This is the story of how Shakara Restaurant, founded by Osazee Bazuaye, popularly called Bazu, broke into the highly competitive UK hospitality industry and won a global award in its first full year of operations.
A courageous enterprise from Nigerian born investor cum entrepreneur Osazee Bazuaye, also called Bazu, is gradually stamping his imprints for Nigerian cuisine in Europe, rightly positioning his restaurant “Shakara” as a true representative of African culture on the international stage. With over two decades of experience in food and hospitality, Bazuaye is leveraging his passion to deliver an authentic taste of Nigeria to new audiences.
Speaking about the milestone of expanding into Europe, Bazu described it as “a good feeling” and “a tasking opportunity to deliver on the international stage and export Nigeria’s hospitality and culture.” His words reflect not only excitement but also a sense of responsibility to present Nigerian traditions to a global clientele.
Since opening in the United Kingdom, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Every month, we have continued to grow, grow and grow,” Bazu explained.
“The people are eager and happy to know about Nigerian culture, Nigerian music, and Nigerian food. It has been an interesting and positive response from everybody.” This response, he said, proves that Nigerian cuisine has universal appeal.
Bazu’s career path reflects deep roots in hospitality. Born in Benin City, Edo State, and educated in Lagos, he studied Economics at Edo State University before pursuing further studies in London.
“I’ve been in the food and beverage business for the past 20 years,” he recalled, “from Benin to the South-south, Abuja to Lagos. Now Europe gives me another chance to showcase our brand.”
For him, Europe is not just another market, but a launchpad for his global vision. “Personal goals I started 20 years ago in the hospitality, food and beverage in Nigeria,” he said. “The future goal to be achieved is to take Shakara, Nigerian hospitality, food and culture worldwide.” His trajectory shows a consistent focus on expansion and cultural promotion.
He attributes part of Shakara’s growth to the presence of Nigerians in the diaspora. “Most definitely, the influx of Nigerians and Africans into Europe has helped the growth of Nigerian food being demanded in the diaspora,” Osazee Bazuaye stated. According to him, Africa’s youthful population is also fueling demand for cultural exports.
Looking forward, the founder of Shakara Restaurant says his mission remains unchanged.
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“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,” said Bazu.
With Shakara already gaining attention in the United Kingdom, his vision of a global Nigerian dining experience may soon become reality.
