Inaugural MasterChef Nigeria kicks off with N73m prize, 10 hopefuls

Nigeria’s culinary scene is set for a major spotlight as the inaugural season of MasterChef Nigeria premieres, bringing together ten talented home cooks to compete for a life-changing grand prize of ₦73 million.

The highly anticipated show, a local adaptation of the globally renowned MasterChef format, will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family starting Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

With its debut, the contestants will become the first-ever group to compete for the prestigious MasterChef Nigeria title, marking a historic moment for food entertainment in the country.

Bringing together a diverse mix of personalities, professions, and culinary perspectives, the competition promises to celebrate Nigeria’s rich gastronomic heritage while pushing creative boundaries in the kitchen.

From entrepreneurs and corporate professionals to content creators and full-time parents, each contestant enters the competition with a unique story that shapes their approach to cooking.

Among them is David Emmanuel, a 24-year-old content creator from Magboro whose journey into food began at a young age through determination and survival. Demi Akingbe, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, brings global inspiration and artistic presentation to her dishes, while Derry Nnonyela channels her passion for Nigerian flavours into bold, modern interpretations.

Other contestants include Fads Segun, known for her health-conscious and globally influenced cooking; Favy Bessan, whose creative fusion style elevates comfort food; and Isabella Adediji, a seasoned media personality blending storytelling with culinary artistry.

Abuja-based lawyer Loye Oyedotun adds a global perspective shaped by international travel, while Margaret Akpan draws deeply from traditional Nigerian roots and personal resilience.

Completing the lineup are Pearl Agbajem, a cloud kitchen operator whose cooking is driven by love and purpose, and Preye Fadase, a food entrepreneur dedicated to preserving authentic Nigerian flavours while adding contemporary flair.

As the contestants step into the iconic MasterChef kitchen, they will face a series of high-pressure challenges designed to test not only their technical skills but also their creativity, resilience, and ability to innovate under intense conditions. Their dishes will be judged by renowned culinary experts Chef Eros and Chef Stone.

Producers say viewers can expect a mix of intense competition, emotional storytelling, and inventive dishes that reflect both tradition and modernity. The show aims to redefine food-focused television in Nigeria by combining compelling narratives with high-level culinary performance.

The production, backed by the Primedia Group, has also attracted strong corporate sponsorship, including major Nigerian brands such as Power Oil, Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Sonia Tomato, Kiara Rice, and Golden Penny products.

The season will run for 13 episodes, airing weekly on Sundays, with rebroadcasts scheduled midweek to give audiences additional opportunities to follow the competition.

With its blend of talent, diversity, and high stakes, MasterChef Nigeria is poised to become a defining platform for aspiring chefs and a celebration of the country’s vibrant food culture.