South London rapper Konan, one-half of the award-winning duo Krept and Konan, has revealed their latest venture: Saveways, a supermarket designed to cater to the diverse community of Croydon.
Spanning 15,000 square feet, Saveways is touted as Britain’s first large-scale supermarket dedicated to serving Black, Asian, and ethnic communities.
The duo emphasized their commitment to giving back to their hometown.
“Croydon raised us, so it’s only right to start our business ventures here,” said Konan, whose real name is Karl Wilson.
His partner Krept, born Casyo Johnson, shared how their business partner, Kaysor Ali, pitched the idea of a one-stop-shop for culturally specific food items.
Krept immediately recognized the need, recalling personal experiences of shopping at multiple stores to find meat, fresh produce, and specific seasonings.
Saveways aims to simplify this process by offering food and drink from various cultures under one roof.
With over 250,000 Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic residents recorded in the 2021 Census across Croydon and Sutton, the supermarket addresses a significant gap in the market often left underserved by smaller stores.
“We’re building the foundation where we started,” Konan added, reflecting on his upbringing in Thornton Heath. The duo’s connection to Croydon runs deep.
Known for their music breakthrough in 2013 with Young Kingz, the pair set the record for the highest-charting UK album by an unsigned act.
They went on to win a MOBO award, a BET award, and were recognized with British Empire Medals in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours for their contributions to music and the community.
This isn’t their first entrepreneurial endeavor. The pair also own a dessert restaurant in Croydon, and Krept has launched a skincare brand.
Joining the ranks of celebrities like Idris Elba and Ed Sheeran, who own pubs in London, Krept and Konan are using their platform to invest in ventures that benefit their community.
Krept, reflecting on his childhood, shared how his upbringing shaped his drive.
“Growing up, I felt like my mum’s last hope,” he said, referencing his father’s imprisonment and his brother’s troubled path.
He encouraged young people facing hardships to persevere, saying, “Keep going. If someone had told 15-year-old me that things would work out, it would’ve made all the difference.”
Saveways is set to open its doors on February 1, bringing a new, inclusive shopping experience to Croydon and reinforcing Krept and Konan’s dedication to serving their community.
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