Meet the 10 Contestants Cooking for Glory on MasterChef Nigeria

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.

For more information, visit www.masterchefnigeria.com and follow the conversation on social media Facebook: MasterChef Nigeria, Instagram: @masterchefngr,TikTok: @masterchefngr,X (formerly Twitter): @masterchefng.

 

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.

She thrives on cooking in social settings, using food to bring people together and create memorable experiences. During the pandemic, she launched her food business, Derryzhive, turning necessity into opportunity and showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Resilient and determined, Derry sees MasterChef Nigeria as a stepping stone toward becoming a world-class chef.

“I’m intentional, creative, and unafraid to stand out. Every plate I serve will have depth, personality, and a story.”

If she wins, Derry plans to create a modern culinary space that celebrates Nigerian cuisine in a fresh, contemporary way.

Fads

At 29, Lagos-based Fadeoluwarera Segun, known as Fads, is a dynamic professional and passionate cook bringing bold, modern flavours into the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen.

As renewable energy expert, Fads spends her days promoting sustainable energy and

pushing for Nigeria’s energy transition — but it’s in the kitchen where her creativity truly

shines. Her cooking style is modern, globally inspired, and health-conscious, combiningfresh ingredients with bold, vibrant flavours.

Having cooked for most of her life, Fads’ journey began in childhood, watching her mother cook effortlessly without recipes — a skill she found both fascinating and inspiring. As a self-proclaimed foodie, her love for eating naturally evolved into a passion for cooking, driven by her desire to make her mom proud.

Always eager to learn, Fads constantly experiments with new techniques and flavours — something her friends believe is restaurant-worthy. Her refined palate is her secret weapon, allowing her to instinctively identify what a dish needs to be elevated.

While she admits that her calm, “my unhurried approach in the kitchen could be a challenge in a high-pressure environment, it’s also what allows me to cook with precision and care” Fads confesses.

For Fads, MasterChef Nigeria is the perfect blend of two passions — cooking and the show she has always loved.

Favy

At 26, Lagos-based Favour Bessan, known as Favy, is a creative force in the kitchen. A content strategist by profession, her creativity shines through in her cooking — a unique blend of fusion and comfort food that elevates familiar dishes into refined, fine dining experiences while staying true to their roots.

Favy’s journey began at just eight years old, growing up in Warri and Calabar where food was central to everyday life. Inspired by her mother’s imaginative and love-driven approach to cooking, she learned early on that food is both expression and emotion.

A devoted fan of MasterChef, Favy sees this as both a dream and a personal challenge — a bold step into her purpose. Her strengths lie in her creativity, speed under pressure, and natural ability to balance flavours, whether she’s preparing her standout coconut rice or reimagining comfort classics.

Resilient and independent, Favy has grown through life’s challenges with determination and belief in herself. If she wins, she plans to open a restaurant that blends fine dining with entertainment.

“Viewers can expect creativity, passion, and flair,” she says.

Isabella

At 39, Lagos-based Isabella Adediji is a creative entrepreneur, media professional, and passionate home cook. A wife and mother of two, she is the founder of Yellow Tamarind Productions and works as an MC, radio and TV host, and content creator, but food has always been central to her journey.

With over 20 years of cooking experience, Isabella’s style is rooted in traditional Nigerian cuisine, elevated with bold, experimental fusion. Her love for food began in childhood, influenced by her German grandmother, “Mutti,” who blended heritage, discipline, and creativity in the kitchen.

Her time living in London at 17 further expanded her culinary perspective, shaping her ability to combine Nigerian and continental flavours with ease.

Warm, fun, and compassionate, Isabella brings energy and storytelling into every dish she creates. She approaches challenges with grace and determination, never losing her sense of joy.

“What I will bring to the Masterchef kitchen is my love for culture, imaginative pairings, storytelling and a bit of drama,” she says.

For Isabella, MasterChef Nigeria is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and a major milestone.

“My love for culture, imaginative pairings, storytelling and a bit of drama,” she says, “is what I’ll bring to the kitchen.”

Loye

Abuja-based Olaloye Oyedotun, known as Loye, is a lawyer with a creative spirit that truly comes alive in the kitchen. While his profession demands structure and precision, cooking allows him to express himself freely — turning food into both art (which he loves and collects)and emotion.

Loye has been cooking for 13 years, developing a style that blends traditional Nigerian flavours with modern techniques and global fusion influences. His approach is inspired by cooking shows and the magic of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes — something that first sparked his experimentation and continues to drive his passion today.Loye wants to show the world that Nigerian cooking techniques compare favourably with other established culinary traditions. Further, he is passionate about improving nutrition and access to food for all Nigerians.

His mother remains his greatest influence, teaching him how food can bring people together and build community. For Loye, cooking for loved ones is an expression of love. Breaking bread with others is fundamental to friendships and any relationship.

Having lived on five continents, Loye brings a truly global perspective to his cooking. His culinary journey has been shaped by travel — from attending an Asian cooking class in Hong Kong to dining at Kaia Kaipe in Getaria, Spain. These experiences have refined his ability to incorporate Asian flavours, adding boldness and surprise to his Nigerian dishes.

Loye says “I entered MasterChef Nigeria to push myself beyond limits, but also to fulfil a promise to my wife, and make my family proud.”

Margaret

Driven by purpose, grounded in tradition, and inspired to uplift others Margaret is cooking with heart and intention.

At 42, Lagos-based Margaret Akpan is a passionate cook and proud single mother of two teenage children, bringing discipline, resilience, and rich culinary experience into the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen. Originally from Akwa Ibom State, her roots strongly influence her love for traditional Nigerian dishes and bold, authentic flavours.

Working as a steward and house manager, Margaret is no stranger to hard work. Her journey is shaped by consistency and a deep commitment to providing for her family values that reflect in her cooking.

Her cooking style blends Nigerian heritage with modern global influences, drawing inspiration from Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine while staying true to tradition. Her passion began in childhood, learning in the kitchen through hands-on experience that sparked a lifelong desire to grow.

Her go-to menu for guests includes Jollof rice, Afang soup with fufu, beans, and fried plantain  with Afang soup being her favourite dish.

With creativity, attention to detail, and unwavering passion, Margaret sees MasterChef Nigeria as a platform to grow, showcase Nigerian cuisine, and inspire others especially young women — to pursue their dreams.

“Viewers will see how I turn the food I grew up eating into something MasterChef-worthy,” says Margaret.

Pearl

Driven by love, resilience, and purpose —Pearl is cooking her way toward a brighter future.

At 30, Lagos-based Pearl Agbajem is a passionate cook, entrepreneur, and devoted single mother. She runs a cloud kitchen specialising in curated food bowls, a business that reflects both her creativity and her determination to build a better life for herself and her young son.

For Pearl, cooking is more than a career, it’s therapy. It’s where she feels grounded, expressive, and most alive. Her journey began at just eight years old, cooking alongside her mother, who remains her greatest influence. Today, her style is rooted in Nigerian cuisine, elevated with modern techniques that bring new life to familiar flavours.

A hands-on mom, Pearl cooks every day with love and intention, creating meals that bring comfort and connection. Warm, hardworking, and deeply authentic, she brings both strength and emotion into the kitchen qualities that shine through in her food.

Her dream is to attend a world-class culinary school and become a professional chef, and she sees MasterChef Nigeria as the platform to make that leap.

“The viewers can expect to see passion driven by love for cooking,” she says.

Her signature dish native seafood pasta reflects her identity: traditional, yet innovative.

Preye

At 34, Lagos-based Olatundun Fadase, known as Preye, is an entrepreneur and passionate cook turning everyday Nigerian meals into memorable experiences.

Preye is the founder of foodguy.ng, a growing food business focused on delivering quality Jollof rice and comforting meals to people who simply don’t know what to eat. Launched in 2025, the venture reflects his commitment to excellence, consistency, and continuous growth. For Preye, every day is an opportunity to learn, improve, and build something meaningful — one step at a time.

His cooking style is deeply rooted in traditional Nigerian cuisine, driven by a desire to honour his culture and preserve authentic flavours. At the heart of his culinary journey is his grandfather, a passionate cook and well-travelled storyteller whose love for food left a lasting impression. Living with him during his studies, Preye developed not only his cooking skills but also a deep appreciation for the stories behind every dish.

In the kitchen, Preye’s strength lies in creating bold, well-balanced flavours that resonate with the Nigerian palate while offering a creative edge.

“For me, MasterChef Nigeria is a platform to elevate my craft and take my business to the next level.”