Reinvention & The Fire That Never Dies

- Sketch of Aberdeen Road Market, Sierra Leone 2024

The culinary world is a fickle place. One minute, you’re the name on everyone’s lips; the next, you’re just another chef in a crowded industry. I’ve felt that high, and I’ve also felt the plateau—that space where creativity flattens, where you feel like you’ve done it all. It’s a terrifying place for any artist.

But what I’ve learned is that reinvention is part of the process. It’s necessary. Fire burns strongest when it’s fed, and for me, that fuel has always been movement—both literal and creative.

When I felt like I had reached my peak, I packed my knives and travelled. I cooked with local chefs in Morocco and watched as the spice merchants blend ras el hanout by instinct, I stood in kitchens where recipes had been passed down for centuries. I learned that food isn’t just about technique; it’s about soul.

Now, Amai’kiye is entering its next evolution. My upcoming restaurant residency in London will be a culmination of every place, every lesson, every moment that has shaped me. The menu will be an immersive exploration of Africa’s culinary diversity—small plates that tell big stories, bowl food that comforts and excites in equal measure. I’ll also be launching my cookbook, Amai’kiye: Remember Home, a collection of recipes that carry my journey within them.

This is not a comeback; I never left. This is simply the next chapter. The fire never died—it just needed a new source of fuel. Now, I’m ready to burn brighter than ever. Ásë