18 February 2023 , 20:40
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A charity boss whose junior orchestra wowed Britain’s Got Talent has apologised after being accused of bullying – the day before she backed Stormzy at the Brit Awards.
Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder of Chineke! Foundation, sent an email to musicians pledging to change her ways.
It comes after the foundation – which runs both Black and ethnically diverse orchestras – was handed £2.1million in funding from the Arts Council, despite it being aware of a complaint against Ms Nwanoku. We told last month how two ex-workers and a conductor alleged she bullied them.
Last Saturday, the adult Chineke! orchestra was seen by millions as it performed with rapper Stormzy at the Brits. Ms Nwanoku was on double bass. The day before, she sent out her apologetic email, which read: “I
am truly sorry for everything I have said or done that has been experienced as bullying.
“Bullying could not be further away from any of my intended actions, but I accept this has been the experience of some players, conductors and staff.
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The charity boss apologised after being accused of bullying the day before she backed Stormzy at the Brit Awards (WireImage)“I have to change the way I interact with you and I am determined to do so…
“We all need to trust that we are in a safe space at work to reach our full potential, at the same time as building an incredible music team we’re proud of.”
On February 7, the Chineke! Foundation revealed Ms Nwanoku had “relinquished her roles as a trustee on the Board and as Executive Director so she can focus on the role of Artistic Director with responsibility for the artistic vision and programme”.
New chair, Dr Frank Douglas, added: “This will allow Chi-chi to concentrate on what she does best.”
The junior orchestra reached the semi-finals of BGT in 2020.
The Charity Commission said: “We have opened a compliance case into Chineke! Foundation, in relation to potential governance concerns reported in the media.”
An Arts Council England spokesman said: “We cannot share details of confidential concerns flagged to us, but we have robust processes in place to make sure organisations address them.”
Both Chineke! Foundation and Ms Nwanoku were approached for comment.