Sema Jambo – World Kiswahili Day London | Season 5
SJA Glittering Gala Swahili Evening
Saturday, 11 July 2026
A Celebration of Swahili Language, Culture & Heritage
World Kiswahili Day Evening – London 2026
Sema Jambo is more than an organisation — it is a vibrant movement celebrating the richness of the Swahili language, culture, and heritage. Rooted in unity and pride, our mission is to honour and elevate the diverse traditions of the Swahili-speaking world, bringing communities together through the power of language, art, and shared history.
At the heart of Sema Jambo lies a bold vision: to unite Swahili-speaking communities and global allies in the cultural capital of London, while showcasing the depth and dynamism of Swahili culture. From cuisine and fashion to music, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, Sema Jambo offers a platform where heritage meets excellence on an international stage.
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 fifth year, we’re thrilled to build upon the success of Sema Jambo 2025.
We’re delighted to announce that the legacy continues, and we’re all set to honour those that make a difference once again in 2026!
#BeautifulSwahili
World Kiswahili Day London by MTM 2025
In 2025, Sema Jambo returned to the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square for another unforgettable celebration of art, culture, fashion, cuisine, and enterprise, culminating in the prestigious SJA Awards Ceremony, further cementing Sema Jambo’s place as a flagship event on London’s cultural calendar.
Earlier in May 2025, Sema Jambo successfully organised and coordinated the 61st Union Day of Tanzania celebrations in partnership with Simba Productions, on behalf of the High Commission of Tanzania. The event attracted close to 1,000 attendees and featured 25 exhibitors, with diplomats and members of the Tanzanian diaspora coming together for an evening of celebration, unity, and pride.
To allow adequate preparation for an even grander experience, the Sema Jambo Gala Evening was rescheduled to 26 July 2025, giving both the venue and the SJA team time to deliver an elevated Glittering Gala Swahili Evening—a vibrant fusion of culture, music, fashion, cuisine, business, and diaspora unity.
Looking ahead to July 2026, festivities commence on Monday, 7 July, with an invite-only diplomatic reception at the House of Lords, followed by the main Sema Jambo Glittering Gala Swahili Evening on Saturday, 11 July 2026. As part of the week’s programme, the Sema Jambo Business Expo will take place on 8–9 July 2026 in London, offering businesses and creatives a powerful platform for visibility, networking, and growth.
At Sema Jambo, inclusivity is not just a value — it is our foundation. We are committed to ensuring our celebrations authentically reflect the rich diversity of the global Swahili-speaking community, embracing voices from East Africa and the diaspora.
We provide a dynamic platform where businesses, creatives, and change-makers connect, celebrate, and are celebrated. With a strong diplomatic presence, curated exhibitions, and electrifying cultural showcases, Sema Jambo is a one-of-a-kind experience where heritage meets innovation.
Join us 7–11 July 2026 to embrace the beauty of Swahili — a language that transcends borders, connects hearts, and uplifts our shared global identity. Walk the iconic Sema Jambo Awards Red Carpet and be part of a celebration that unites culture, excellence, and community on one unforgettable platform.
Celebrate with us. Exhibit with us. Grow with us.
www.semajambo.co.uk
+44 7852 100879
semajambo@gmail.com
World Kiswahili Day London by MTM 2024
Following the success of the 2023 Sema Jambo Evening, the celebration moved to the prestigious London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square in July 2024, delivering an immersive showcase of Swahili culture, fashion, music, and enterprise. The event was graced by H.E. Mbelwa Kairuki, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UK, alongside dignitaries from Uganda, Kenya, and Burundi, with a special diplomatic reception hosted at the House of Lords by Lord Paul Boateng.
That year also marked a milestone with the launch of the first Sema Jambo Business & Culture Expo, held at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square. A number of inspiring SMEs participated, creating a valuable platform for partners and entrepreneurs to showcase their brands, innovations, and services to an international audience.
World Kiswahili Day London by MTM 2023
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.
World Kiswahili Day London by MTM 2022
Since its historic launch on 7 July 2022 at the House of Lords — graced by H.E. Asha-Rose Migiro, then High Commissioner of Tanzania to the UK, and Baroness Sandy Verma — Sema Jambo has grown into a flagship celebration of cultural diplomacy, community pride, and global connection.
Join us in 2026 for an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking, and recognition as we shine a global spotlight on the vibrancy, influence, and excellence of Swahili heritage. This is more than an event — it is a statement of identity, unity, and legacy.
Sema Jambo!
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!