Articles
The Evolution of the Word of Safari
The word safari simply means ‘a journey’ in Swahili. Its root word is the Arabic word safar, which also means journey or travel. A nod to the centuries of travel…
Sexualisation of ‘Assalam Aleikum’
‘Assalam Aleikum‘ — peace be upon you, is a greeting that is meant to invoke God’s peace and blessings upon a person you meet. But in recent years, I have…
The Legacy of Kenya’s Chief Kadhi: A role shaped by history and religion
As Kenya mourns the passing of its Chief Kadhi, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, the country reflects on both the life of the prominent religious figure and the unique place the office…
Jasmine: The Woman’s Flower
Jasmine, the delicate but powerful flower, has long been part of everyday life and ritual. It carries with it the scent of womanhood and intimacy. In Swahili, we call it…
Swahili Alphabet Book Celebrates Language and Culture for Young Readers
Welcome to our world where “K’ is for Kuku, and not Kite or Kangaroo. Parents, educators, and language enthusiasts can now introduce young learners to the Swahili alphabet in a…
Lesser-Known Heroes of The Pre-colonial Coast of Kenya
20th October is Mashujaa day in Kenya. On this day, Kenya celebrates heroes who have stood up for our country and the values of humanity and dignity that define our…
The Mysterious Kilua
The kilua or kiluwa (pl. Vilua/viluwa) is a small fragrant magnolia-like flower found on the East African coast. The flower’s tree is known as mlua, mkiluwa or muuwa by the…
Limestone vs. Tiles: Changing Swahili Aesthetics Through The Eyes of Master Craftsmen
Ahmed Yusuf Suleiman is one of the most sought-after Swahili plasterwork artists and a well-known building contractor on the East African coast. One afternoon in his hometown, Lamu, he gave…
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