Big Zeeks, who also goes by the name Fresh Prince of Harlesden, gave away more than 800 meals outside Housewife Cash & Carry, in Craven Park Road, Harlesden, on June 20.
The 36-year-old father-of-two, whose real name is Ezekiel Zeeks, was holding his third Harlesden Community Payback day and managed to get big names on board.
“It was an absolutely amazing day, we ended up doing so much,” he said. “We did a tidy up yesterday and realised between £13,000 to £15,000 worth of goods were given out in my community.
“We got support from big brands including Nike, who donated trainers and football boots for kids, small sizes and junior sizes.”
Among the giveaways were trainers and t-shirts from Nike as well as stationary sets, nappies and wipes, and hundreds of food and drink items (Image: Big Zeeks)
In total 831 meals were given out, and more than 80 trainers, 100 T-shirts, 1,000 drinks 40 short sets, 50 nappies, 50 wipes, 100 gift bags and more than 50 stationary sets.
However he said he was “disheartened” by reports of a “large fight” while DJ AG was performing, who Big Zeeks had invited to take part in his event.
“It was such a beautiful day, there was just one small incident. There was a fight but it was dealt with in two or three minutes.
“Because the boy ran past the DJ screen it looked worse than it was.”
He said it was “nothing like” what was reported. “No-one got stabbed, no-one got shot. One person got hit, yes, but it was dealt with peacefully.”
He added: “School children were coming up to me in tears. I’m giving free food and free clothes then to see that, it hurts.”
This was the first year Big Zeeks, who receives no public funding, had applied for a live DJ licence and had invited DJ AJ so he could showcase local talent.
Several local operators supported the event, including Port Royal Patties who gave out 250 of their dishes.
One Stop Caribbean cooked jerk chicken on site.
Harlesden Community Payback started in 2022 and prioritises giving food to children and their families.
