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:
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.
Contestant Profiles
David
Born in 2001 and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos, David Emmanuel’s path into food is rooted in resilience and determination. He discovered his passion at just seven years old while working with a local chef, exchanging chores for school fees – an experience that introduced him to the discipline of the kitchen and changed his life.
In 2020, while still in school, David launched his food business, GoCravings. What started with selling snacks has grown into a finger food brand catering for events, specialising in small chops and starters.
Deeply inspired by his mother, who sold puff puff to support him, David carries her strength and sacrifice into everything he does. His cooking style is modern Nigerian, grounded in tradition, with a special love for Jollof rice.
Guided by patience and passion, David approaches every dish with intention. He believes greatness comes through sacrifice and hard work.
For him, MasterChef Nigeria is a platform to refine his skills and share his story with the world.
“I’m a passionate cook on a journey to grow from smoke to gold and become one of Nigeria’s great chefs,” he says.
Demi
At 30, Lagos-based Demilade Akingbe, known as Demi, is a creative entrepreneur and content creator bringing style, flair, and global inspiration into the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen.
Demi is the founder of My Friend’s House, a social club that hosts curated community gatherings, blending food, culture, and connection. A graduate of Imperial College Business School in London, she combines business acumen with a passion for storytelling through food and lifestyle content.
Her cooking style is centred around comfort-driven continental meals, influenced by cuisines from around the world. Demi’s culinary journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her love for eating turned into a daily practice of cooking. As she jokes, she had to learn how to make the food she loved or risk going broke.
Her greatest influence is her sister, whose ability to bring people together through food continues to inspire Demi both in and out of the kitchen.
Known for her creativity and strong plating skills, Demi creates dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
“If I win, I hope to travel the world, sharing my culinary experiences online, while expanding my social club into a beautifully curated café space.”
Derry
At 29, Lagos-based Chidera Nnonyelu, known as Derry, brings bold Nigerian flavours and resilience into the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen. By day, she works as a personal assistant and finance coordinator in the aviation industry, but her true passion lies in food.
Her cooking style is a vibrant fusion of traditional and modern Nigerian cuisine, inspired by a love for experimenting with local ingredients and reimagining classics. Derry’s journey began at just nine years old in the kitchen with her mother — a simple moment that sparked a lifelong passion and continues to influence her today.
