Jumuiya Ya Afrika proudly celebrated Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant 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 important 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 and working 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 Africa Day celebration featured music, live performance, dance, food, games, and cultural presentations representing the richness and diversity of the African continent. 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, kept the energy high throughout the celebration with vibrant Afrobeats and other genres of music that added to the festive atmosphere. He was also joined by Bermuda’s own DJ Kori Minors.
For the third consecutive year, Premier David Burt joined the Africa Day celebrations at John Smith’s Bay 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. Our cassava pie, our Gombeys, and many of the traditions, rhythms, and flavours that Bermudians proudly celebrate today carry roots from theAfrican 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.” Premier Burt said.
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. Africa Day is not only a celebration of heritage, but also an opportunity to strengthen understanding, friendship, and collaboration between Bermuda and Africa.”
“Seeing African representation in the parade felt natural andright, because so much of Bermuda Day already reflects our African roots, culture, rhythm, and spirit.” The Premier said, during the Africa Day celebration. “It was beautiful to see the community represented so proudly for all of Bermuda to celebrate together.”
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 (KBB) for a clean-up at John Smith’s Bay, Watch Hill Park and Devil’s Hole public dock.
Jumuiya Ya Afrika extends special thanks to Priscilla Ogamba, Kelly Keter and the many participants and contributors for their dedication and tireless efforts in helping to organise this year’s celebrations and parade participation. The organisation also expresses sincere appreciation to all volunteers whose support made the events possible.
Special thanks are also extended to our sponsors and partners including the AJ Lumber, Baileys Bay Ice Cream, Bank of Butterfield, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), Caesar Pharmacy, Genet Lure Salon, CG Pharmacy,Gorhams, LiveNet, Moongate Medical Aesthetics and Anti-Aging, The Reefs Resort and Club, 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 encourages 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 and on Instagram @africansinbermuda
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