MTM Awards 2016 supplement

2016 Celebrating The Excellence & Achievements of Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities

Welcome to the MTM Awards 2016 Celebrating the excellence & achievements of

Mayor Cllr. Alastair Watson and The Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester Cllr. Said Hansdot amongst other guests.

South West.

MTM are the only awards in the United Kingdom that includes all Ethnic communities and provide nominees, guests and the business elite with the opportunity to engage with thriving local and national business, cultures and faiths spanning international waters, as well as those on our door step.

the Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities in the

The MTM Awards is already established as the premier Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities event in the South West.

MTM Awards was first launched in 2012 to honour Asian communities from the Indian sub-continent in the South West. These communities who first arrived in the region 65 years ago have contributed immensely to the betterment of the region and country and their contribution, excellence and achievements had not been appreciated. MTM Awards were created to honour the best from these communities in the South West.

It was time to showcase the potential of ethnic businesses and their contribution to the country.

The MTM South West Asian Awards were first held in December 2012 with over two hundred nominated for the 23 awards in business, community work and professional services, 69 made it to the final.

MTM Awards provide a perfect setting for networking in a uniquely cultural environment at the Bristol Marriott Hotel based in the heart of Bristol.

The venue is transformed into a glittering gala evening, the only awards ceremony of this type in the South West, welcoming over 500 guests from diverse communities from the region and international waters.

We are unrivalled in that we receive a remarkable number of nominations to the awards each year. In 2016 we have received a record number of nominees across the South West and nationally. The introduction of the National Award For Excellence has opened doors for national entrants and given the awards a national and international participation.

In 2014 the Awards opened doors for the other Black Minority & Ethnic communities and were re-named MTM South West Asian & Ethnic Minorities Awards.

The wait is over and as we gather here this evening, we are looking to a great evening of culture, business networking, entertainment, exquisite dining and to the MTM 2016 award presentation.

Now in its fifth year and building on the success of MTM 2015 Awards, we are delighted to be able to continue to offer our stand-out awards night for 2016. Celebrating the essence of business and culture across our diverse, rich, ethnic and minority communities.

Special thanks to our sponsors, supporters, entertainers, caterers, technical crews, MTM Ambassadors and dignitaries for taking the time to be with us on this Sunday before Christmas.

There are six categories with 21 Awards up for grabs in 2016 and new National Award for excellence in culture, community and business.

It is time to part of the biggest award incentive in the South West.

MTM Awards 2016 was launched on May 26th at The Conservatory, Bristol Marriott hotel attended by Deputy Lord

Junior Sheikh (MTM Awards)

I wish you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Messages of Goodwill.

Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner - Sue Mountstevens “It’s a privilege to attend the MTM Awards 2016 to celebrate the success and achievements of Asian and Ethnic Minorities in the South West. I look forward to hearing more about the many successes by our thriving Asian and ethnic communities and meeting the people behind them.”

The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath - Councillor Paul Crossley ‘It is a great pleasure to be with you all tonight celebrating diversity and achievement. I am proud to welcome you all to the South West. Tonight, across six categories and 21 Awards, we acknowledge our rich cultural diversity, heritage and ambition and I think this is something that really does make Britain ‘Great’.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester - Councillor Neil Hampson On behalf of the Members of Gloucester City Council I am delighted to send greetings and best wishes to all at the MTM Awards Gala Evening. The City Council is proud to celebrate the wide diversity of its people and eager to ensure that the City continues to provide a warm welcome to people of all ethnic origins and backgrounds. Our strengths and our future lie in this great diversity and the MTM Awards, the only such awards in the South West, recognise and celebrate the excellence of the Asian and Ethnic Minorities in our region.

Cllr - Peter Abraham The MTM Awards Evening is now an established part of Bristol’s Calendar. My wife and I our honoured to be present when we can Celebrate together the wonderful achievements of our Asian & Ethnic Communities who contribute so much to our vibrate City. In our eyes everyone is a winner and we congratulate all who have worked so hard to make this evening a great success.

Peaches Golding OBE Congratulations to all the winners and runners up in the MTM Awards. These awards not only showcase the best qualities within the diverse minority ethnic community, but also provide inspiration to all of us to improve our society.

Ken Simpson, Bristol and Regional Chairman of FSB “The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is delighted to be supporting the MTM Awards and to celebrate the fantastic diversity and variety of ethnic minority businesses throughout the South West.

“The sheer quality of the entries for the awards from the region’s Asian and ethnic minority businesses is a great testimony to the hard-work and enthusiasm of everyone involved and as Britain’s biggest business representation group we are proud to be a part of this important and celebratory evening.”

Dr Razvan Constantinescu - Honorary Consul of Romania for the SW of England The Honorary Consulate of Romania in the SW of England salutes the contribution provided by the Mast Magazine to the inter-ethnic bridge builting and community cohesion.

Now more than ever, communities and their leaders must work together to stamp out racism and ethnic discrimination and prejudice from our midst.

We are proud to be associated with Mast and would like to express our thanks for the way in which it supports the Romanian Community.

Messages of Goodwill.

Chief Constable Avon & Somerset Constabulary Andy Marsh Thank you for asking me to take part in this celebration of Asian, Black and Ethnic leadership and success. I am committed to helping develop outstanding Black, Asian and Ethnic leadership in Policing.

T/Chief Inspector Paul Wigginton Avon & Somerset Constabulary Andy Marsh I am privileged to be representing Avon and Somerset Constabulary at the MTM Awards, celebrating the achievements of members of local communities.

These awards are especially valuable in recognising the contribution of people from all backgrounds in making the South West a better place to live – something well worth celebrating.

Cheif Fire Officer- Kevin Pearson “Avon Fire & Rescue Service is delighted to be supporting this year’s event. Recent changes made in our service have been about ensuring that Avon Fire & Rescue Service is recognised as an inclusive organisation internally and externally. All events like this give us an opportunity to demonstrate how we will turn that desire into reality. We take the view that diversity is a reality and inclusion is a choice. We are determined to make that choice and become more inclusive.”

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Eric Shaw As Mayor of Swindon I am delighted to be invited to such prestigious event as the MTM Awards and to be able to be a part of it.It is only right that we should recognise and celebrate both the contributions and the high achievements of our Asian and Ethnic Minorities.

I’m certain that the evening will be a great success.

Italian Consulate - Cristina Rossi Orlando “It is a great privilege to take part in this fabulous event which praises all the different talents enriching the atmosphere in a triumphant celebration.”

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday evening.

The Rt Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol - Cllr Jeff Lovell The MTM Awards celebrate the excellence of the Asian Black & Ethnic Communities; now in its fifth year we look forward to more community gatherings to celebrate diversity. I am happy to join in the celebration and wish the organisers and all nominees well.

The Rt Honourable Thangam Debbonaire - MP Bristol West “Well done to MTM for another successful year. It is wonderful to see so many people from Asian and BME communities achieving in business, arts, entertainment and so many other sectors. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our talent and achievements, and it is a pleasure to be part of.”

2016 Nominees FOOD BUSINESS CATEGORY WORLD FOODS MINI-MARKETS Nominees:

· · · · · · · · ·

Malik’s Supermarket Star Cash & Carry 168 Oriental Istanbul Supermarket Masala Bazaar SSA Supermarket International Food Centre Al-Madina Halal Foods Al-Noor Supermarket

RESTAURANT AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Taj Brassiere Urban Tandoor Mezze Palace Lebanese Restaurant Wongs Chinese Restaurant Ganesha Authentic Indian Cuisine The Mint Room Nazar Restaurant La Casbah Moroccan Raj Mahal City Gurkha & Ganges Koh Thai Tapas Bristol Kathmandu Nepalese Restaurant Tikka Flame Rajput Tandoori Indian Restaurant Hari Krishna’s Kitchen Shiraz Persian Restaurant Namaste Nepal C & W’s African Experience – Gloucester Nepalese Chef – Gloucester Shimla Spice - Gloucester Jaipur Palace – Plymouth 42nd Street – Plymouth Ruchi – Swindon The Curry Place – Swindon Lona Grill

FAST FOOD & TAKEAWAY AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Alwaha Grill Bikkle Island Mirchi Indian Take Away Peri Peri Grill Andalus Stapleton Road Al Andalus Easton Leisure Café Desi Dera Jeevan Sweets Deli at Bristol Sweetmart Coco’s Gelatos & Desserts The Green Kitchen Swindon Walk To Wok Piri Piri Corner Quigley’s City Centre Ambala Restaurant Lickin N Chick’n Rice N Tings

FRESH PRODUCE AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · ·

Pakeeza Meat and Poultry Five A Day Gloucester Road Al- Madina Halal Butchers Istanbul Supermarket Gloucester Road Fruiterers Al Noor Supermarket Fish Port Stapleton Khan Fruits & Vegetables

GENERAL BUSINESS CATEGORY ENTERPRISE BUSINESS AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Iqra Fashion & Furnishings Shaheen’s School of Artistry PeeKaKee Sairaz Event Management Ego Salon & Academy Charisma Blinds Winterbourne E-Com Media National Taxis Bristol A City Carpets Perfect Occassions UK Homes4All Eastvilee Fancy Goods Wholesalers R.K Fashions & Phones

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · ·

Maliks Supermarket Pak Butchers One Holding Limited Target Letter Box Marketing Kustom Flooring & Furnitures Brune Associates 168 Oriental

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · ·

Sajid Malik Jonathan E Trueman Mohammed Omar Litton Rahman Ansar Mahmood Naheed Iqbal Ahmad Us Samad Chowdhury

DIGITAL CREATIVE AWARD Nominees:

· · · ·

Abdullahi Mursal Kamrul Islam Rubeun Gracias (R42 Pro Films Photography) Michael Jenkin

HAIR & BEAUTY AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Pride Hair Salon Franclin Dias (Franclin’s Beauty) The Barbers Lounge Georgina’s Salon Gee Shaheen MUA Clippers Bristol Gam Gam Barbers Glow Beauty Salon Sairaz Beauty Salon Glam By Layla Doina’s Beauty Bar The Perfect Brows - Gloucester

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY EMPOWERING WOMEN AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · ·

Maliha Berridge Paramjit Kaur Monira Choudhury Sado Jirde Yasmin Olaad Sherrie Eugene Hart Saranjit Kaur

COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD Nominees:

Voluntary Action Swindon - VAS Bristol Somali Forum BCFM Radio Ashley Community Housing Bath Hindu Society We Care Foundation Khaas Charity Feed The Homeless Bristol Bristol Sudanese Association 91 Ways Bristol Horn Youth Concern – Khalil Aden Abdi

· · · · · · · · · ·

MUKHTYAR SINGH COMMUNITY AWARD

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY ARTS CULTURE & MUSIC AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · · ·

Elnimiry Mejawer Urban Universe Designs Swindon Stars Chendalemam Dezzie Rankin Anita Limbu Sangeeta Dewan Sophia Bovell DJ Style

Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Ruth Pitter Paramjit Kaur Esther Deans MBE Chaz Singh Mohammed Arif Khan Suldan Mahdi aw Abdi Patrick Hart Simi Chowdhury Mohammed El Shariff Ahmed Hassan Geedow Sundar Braganza Rana Busharaat Ali Khan

MTM Awards 2016 Programme ARRIVALS, COCKTAILS & RED CARPET NETWORKING ALL SEATED IN THE BANQUETING HALL – STARTERS SERVED TRIBUTE BY CLLR CHAZ SINGH (PLYMOTUH) ENTERTAINMENT - RSVP BHANGRA ABOUT MTM AWARDS – ALLAN PARRIS, Chair of Panel AWARD PRESENTATION – FOOD BUSINESS AWARDS MTM WORLD FOODS MINI MARKET AWARD Supported by Bharat Gangaram Caterers - Presented by: Cllr Peter Abraham MTM RESTAURANT AWARD Supported by RAJA FOODS LTD - Presented by: Raja Rizwan Akhthar MTM FAST FOODS & TAKE-AWAY AWARD Supported by RAJA FOODS LTD - Presented by: Dr Ros Kennedy, Deputy 1st Lt. Bristol MTM FRESH PRODUCE AWARD Presented by: The Sheriff & Deputy Mayor, Cllr Said Hansdot ENTERTAINMENT - DADLI TIMOR GROUP AWARD PRESENTATION - GENERAL BUSINESS MTM ENTERPRISE BUSINESS AWARD Supported by FSB - Presented by: Ken Simpson, Chair of Bristol MTM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Supported by FSB - Presented by: Thangham Debbonaire MP Bristol West MTM ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Supported by Business West - Presented by: James Durie ENTERTAINMENT - RAHI BAINS AWARD PRESENTATION - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MTM ARTS, CULTURE & MUSIC AWARD Supported by thedjbristol - Presented by: Peaches Golding OBE MTM DIGITAL CREATIVE AWARD MTM AWARDS

Supported by Sprint Print & Design - Presented by: HE Cristina Rossi Orlando, Italian Consulate.

WINNER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2014

View our full range online www.sleepsolutionsuk.com

Contact

19 Clothier Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5PS

store@sleepsolutionsuk.com

MTM Awards 2016 Programme MTM HAIR & BEAUTY AWARD Presented by: Georgia Holmes (Mrs Galaxy UK 2016/17) DINNER IS SERVED – SINGER, SAMIR ABU SAMRAH AWARD PRESENTATION - SPECIAL AWARDS MTM YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD Supported by Bristol Beer Factory- Presented by: Chief Constable - Andy Marsh MTM COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD Supported by Community Union - Presented by: Jacquline Thomas & Rob Edwards MTM SPORTING EXCELLENCE AWARD Presented by: The High Sheriff of Bristol - Helen Wilde ENTERTAINMENT - KIIN JAMA YARE AWARD PRESENTATION – OPEN AWARDS MTM EMPOWERING WOMEN AWARD Presented by: Presented by: PCC - Sue Mountstevens MTM MUKHTYAR SINGH COMMUNITY CHAMPION Courtesy of The Mukhtyar Singh Khalsa - Presented by: The Right Worshipful Cllr Paul Crossley, Mayor of Bath MTM UNSUNG HERO AWARD Presented by: Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Eric Shaw.

DESSERTS + ENTERTAINMENT - SONAASH SISTERS MTM PERSON OF THE YEAR Supported by The Tobacco Factory - Presented by: The Rt Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Jeff Lovell.

MTM BATOOK PANDYA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Courtesy of The Batook Pandya Family - Presented by: Cllr Neil Hampson, Mayor of Glos.

ENTERTAINMENT - FBAIP DANCE ENSEMBLE MTM NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Supported by County Goverment of Mombsa - Presented by: HE Gov. Ali Hassan Joho SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS Supported by The MTM Awards - Presented by: Cllr Ian Boulton , Supt. Rhys Hughes, Tennis Russell, Cllr Asher Craig, Hon. AbdulSwamad Nassir, Dr Shaheen Chaudhary, Imran Shah, Chief Inspector Paul Wigginton, Rtd. Col. JB Gurung, Said Abdullahi, Cllr Hibaq Jama.

ENTERTAINMENT & AFTER PARTY MOMBASA COUNT Y

2016 Nominees UNSUNG HERO Nominees:

· · · · · · · · · · ·

Naveeda Asif Dr Ghassan Nounu Mohammed El Sharif Irvin Campbell Dilawer Singh Potiwal Pankaj Pandya Rana Busharaat Ali Khan Shazia Malik Maliha Berridge Abdul Ahmed Shahid Akram

OPEN AWARDS CATEGORY SPORTING EXCELLENCE AWARD Nominees:

· · · ·

Nabil Ali– Bristol Brothers FC Abdul Salam Choudhury Bristol Bangladeshi Cricket Club Anwar Ul Haque – Bengal Tigers FC Mazar Iqbal – Bristol Pakistani Cricket Club

YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD Nominees:

· · · ·

Hanad Mohammed Abdullahi Haroon Malik Kiran Sarkozy Nimran Naeem

PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Nominees:

· · · · · · ·

Ahmad Us Samad Choudhury Peaches Golding OBE Abdul Raoof Malik Chaz Singh Enam Ul Haque Chowdhury Said Abdullahi Raj Rajendra Rajani

BATOOK PANDYA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Nominees:

· ·

Paul Stevenson Rosa Hui

NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD Nominees:

· · ·

Mercia Lions – Coventry Donge UK Rana Busharat Ali Khan

HONOURING THE BEST IN THE SOUTH WEST!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION · Hannah Ahmed · Richard Allen · Shazia Malik · Saida Mogul · Mubashar Chaudhry · Dr. Razvan Constantinescu · Suad Abdullahi · Solomon Fubara · Ainul Islam · Paramjit Kaur · Dr Manjit Kaur · Ekhlas Ahmed

· · · · · · · · · ·

Muna Talha Asia Yousif Penninah Achieng-Kindberg Sana Algoriash Alderderi Ali Adil Dafallah Nimran Naeem Gurwinder Singh Bath Hindu Society Sayid Ali Ashar Mullin

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION (1) ·Ramla Said – Al- Muqtadir Association For The Physically Challenged – Supporting Cerebral Palsy

International Recognition Ramla Said – Al- Muqtadir Association For The Physically Challenged – Supporting Cerebral Palsy Ramla Said Omar Mohamed is a disability activist and an inspiration to many women with disabilities in Kenya, her country of birth. She is Founder and of the Al-Muqtadir Association and Chair lady of Mvita Constituency in Mombasa, organizations which encourage people with disabilities in particular to mobilize and exchange their personal and social experiences.

The structured empowerment programs that these organizations offer are designed to enable participants to enhance their knowledge and understanding of policies, best practice and challenges for improving access, opportunities and quality of life for people with disabilities in developing communities.

In 2013 Ramla was invited by the American Embassy in Kenya to participate in the US State Department sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) which seeks to build mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits to the US for current and emerging world leaders where she was recognised by the United States Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs for her selfless contribution in the development of people with disabilities in Africa.

In 2015 Ramla was awarded Empower Women with Disability Award in South Africa. Ramla Said will be joining MTM Awards on December 18th at the Bristol Marriott Hotel city centre for The Glittering Gala Evening as a Special Recognition Nominee – a first international recognition for MTM Awards…

Batook Pandya - MTM Lifetime Achievement Award Paul Stephenson OBE - Nominated For the Batook Pandya MTM Lifetime Achievement Award 2016.

Paul is a community worker, activist and long-time campaigner for civil rights for the British African-Caribbean community in Bristol, England. As a young social worker, in 1963 Stephenson led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company, protesting against its refusal to employ Black or Asian drivers or conductors. After a 60-day boycott supported by thousands of Bristolians, the company revoked its colour bar in August.

In 1964 Stephenson achieved national fame when he refused to leave a public house until he was served, resulting in a trial on a charge of failing to leave a licensed premises. His campaigns were instrumental in paving the way for the first Race Relations Act, in 1965.

In 1964 Paul was made President of the Bristol West Indies Cricket Club but then left Bristol to work in Coventry as a Senior Community Relations Officer until 1972. After this he went to London where he worked for the Commission for Racial Equality before returning to Bristol in 1992.

Paul was appointed the first Black member of the Sports Council. While in London, he worked with Muhammad Ali, the world famous boxer, setting up the Muhammad Ali Sports Development Association (MASDA) in Brixton.

MASDA encouraged Black children to do sports they were not usually associated with such as tennis, angling and table tennis. He also chaired the Cleo Laine Schools’ Music Awards from 1977 to 1982. Paul is a Freeman of the City of Bristol and was awarded an OBE in 2009.

Rosa Hui MBE DL - Nominated For the Batook Pandya MTM Lifetime Achievement Award 2016.

Nominated for her, Rosa Hui’s incredible contribution to the wider community especially striving to integrate the Chinese Community in the City. She dedicated her working life in helping others in ensuring they get the support they deserved.

As a former patient herself (brain haemorrhage, 17 years ago), Rosa has had extensive contact with the local health services as well as ongoing support for her condition. The pioneering surgery that she received at the time no doubt saved her life, whilst the ongoing care has helped to extend her life expectancy well beyond the initial 10 years that the doctors had projected.

Rosa has worked for and in the Chinese community for 27 years and has reciprocally utilised both, the community’s and her experiences to promote healthier living and to improve access to health services.

Rosa has been involved in a number of national health initiatives, where she represented the views of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities as well as the wider community in the South Western region.

Chief Guest - H.E. Governor Ali Hassan Joho Governor Hassan Ali Joho is the first Governor of Mombasa County having been elected in 2013. He is the immediate former Member of Parliament for Kisauni Constituency.

Mombasa County is the second largest city in Kenya and home of the busiest port in East Africa

around them, most notably among these is the rehabilitation of Coast General Hospital, drug rehabilitation initiatives, youth empowerment as well as entrepreneurship programs. Since its inception over $100 million has been invested in various programs spearheaded by the Hassan Joho Foundation.

Governor Joho has risen through the political ranks and has been unwavering in his commitment to ensuring that the Coast region is recognized as a significant economic hub. He has been a champion for democracy, lobbying passionately on constitutional issues and all inclusive leadership.

Governor Joho is a generous philanthropist and aside from the foundation has privately sponsored and supported orphans, sports development programs.

Prior to becoming Governor, he served as the Assistant Minister for Transport; As Deputy Chairman of the Foreign, Defense & Election Committee. He is currently the Deputy Party Leader for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The Governor is currently a member of the International Steering Committee of the Strong Cities Network, a global network of cities united against violent extremism that was launched in September 2015.

In addition to being a public servant, Governor Joho is an astute businessman, who has successfully penetrated various sectors including shipping, logistics, environmental management and manufacturing.

Through the Hassan Joho Foundation, the Governor’s passion for education and children is upheld. The Foundation reflects the Governor’s drive by supporting a large number of students and has built the state of art Hassan Joho Girls’ Secondary School. In addition to this the Foundation has been instrumental in numerous social projects in and around Mombasa, which have served to empower the communities

“Greetings from the people of the historic City of Mombasa to the people of this historic city, Bristol. Mombasa County is one of the most diverse counties (State) in the world with the arrival of Portuguese merchants in 1593 followed

by Chinese and Arab traders and later Indians Coolies to build the railway in 1901. I am here with a high powered delegation from my County that includes the Mombasa Member of Parliament Hon. AbdulSwamad Shariff Nassir to join in the celebration of diversity in the diaspora and to extend an invitation to the people of this city and the United Kingdom to visit our city Mombasa, one of the oldest cities in the world that is a safe and a dream holiday destination. I congratulate all nominees as a nomination of such a prestigious award as good an honour as winning the award.

I also take this opportunity to thank the Founder of MTM Awards Abdul and CEO Junior Sheikh for inviting us at this celebration.Thank you the people of the South West and I look forward to visiting some of Honourable Mayors in your offices and local businesses and communities.”

Governor Ali Hassan Joho

MTM 2016 Performers RSVP – New Sound of Bhangra -South west’s musical ambassadors- Bhangra Group RSVP have carried Brand Bristol across the continents and international music festivals including world famous Glastonbury. Besides the superbly successful Festival And Event Band, RSVP Bhangra also offers a fully costumed Bollywood Band for private celebrations, a colourful Marching Band for carnivals and street parties and a dynamic troupe of Dhol Drummers for various festivities and events.

Rahi Bains was born in Punjab in 1939 and moved to Kenya in 1947 to join his parents. He was trained in Indian Classical Music by two of his gurus, Ustad Manmohan Singh Musapuri and Pandit Manesh Chandra Kansara. His first singing debut, on air was with Voice of Kenya Broadcasting station in 1956. He never looked back after that session and demonstrated his talent by singing songs in Punjabi, Gujrati, Urdu ghazals, qawalis, bhajans, Bengali folk and Swahili songs.

Samir Abu Samrah is a Sudanese, Reggae and Samba artist who started his singing in the midnineties in Sudan . London based Samir has performed in different musical events that held in the U.K and across Europe He also participated on behalf of his country in international forums and organisation that call for peace and love between peoples.

SonAash Sisters Fused in Dance. Classically trained in bharstnatyam a kathak from the tender ages of 3 and 4 respectively. These sisters over the years have embraced Bollywood, street, ballet and contemporary dance forms bringing them all together to create mind blowing and mesmerising performances both nationally in the UK and internationally as they globe trot. The one the only SONAAAAAAASH Dadili Timor Group promotes the East Timor traditional dance and music. A group of East Timor, home to one of the uniqueness and most diverse Timorese dance communities in Bristol, United Kingdom. Dadili will be performing the Tebe-Tebe at the Awards. This dance encompasses various types of Bidu dances, including Bidu Surik (Sword), Dahur, Olarinda, Samea (Snake), Makikit (Eagle), Betae (Greeting someone upon arrival) and Rama Hana (Bow and Arrow). Tebetebe is usually danced in important events such as, harvest time, traditional ceremony.

Kiin Jama Yare is a young somali artist. Being the daughter of a well known somali artist Jama yare Kiin was able to change the somali music industry. Over the past few years she had many impact on the young somali generation who adapted to traditional somali music in to more modern music . Kiin jama lives in London and has travelled to various countries in Europe for performances. The upcoming year she plans to travel more to expand her music . Kiin also plans on working with more artists both somali and international .

FBAIP Dance Ensemble - Filipino Traditional Dance “Binasuan” - The binasuan is a Filipino folk dance in which the performer holds full wine glasses in each hand while performing balancing tricks. The arms are rotated over and under the shoulder in order to keep the palms facing up so as not to spill the liquid while nevertheless allowing the radius to cross over the ulna via pronation. Binasuan originated in Pangasinan and is popular at festive events such as weddings. FBAIP are based in Plymouth.

Ivory Belongs to Elephants WALKING

THE

TALK

KENYA’S ELEPHANTS

TO

SAVE

Our most iconic African species are being pushed towards extinction – killed by poachers to supply an illegal trade worth up to 15billion pounds a year – On the front line of this war are Africa’s elephants slaughtered for their Ivory – despite a ban on the international ivory trade the killing is only getting worse – 30,000 are shot every year and if that continues they could be gone from the wild within 25 years – we might lose these wise & emotionally intelligent animals.

MTM Awards has chosen Ivory Belongs to Elephants as one of the theme of MTM Awards 2016. We intend to create awareness of the plight of the Elephants through the awards campaign and accord a platform to one of the many campaigners of the cause to join the South West community at the awards to seek awareness of the senseless killings of elephants in Africa and continued trading of Ivory despite a worldwide ban.

We invited Jim Justus Nyamu founder and Director of Elephant Neighbors Center, www.elephantcenter.org to join MTM at the Glittering Gala Evening to further highlight the fast disappearance of elephants in the wild due to poaching and a contionous market for ivory in Europe and other western states.

Jim Nyamu is the founder and the Executive Director for Elephant Neighbors Center. ENC is a local NGO that focuses on enhancing the capacity of communities living with wildlife to promote inter- linkages between species and their habitats.

Appology My friends and fellow conservationist, I am very sorry that I was not able to be with you during this glittering event cerebrating our heroes. I am honored to hear that the organizers of MTM awards have been following my grass-root elephant campaign walk for sometimes and had wished me to attend this ceremony and gathering that would have given me an opportunity to mingle with different Nations and speak about the campaign. However I amwith you in spirit and I look forward to attend the next ceremony, Our Vision is to see a Kenya develop into a nation that respects the existence and value of elephants as an important component of our national heritage and economy” www.elephantcenter.org Once again congratulations to the winning individuals and organizations “ Ivory belongs to elephants “