In an age when the word “entrepreneur” is often associated with tech startups and fast-track careers, Malaki Conteh is a shining exception. At just thirteen years old, he owns a restaurant business in London that generates enough profit to fully fund his education. But his story is not just one of precocious talent: it is a tale of education, responsibility, and trust built over time.
Photo: @Tony Kershaw, SWNS
The value of a dream put to the test
It all began very early, when Malaki was six years old. Watching choirs on YouTube, he realized that music was not just a game, but something that deeply attracted him. His father Abdul, a legal advisor, did not discourage that desire, but channeled it, as recounted by Fine Dining Lovers. “If you want singing lessons, you'll have to pay for them yourself.” A simple sentence, but one loaded with meaning. It is not a punishment, but a lesson: dreams have value when we learn to support them. Malaki thus begins by selling plants outside his father's office in south London. It is his first contact with work, with the direct relationship between effort and result.
From street vending to a structured business
Over the years, that first foray into entrepreneurship has grown into something much more solid. Today, Malaki's Food and Drinks, in the Crystal Palace neighborhood, is a go-to spot for those seeking authentic, simple, and generous Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is small, with just a few tables and a family atmosphere, but it tells a story of consistency and dedication. The menu offers traditional dishes such as curry goat, jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, rice and peas, dumplings, and patties. The kitchen is run by his mother Simone and grandmother Elaine, while Malaki helps out when he comes home from school. The success of the products, particularly the beef patties and desserts such as red velvet cake, shows that the business thrives not on media curiosity but on quality.
A family business that does not detract from merit
His father Abdul manages the restaurant on a daily basis, but he is keen to point out one fundamental aspect: no member of the family receives any remuneration or share of the profits. The business is formally and substantially Malaki's. This choice reinforces the young entrepreneur's sense of responsibility and makes the project even more unique. “He's my son, but he's also my employer,” says Abdul with a smile, emphasizing how respect for roles is an integral part of the education they are building together.
Media success and daily discipline
In recent months, Malaki's story has exploded in the British media. Radio interviews, articles in major newspapers, food influencers lining up to talk about the restaurant on social media. Yet nothing seems to have altered his routine. School, music, work: everything remains in its place. At the same time, Malaki has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first black choirmaster at Chichester Cathedral, a prestigious role that requires discipline, talent, and constant dedication.
Profit as a means, not an end
A fundamental part of Malaki's story is the way he interprets money. The profits from his business not only cover his school fees of around £4,000 per term, but are also reinvested in charitable initiatives. These include supporting equine therapy courses for mental health and purchasing musical instruments for those who cannot afford them. Profit thus becomes a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Looking ahead without rushing things
Despite the media attention, Malaki maintains a clear view of the future. He would like to work in music or finance, perhaps becoming a composer. He is designing a clothing line and aims to obtain a scholarship to King's School in Canterbury. These are lofty ambitions, but he approaches them with pragmatism and patience. His advice to his peers is simple and powerful: follow your dreams without being discouraged by those who mock or hinder you, always remembering the importance of giving back what you receive.
A story that speaks to adults
The story of Malaki Conteh is not just a celebration of young talent. It is also a mirror for the adult world: it shows what can happen when trust, clear rules, and responsibility coexist. In a system that often underestimates young people or overprotects them, Malaki shows a third way: that of conscious guidance.
This is not the story of a child prodigy, but of a boy who was taught to believe in the value of his own actions. And perhaps this, more than anything else, is his true success.
