Award-winning American singer/songwriter, Beyoncé Knowles, who is also known for her philanthropy has donated £8,000 to a struggling Nigerian restaurant in North London, which was at risk of closure due to rising energy bills.
Chuku’s, a Nigerian tapas restaurant in Tottenham run by brother and sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederik, were one of 10 winners to receive a grant from the music superstar, 41, this month.
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 including struggling with the cost of rising energy bills.
Luckily for the siblings, they have now been given an extra boost by Beyonce’s foundation, with the grant awarded during the Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon, created by BeyGOOD to ‘celebrate people, communities, and small businesses impacted by economic inequities worldwide’.
Chuku co-founder Emeka said of the win: ‘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.’’ he said
‘’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.‘
While his sister Ifeyinwa added: ‘I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal.
