By Abimbola Ogunnaike
A struggling Nigerian restaurant in North London, known as Chuku’s, located in Tottenham, and run by the duo of Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederik, which at risk of closure due to rising energy bills has been bailed out with £8,000 courtesy of the award-winning American singer, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.
The siblings were one of 10 winners to receive a grant from the music superstar.
As part of her Renaissance World Tour, the Halo hitmaker’s foundation BeyGOOD had pledged to donate a share of $1 million (£806,000) to ten businesses in cities around the world.
Chuku’s found themselves facing difficult times after launching during the pandemic.
Speaking after the win, Emeka said: “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis.
“Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday.
‘’This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
On her part, Ifeyinwa said: “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal.”
“We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”
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