‘I regret every show where I was annoyed’ MY
The grime star and chef is missing live shows, but has been working hard on his debut album ESSENTIALS
GRIME star Big Zuu doesn’t just bring the heat in the booth, he’s pretty great in the kitchen. While his only professional experience was six months behind the grill at Nandos, the north-west London MC is a self-taught chef, whose Dave show Big Zuu’s Big Eats sees him bring his favourite dishes to some of the UK’s top comedians. Big Zuu has joined Too Good To Go’s Look, Smell, Taste, Don’t Waste campaign, which aims to help eradicate food waste.
How has lockdown been for you – what point are you at?
I’m at the point of no return. Just joking... I’m focusing and trying to better myself. I’ve bought a bike and I’ve been cycling to change the world.
What has been keeping you going through lockdown?
The fact that we’re all going through it together and I’m not on my own, that’s a big factor. Also, using positivity as an outlet to get things done. I know that the more positive I am, the more things will come towards me.
What do you miss the most, day-to-day?
Doing shows. That’s the number one thing in my brain every day. I miss performing so much. I regret every show that I did where I was upset or annoyed or tired. I wish I’d embraced it all with arms open and loved it for what it was.
Dream gig when this is over?
I would do a little show at Old Blue Last or a Birthdays or an XOYO – a small venue that I could just pack out with my people and perform all of my songs in a row.
Has your routine changed?
I now care about what I have for breakfast, lunch and dinner – I used to just freestyle that. And now I actively make a decision to do some working out, which I never used to do.
Do you cook to pass the time?
Yes, I definitely do. I try to use as much time as possible for cooking – it definitely inspires me to open my thinking. When I’m cooking, it always gets me into nice thoughts.
Have you picked up any weird lockdown habits?
I keep lying down with my phone in a bad position that is just ruining my back. I know that’s not even a weird habit but it feels like it is. So, I’m kind of realising that I need to have a comfy place because I’m just here, all the time.
Cooked up anything odd?
I’m a big home cook and I’ve recently been working with Too Good To Go, who are tackling food date label confusion by getting people to look, smell, and taste food before they chuck it away. So I’ve been trying to cook with all of the stuff in my house and be more aware of that. You know if you get them tangerines that are a bit squishy and maybe not so sweet anymore? Put them in a fruit salad and they taste great, I swear down.
Also them tomatoes in the back of the fridge? A bit of salt and olive oil and you can’t go wrong.
What would people not know about your lockdown time?
That I’ve got a bike and am doing yoga. That is definitely the number one thing they wouldn’t guess. I’ve been doing loads of positions and trying to learn about breathing. All of that stuff is so great.
What music has been keeping you going?
Loads of new stuff from the UK. I’ve been enjoying new album by Fredo (pictured above right) that was executively produced by Dave. I’ve been into a lot of jazz as well.
Have you been writing much?
Luckily, I have a studio in my room so I’ve been writing loads of music, and I’ve been able to go to the studio as well to finish my album.
What is inspiring you?
All this stuff like TikTok and Reels on Instagram and just seeing how people have been creating during these times where we’re all stuck in the same place all of the time. That’s inspiring me to not lose motivation and keep making music and content.
Written any lockdown bars? I’ve done little bits here and there but
■ Skipping rope – the perfect item for exercising at home.
■ Proper skincare – I’m a guy and I used to just wash my face with body wash, but I’ve learned that doesn’t work. Proper skincare is a must.
■ A cookbook – to get creative in the kitchen and make sure you’re not eating the same meals every day.
■ Music – it’s good for the soul. The debut Big Zuu album is coming soon.
■ Someone else’s
Netflix password – no explanation needed.
I’m not trying to make it become a thing in my music. I think we want to forget about these times.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when the pandemic is over?
Obviously do a show – that’s number one. And just eat in a restaurant with my friends, and laugh, and talk to the table next to us, like ‘what you eating, that looks good – shall I order that?’
Do you think it has changed you in any way for the better?
It’s definitely made me want to appreciate normal life more. It’s made me feel more thoughtful towards where I am in life and appreciate what I have, even though we’re in a lockdown. There’s people who say ‘lockdown is like jail’. Lockdown is definitely not like jail if you’re in your warm house saying that. It’s about looking at the silver lining and staying positive as hard as that is – we’re human after all.
What do we need to learn from this situation as a society?
We have to be ready for everything and we have to be versatile. We’ve all used the saying ‘save that for a rainy day’, and this is that saying playing out in real life.
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