Partnership Opportunities!
World Kiswahili Day
A Global Celebration of Culture and Diversity
Sema Jambo by MTM is bringing the beauty and uniqueness of Kiswahili to London once again! Recognised as one of the official languages of the United Nations in 2022, Kiswahili holds a key role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
World Kiswahili Day London - A Global Celebration of Culture and Diversity!
Sema Jambo by MTM proudly brings the beauty, depth, and global significance of Kiswahili to London year after year. Recognised in 2022 as one of the official languages of the United Nations, Kiswahili stands as a powerful bridge for cultural exchange, unity, and international understanding.
Through Sema Jambo, World Kiswahili Day London has grown into a respected cultural movement—honouring language, heritage, and the people who carry its legacy across generations and continents.
Our Journey So Far
7 July 2022 – Historic Launch
World Kiswahili Day London was officially launched at the River Room, House of Lords, Westminster, hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma.
The evening was graced by Her Excellency Asha-Rose Migiro, then High Commissioner of Tanzania, as Chief Guest—marking a historic beginning for Kiswahili celebrations in the UK’s most prestigious political space.
6 July 2023 – Kiswahili at the Heart of Westminster
The celebrations returned to the House of Lords, once again at the River Room, hosted by the Rt. Hon. Lord Paul Boateng.
His Excellency Manoah Esipisu, High Commissioner of Kenya, attended as Chief Guest, reinforcing Kiswahili’s cross-border cultural importance.
7 July 2023 – The Inaugural Glittering Gala Dinner
The first World Kiswahili Day Glittering Gala Dinner was launched at Westminster Central Hall, welcoming diplomats and guests from the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Burundi.
The evening’s Chief Guest was Her Excellency Patsy Mochache, High Commissioner of Seychelles to the UK.
This unforgettable night of culture, music, fashion, and Swahili cuisine saw:
- Spellbinding taarab performances by legendary artist Brother Nassir from Mombasa
- Energetic Swahili rhythms by Namite Selvaggir, MTM Music & Media Award Winner (2020)
The inaugural SJA Awards honoured:
- Salim Kikeke, celebrity broadcaster
- Zahra Dattani, community champion
- Mohamed Rajab, recipient of the SJA Lifetime Achievement Award
Diplomatic representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Seychelles were proudly present.
6 July 2024 – A Mayfair Milestone
World Kiswahili Day reached new heights with a glittering Gala Dinner at the iconic London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Mayfair.
The prestigious evening welcomed representatives from the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Burundi, with His Excellency Balozi Mbelwa Kairuki, High Commissioner of Tanzania, as Chief Guest—highlighting Kiswahili’s role as a unifying cultural treasure.
A standout fashion showcase by Narina Ruhinda of REDLOVE Designs celebrated Tanzanian fabrics and design heritage.
The evening reflected Kiswahili’s growing global recognition and its power to connect diverse communities.
3 July & 26 July 2025 – Culture in Motion
An elegant Swahili Evening was hosted at the River Room, House of Lords, attended by Excellencies from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Namibia.
The evening featured music, dance, and high-level networking, blessed by the presence of Congolese music icon Awilo Logomba.
Following earlier commitments—where Simba Productions, Sema Jambo associates, delivered the 61st Union Day of Tanzania (3 May 2025)—the main SJA Swahili Evening was held on 26 July 2025 at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.
This memorable night honoured true icons, including Awilo Logomba and Eddie Kadi, and introduced the first East Meets Central Africa Fashion Showcase, featuring REDLOVE Designs and The Regal Thread Show.
The Chief Guest was His Excellency the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the Marriott’s culinary team, led by Chef Graeme, delivered an exceptional experience of authentic Swahili cuisine.
Looking Ahead
7–11 July 2026
All eyes now turn to 7–11 July 2026, as Sema Jambo World Kiswahili Day London returns with an expanded programme of culture, celebration, awards, fashion, music, and dialogue.
Sema Jambo is more than an event.
It is a cultural movement—preserving, elevating, and celebrating Beautiful Kiswahili on a global stage.
Sema Jambo. Celebrate Language. Celebrate Culture. Celebrate Unity.
Elevate Your Brand with the Ultimate Partnership Package
Network with Diverse Communities: Open new avenues for your brand by connecting with diverse communities, expanding your network, and strengthening brand presence in the UK and across international waters.
Enhance CSR Strategy: Improve and publicise your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility.
Reach Local Diverse Ethnic Communities: Publicise your brand positively within diaspora communities, showcasing your inclusivity and cultural awareness.
Build Commercial Connections: Engage with other high-flying local businesses, establishing lasting commercial connections and collaborations for mutual growth.
Expand Your Data List: Introduce your brand to a whole new data list of potential customers and partners, enhancing your brand’s reach and market presence.
Inspire and Motivate: Involve your employees in the World Kiswahili Day experience journey, inspiring and motivating them while reinforcing your commitment to social responsibility.
Boost ROI: Acquire new clients and business opportunities through our extensive reach, boosting your Return on Investment (ROI) and maximizing the impact of your participation.
Our Partnership Opportunities
The Partnership Package
Become a Principal Platinum Partner of the World Kiswahili Day Festival 2024 and enjoy exclusive benefits:
- Red Carpet Branding: Let your brand shine with prominent placement on the red carpet, ensuring maximum visibility and exposure to all guests.
- Main Stage and Big Screen Branding: Your brand logo will be prominently displayed on the main stage and projected on the big screen throughout the evening, capturing the attention of all attendees.
- Brand Video Clip Playback: Showcase your brand with a video clip played on the big screen during key moments of the gala, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
- Branding WKD Souvenir Edition Magazine: Your logo and company profile featured in the souvenir edition magazine distributed to all attendees, extending your brand’s reach beyond the event itself.
- Highlighted Recognition: Your brand will be highlighted and recognized during the Glittering Gala Award on July 6th at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square Evening, reinforcing your commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement.
- Product Placement: Your brand placed on all digital promotional campaigns, ensuring widespread visibility across online platforms.
- 4 VIP Invites to the Gala Evening: Enjoy exclusive access to the gala event with four VIP invitations, allowing you to network with influential guests and key stakeholders.
Our Partnership is a Game-Changer:
- Access to New and Bigger Target Markets: Our event attracts a diverse audience, offering you the chance to connect with potential customers you may not have reached before. Whether you’re looking to expand internationally or tap into a specific demographic, our partnership will open doors to new opportunities.
- Tailored Sponsorship for Maximum Impact: We understand that every brand is unique, which is why we tailor our sponsorship packages to ensure maximum cut-through with your target audience. Whether you’re interested in branding opportunities, experiential activations, or content integration, we’ll work closely with you to create a customized solution that aligns with your marketing objectives.
- Opportunities for Pre and Post-Event Boost ROI: Our partnership doesn’t end when the event concludes. We offer a range of pre and post-event marketing opportunities to help you amplify your brand message and drive ROI. From social media promotions to email marketing campaigns, we’ll support you every step of the way to ensure your investment delivers long-term value.
Sema Jambo is supported by MTM Awards, who in the span of the last 13 years have had the privilege of acknowledging 209 remarkable award winners and bestowing 96 Special Recognition honours. With a grand total of 6000 warm welcomes and an impressive 9550 nominees, their awards have garnered over 346,811 votes since their inaugural ceremony in 2012.
By becoming a Principal Platinum Partner, your group will elevate its brand presence and align itself with one of the most prestigious cultural events of the year. This partnership offers unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities, allowing your group to showcase its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and excellence.
Seize this opportunity to align your brand with excellence, diversity, and unmatched visibility.
Get In Touch Now!
+447852100879
World Kiswahili Day London 2026 is supported by…..