An African migrant has been branded an inspiration after becoming a top paella chef almost 20 years after landing in Spain.
Senegalese fisherman Adama Diallo took his boat from Mauritiana to Tenerife back in 2006, in search of a better life.
He was arrested by the Policia Nacional and detained for 40 days at a migrant centre in Fuerteventura.
Adama barely spoke Spanish and had no plan once he was released, and for some time was ‘living under a bridge’.
According to Telecinco, he first ended up jobless in Malaga, where he lived on the streets, before deciding to move to Valencia.
He had no contacts, money nor a roof over his head, but managed to get by by taking on odd jobs.
These included working in fields and parking cars, doing anything that paid.
In 2008, his strong work ethic began to pay off when he was hired by a restaurant to clean the bathrooms and mop the floors.
Over the years he was awarded more responsibility and eventually made his way into the kitchen.
After being trained in food preparation and cooking, he fell in love with the art of paella.
The traditional rice dish is one of Spain’s most famous culinary exports and was invented in Valencia.
Almost 20 years later and Adama has become a renowned paella maestro.
He was even shortlisted for the 63rd annual Sueca International Valencia Paella Competition last year.
It is one of the most prestigious – and toughest – food contests in Spain.
