Jumuiya Ya Afrika Celebrate Africa Day

May 29, 2026 | 0 Comments

Jumuiya Ya Afrika proudly celebrated Africa Day with a cultural gathering at John Smith’s Bay, continuing a growing tradition that honours African heritage, unity and cultural exchange in Bermuda.

This year’s celebrations were especially significant as the organisation also marked its first participation in the Bermuda Day Heritage Parade with a cultural float and a dance performance in partnership with Bermuda’s Donquili West African Dance and Drumming Group.

Africa Day, observed internationally on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now known as the African Union.

In Bermuda, the annual Africa Day beach celebration has become an opportunity to recognise the contributions, history, diversity and cultural legacy of Africa and the African diaspora.

Jumuiya Ya Afrika, a registered Bermuda charity established in 2019, was formed out of years of friendship, collaboration and community-building among Africans living in Bermuda.

The organisation’s mission is to foster and sustain meaningful economic, educational, cultural and social ties between Bermuda and Africa.

This year’s event celebration featured music, live performances, dance, food, games and cultural presentations.

The event also highlighted the strengthening relationship between Africans in Bermuda and the wider community through volunteerism, cultural exchange and public engagement.

Kimani Ngugi, also known as DJ Choosen, played vibrant Afrobeats and other genres of music. He was joined by Bermuda’s own DJ Kori Minors.

For the third consecutive year, Premier David Burt joined the Africa Day celebrations and delivered remarks recognising the importance of the connections between Bermuda, the African diaspora and the African continent.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Premier Burt noted that Africa Day celebrations provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the diversity and cultural contributions of Bermuda’s African community while strengthening bonds of understanding, shared heritage and unity across the island.

“No matter which language we speak, we are connected by history, by the African diaspora, and by cultural traditions that continue to shape Bermuda today,” he said.

“Our cassava pie, our Gombeys, and many of the traditions, rhythms, and flavours that Bermudians proudly celebrate today carry roots from the African continent and remain an important part of Bermuda’s cultural identity.”

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend sincere thanks to Jumuiya Ya Afrika for organising this year’s Africa Day celebration here at John Smith’s Bay.

“I recognise Mr Henry Thomas, chairman, Ms Priscilla Ogamba, treasurer, along with the trustees, for their work in making the Africa Day celebration come to life.”

Chairman Henry Thomas said the organisation remains committed to building bridges through education and cultural celebration.

“Our participation in the Bermuda Day Parade represents another important step in sharing African culture with the wider Bermuda community while celebrating the connections that unite us all,” he said.

“Africa Day is not only a celebration of heritage, but also an opportunity to strengthen understanding, friendship, and collaboration between Bermuda and Africa.”

The annual celebrations also align with the broader vision expressed in Bermuda’s 2024 Africa Day proclamation, which recognised the importance of unity among people of African descent worldwide and acknowledged Africa’s rich cultural, historical and economic contributions globally.

In addition to cultural events, Jumuiya Ya Afrika has increasingly focused on community involvement and service.

Earlier this year, members volunteered during the Convex End-to-End, assisting with marshalling and event support as part of the organisation’s continued commitment to giving back to Bermuda.

The group also collaborated with Keep Bermuda Beautiful for clean-ups at John Smith’s Bay, Watch Hill Park and Devil’s Hole public dock.

Jumuiya Ya Afrika extended special thanks to Priscilla Ogamba, Kelly Keter and the many participants and contributors for their dedication and efforts in helping to organise this year’s celebrations and parade participation.

The organisation also expressed sincere appreciation to all volunteers whose support made the events possible.

Special thanks were also extended to sponsors and partners including AJ Lumber, Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream, Bank of Butterfield, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Caesar Pharmacy, Genet Lure Salon, CG Pharmacy, Gorham’s, LiveNet, Moongate Medical Aesthetics and Anti-Aging, The Reefs Resort and Club, the Government of Bermuda, and the many other donors and contributors for their valued support of Africa Day 2026 and the organisation’s ongoing community initiatives.

Jumuiya Ya Afrika encouraged the community to continue supporting opportunities that celebrate African heritage, strengthen cross-cultural understanding and foster lasting ties between Bermuda and the African continent.

For more information about Jumuiya Ya Afrika and to register to become a member, visit www.jumuiya.bm or follow @africansinbermuda on Instagram.