting allure of Swahili art, the mesmerising rhythms of traditional music, and the tantalising flavours of Swahili cuisine, all woven seamlessly into the fabric of these cultural evenings.
The essence of Swahili culture is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of interactions among African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences along the East African coast.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Swahili culture through our exclusive image and video gallery, showcasing the upmarket events celebrating World Kiswahili Day by MTM
Capturing Moments of Elegance and Traditions.
Witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including High Commissioners and Ambassadors from Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, and Burundi in the UK, as they grace these prestigious events with their presence.
A Historic Celebration of Culture & Language!
Celebrating Unity and Diversity:
Join us as we celebrate the unity and diversity of Swahili-speaking people worldwide, fostering connections and understanding across borders and generations.
Relive the Magic.
Browse through our curated collection of images and videos to relive the magic of these unforgettable celebrations, where every moment is a testament to the beauty and resilience of Swahili culture.
Join the Celebration:
Discover the essence of World Kiswahili Day and be inspired by the spirit of community, creativity, and cultural heritage that permeates each event.
Experience the Beauty of Swahili Culture
Embark on a visual journey through our gallery and let the essence of Swahili culture captivate your senses.
