Sheriff Sanni

Performance Arts, Today's Creatives

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m an Executive chef and owner of Sannikayz Kitchen, Lagos. Nigeria. I was born & bred in Lagos.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?

Right from my young age, I’ve always had a flare for the kitchen. My mum’s a very great cook through which i was officially introduced to multiple African delicacies. I studied System Engineering at UNILAG however, my passion for cooking was undeniable. This led me to train further at one of the biggest culinary schools in West Africa (Culinary Academy, Lagos) & my brand is also built on attracting Nigerian youths by appealing to their passions for new and creative cooking.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR?

I look up to Chef José André. He’s known for providing free meals for people struck with natural disasters.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I founded Feed the kids initiative out of my passion for humanity & community development. The Organization is currently setting up Community Kitchens across the nation to provide 100,000 free meals annually for the less privileged children & to also employment for poor widows & women in poor communities.

FAVORITE MEALS?

I don’t have a favorite meal. I just love good food.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?

I’m very glad that there’s been a tremendous change in the mindset of a lot of Nigerians especially the older generation who didn’t see being a Chef as having a proper career. Nigerian Chefs are now globally recognized which has also put Nigerian/African dishes on the global map.

IS THERE A GOOD SUPPORT ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN CHEFS?

I can’t say for others but I think I have a good relationship with my colleagues in the industry. There’s also the Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria that’s bringing everyone together. It’s a good initiative.