The kitchen is set, the stakes are high, and the journey to culinary greatness is about to begin for the ten diverse home cooks competing for a staggering ₦73 million prize on MasterChef Nigeria.
Not only will this dynamic mix of contestants from across the country showcase their passion for food and exceptional talent on the life-changing cooking show, but they will also make television history as the first-ever group vying for the coveted MasterChef Nigeria title.
The much-anticipated inaugural season of MasterChef Nigeria, the local adaptation of the world’s most renowned television cooking competition format, will premiere exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family on Sunday, 26 April at 7 pm.
Although united by a shared ambition to shine on the country’s biggest new culinary stage, these ten home cooks bring a tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences to the kitchen – each shaped by personal journeys that influence how they cook, create, and connect through food, while also showcasing Nigeria’s richness and gastronomic heritage.
The MasterChef Nigeria contestants are:
• David Emmanuel (24, Magboro) – A content creator whose humility and determination are shaping an extraordinary culinary journey.
• Demi Akingbe (30, Ikoyi) – An entrepreneur and food content creator bringing an eclectic style, creative flair, and visually striking dishes.
• Derry Nnonyela (29, Ikeja) – A finance admin coordinator whose passion for food is rooted in heritage and fuelled by ambition.
• Fads Segun (29, Lagos) – A renewable energy expert whose cooking style is modern and health-conscious, combining fresh ingredients with purposeful intention.
• Favy Bessan (26, Shomolu) – A content strategist whose cuisine reflects her fearless, imaginative, and deeply driven character.
• Isabella Adediji (38, Ikeja) – A managing director and seasoned media personality, ready to tell Nigeria’s story through her cuisine.
• Loye Oyedotun (31, Abuja) – A corporate lawyer who cooks with confidence and heart—bold in his choices, driven to grow, and determined to make every dish count.
• Margaret Akpan (42, Lagos) – A domestic staff member grounded in tradition, driven by purpose, and inspired to uplift others through soulful food.
• Pearl Agbajem (30, Lekki) – A cloud kitchen manager cooking towards a brighter future with love and resilience.
• Preye Fadase (34, Lagos) – An entrepreneur and food vendor whose vision, discipline, and deep respect for tradition turn everyday food into memorable experiences.
As these home cooks step into the iconic MasterChef kitchen, they will face high-pressure tasks designed to test not only their cooking skills but also their resilience, innovation, and ability to rise above the heat. Their creations will be evaluated by esteemed judges Chef Eros and Chef Stone.
Viewers can expect intense challenges, unexpected twists, and dishes that push the boundaries of creativity while staying rooted in Nigerian flavours.
With its unique blend of compelling storytelling, passionate participants, and culinary excellence, MasterChef Nigeria is poised to redefine food-focused television entertainment in the country.
This world-class production from the Primedia Group is backed by prominent Nigerian brands, including headline sponsor Power Oil, alongside Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, and Golden Penny Wheat.
The thirteen episodes of MasterChef Nigeria will premiere exclusively on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family (starting 26 April). Rebroadcasts will air on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.
