Follow Us on Google
By Rita Okoye
A new kid on the block has been born in the highly competitive UK hospitality and nightlife business. It goes by the name Shakara, an African styled restaurant, founded by two prominent Nigerian personalities, Jolly Cole and Osazee ‘Bazu’ Bazuaye.
Jolly Cole is Rivers State and Bazu as he is fondly referred to by his friends and colleagues is a proud son of Edo State, who has been doing great things in the nightlife and entertainment sector for over two decades
Steve Jobs’ “the only way to do great work is to love what you do”, has become an inspiring watchword for one of Nigeria’s frontrunners, home and abroad, in the hospitality, food and beverages sector, Osazee Bazuaye, co-funder of Shakara, a thriving restaurant in the heart of London, United Kingdom.
Fondly called Bazu, Bazuaye, a well read and vastly experienced in what he does, has been in the business for 20 years. He started back home in Nigeria; from Benin City to other South-south states, Abuja and Lagos, establishing his footprints in the sector. He studied Economics at the Edo State University, Ekpoma, before going to the London College of Accounting for a course in ACCA.
Founding several restaurants and bars in Nigeria, the entrepreneur is as much a major stakeholder in the industry in the country. However, Shakara is the new baby in his chain of investments, founded in November 2024.
For Skakara, vision conceived it and purpose is driving it. Beyond being a business for Bazuaye and his business partners, the restaurant is propagating Nigeria and African culture of warm hospitality, cuisines and music to the greater world. And importantly, its original cuisines which consists predominantly of Nigerian staple and finger-licking street foods are its unique selling points, so much that even foreigners are embracing them.
Despite just entering the hospitality market in the UK, Shakara has become the word on the streets of one of the most culturally diverse societies in Europe. England is home to a reasonable number of African immigrants who are contributing meaningfully to the economic growth of the kingdom. According to Bazu, the African community has formed a firsthand market for the restaurant.
“Every month, we have continued to grow, grow and grow. The people knowing about Nigeria’s cuisine and culture. And to the foreigners, they are eager and happy to know about Nigerian culture, Nigerian music and culture, so it has been an interesting and positive response from everybody.”
The Shakara co-owner made additional appeal to Nigerians and Africans in the UK.
“We just want Nigerians and Africans to keep supporting us, keep rooting for us as we take our food and our culture round the world,” stated Bazu.
