In true Kenyan spirit, a Kenyan man living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has monetised his bead-making skills to make and sell the popular Kenyan flag bracelet.
Jamal Njambe has become a fixture at the African traditional handicrafts pavilion at the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) captivating festivalgoers with the beautiful red, green, black, and white bracelets that have become synonymous with patriotism in Kenya.
According to a UAE publication Sharjah 24, it takes Njambe approximately one hour and 20 minutes to complete designing a single piece.
Being a cultural festival, Njambe ensures that his work reflects cultures from both the UAE and Kenya.
Designs of Kenyan bracelets.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke
This is especially easy as the UAE flag bears the same four colours as Kenya’s flag. This fact has made the bracelets popular not only with Kenyan patriots but also with UAE citizens looking to express their patriotism.
His booth attracts festival-goers willing to pay the 30 AED (Ksh1,054 in current exchange rates) to 50 AED (Ksh1757 in current exchange rates) the bracelets go for.
Apart from designing the bracelets, Njambe also takes pride in teaching other people, including children, the bead-making craft.
This is at par with SFAL’s mission to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bonds between Africa and the UAE’s multicultural communities.
Njambae is also an all-round artist who also excels as an acrobat and juggler, performing regularly at events across the UAE.
In Kenya, a simple beaded bracelet could go for Ksh50, with the price increasing as more intricacies are added to it. They are mostly made by Kenyans from the most popular tribe, the Maasai to reflect their rich culture.
Cultural Significance and Global Popularity
Over the past few years, international celebrities have been spotted donning bracelets making them even more popular.
In 2020, American pop star Beyonce wore the bracelet when shooting the video to her song titled My Power. Tennis world champion Serena William’s daughter also wore the bracelet in July 2024. A number of international athletes were also spotted rocking the same during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Other Americans who have worn the Kenyan prints over the years are; Omarion, Naomi Campbell, Lilly Singh, and Demi Lovato.
From left to right: Ksh40 coin with Mwai Kibaki’s likeness, kiondos on shelf and a bracelet with Kenyan flag.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke