Simon Javan Okelo

CEO & Founder, @MadarakaFest254 | Media & Events Strategist | Podcast Host | Recording Artist | Storyteller & Cultural Curator | Community Builder

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Recently, I got to watch Reign vs Washington Spirit at Lumen Field

I was there with amazing leaders for the Central District Leaders 2026 FIFA World Cup Update. Grateful for the conversations, the vision, and the energy in that room. Let’s keep building.

[Madaraka Festival @MadarakaFest254]

The World Cup brings the world to Seattle.

We’re bringing the culture with it.

On June 25th, @okelojavan and @onevibeband take over the stage at The Royal Room.

🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/af3gTEUnbP

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Baba is signal.
When it hit the stage at The Triple Door, this wasn’t a performance.
It was a statement.
No gimmicks.
No chasing algorithms.
Just truth, culture, and memory delivered raw.
And that’s why it works.
Because you can’t fake roots.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

That room was filled with more than people.
It was filled with belief.

Artists.
Supporters.
People who understand that this is bigger than entertainment.

You don’t build something like this alone.
And we didn’t.

Thank YOU

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

We stepped on that stage with purpose.

To grow the platform.
To grow the vision.
To open more doors for what comes next.

The energy in that room said one thing clearly
this work matters.

And we’re not slowing down.

Thank YOU

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Baba Baba… Awinjo ni iongee.
Opoda. Kango ka Jaramogi. Manyatta. India.
Every name holds a story. Every line carries Baba Raila’s memory.

It’s honor.
🎧 Listen to “Baba.” Feel it. Say it. Carry him with you.
https://t.co/CgRwvpQMUH

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

13 days ago… this was just an idea.

Today… it’s real.
Tonight is your chapter.
https://t.co/uyDFIaQluN

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Some places feed you.

Some places feel like home.

Kazira Cafe does both.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

From St. Ann’s Bay to GTA IV — Chezidek’s journey is what happens when you stay authentic.

Roots. Culture. Purpose.

Watch the full conversation 🎥👇
https://t.co/QmJts3PEez

#Reggae #MadarakaFestival #Chezidek

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Every artist has a beginning.
Not on stage, but in memory.

In this episode of the Madaraka Festival Podcast, Quinton Morris takes us back to the early sounds, discipline, and moments that shaped his journey into music and purpose. https://t.co/HameWOVrYp

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Community does not happen online.

It happens at the table.

When food is shared.
Stories are told.
Strangers become friends.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

The most valuable thing about an event is not the stage.

It is proximity.

Who you sit next to.
Who you share a meal with.
Who you meet by accident.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Most people think culture is preserved in museums.

It is not.

Culture is preserved in rooms where people gather.

For 11 years we have created those rooms through Madaraka.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

The Journey

This journey began with one dinner.
One conversation.
One belief that culture could connect worlds.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Hi everyone. I hope you are having a strong week.

After 11 years of the Madaraka Festival, we finally have a permanent home for the African Dinner Series at Kezira Café Seattle in Columbia City.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Community needs a home.
Culture needs a table.

At Kezira Café Seattle, coffee is just the beginning.
This is where music plays, stories travel, and strangers become community.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Community. Culture. Impact.

On April 4, join me at The Triple Door for a Black Tie Gala supporting the work behind @madarakafestival, @iamonevibeafrica, and @keziracafeseattle

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Greetings Village!

Monday we gather.

The food is ready.
The table is set.
All that’s missing is you.

If you’ve been waiting, this is the moment.

👉 We're taking your orders @ https://t.co/DmGEUW8jxX.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Thank you for showing up last Monday ❤️
The music. The laughter. The shared plates.

Ugandan Dinner returns this Monday.
📞 Reserve your seat
👉 Come join the community.
@madarakafestival
@keziracafeseattle

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Before food was business, it was firelight.
Before recipes were written, they were remembered.
Join us April 4 as we gather again @ The Tripple Door, link on bio.
for culture, for stories, for the communities that feed us.

[Simon Javan Okelo @OkeloJavan]

Too often, funding decisions are made in rooms far from the people affected.

When we don’t center community priorities, resources miss the mark.