Beyoncé, the American artist, has donated £8,000 to a struggling Nigerian eatery in North London that was on the verge of closing due to rising energy costs.
Chuku’s, a Nigerian tapas restaurant in Tottenham managed by brother and sister combo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederik, was one of ten winners this month to get a grant from the music sensation, 41.
BeyGOOD, the Halo hitmaker’s nonprofit, had vowed to provide a portion of $1 million (£806,000) to ten businesses in cities around the world as part of her Renaissance World Tour.
Chuku’s faced difficult circumstances after beginning during the epidemic, including dealing with the increased cost of energy costs.
Fortunately for the siblings, Beyonce’s charity has awarded them a grant during the Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon, which was developed by BeyGOOD to “celebrate people, communities, and small businesses impacted by economic inequities worldwide.”
‘This award couldn’t be more welcome,’ said Chuku co-founder Emeka. Lockdowns and the cost of living crises have wreaked havoc on Chuku’s and other restaurants that lack a cash reserve.
‘Every day, we battle to stay open so we can celebrate our fourth birthday,’ he said.
”This money will help ease that fight and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.’
‘I still can’t quite believe Beyoncé has endorsed our business – it feels a little weird,’ said his sister Ifeyinwa.
