Nigeria has officially joined the global culinary stage with the launch of MasterChef Nigeria, the first local adaptation of the iconic reality cooking show.
Brought to the country by African media giant Primedia Africa, the series promises to spotlight Nigeria’s rich food culture while offering home cooks a life-changing opportunity to turn their passion for cooking into a professional career.
A statement from Primedia Africa confirmed that the winner of MasterChef Nigeria will receive a prize of ₦73 million ( US$178,000) and earn the distinction of becoming the first-ever Nigerian MasterChef. The competition is now open for entries, with submissions closing on 27 February 2026.
The show will air on DStv channels Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, bringing the globally renowned MasterChef format to millions of Nigerian viewers. Internationally, the MasterChef franchise is represented by Banijay Entertainment, the media powerhouse behind other major reality formats like Big Brother and Survivor. The deal for the Nigerian version was brokered by Banijay Rights, the company’s global distribution arm.
Originally created by Franc Roddam in 1990, MasterChef has been adapted in over 70 countries and has aired more than 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes, according to Guinness World Records. The format is widely recognised as the most successful cooking show globally, launching the careers of countless culinary stars while celebrating local food cultures.
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“MasterChef Nigeria is a major milestone for Nigerian television,” said Tamara van Eeckhoven, Managing Director of Primedia Africa. “It will celebrate the country’s exquisite cuisine, innovative food culture, and vibrant culinary traditions, while mentoring and nurturing talent with the potential to become Nigeria’s next generation of distinguished chefs. We encourage all home cooks who aspire to professional success in Nigeria’s dynamic food industry to enter this competition.”
Commenting on the launch, Kemi Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Magic, said, “MasterChef Nigeria reflects our continued commitment to investing in premium local content that showcases the richness of Nigerian culture and creativity to audiences across Africa and the world.”
Sarah Mottershead, Vice President for Middle East, Africa, Israel, Greece & Cyprus at Banijay Rights, added: “We are incredibly proud that this world-leading culinary format continues to expand its global footprint. Through our partnership with Primedia, Nigerian viewers are set for a real treat with this first taste of the iconic MasterChef experience.”
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The competition will bring together home cooks from across Nigeria in a series of cooking challenges that test originality, technique, flavour, and presentation. Contestants will prepare both traditional Nigerian dishes and contemporary culinary creations, demonstrating their skills while drawing inspiration from the country’s rich food heritage.
Throughout the season, a panel of expert Nigerian chefs, who will be revealed in the coming weeks, will judge the dishes, identifying the strongest performances as well as the weakest. The last cook standing will take home the title of MasterChef Nigeria along with the US$178,000 prize.
Entry requirements stipulate that participants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 or older, hold a valid passport, and not have earned a living as professional chefs. By maintaining these eligibility criteria, the show aims to spotlight undiscovered culinary talent and give passionate amateurs the chance to achieve national recognition.
The launch of MasterChef Nigeria is expected to elevate the country’s culinary scene, inspire innovation in home cooking, and offer aspiring chefs a platform to showcase their skills on an international standard. With a substantial prize and global franchise support, the series is poised to become a major fixture in Nigerian entertainment, while celebrating the nation’s vibrant food culture.
Background to the MasterChef franchise
The MasterChef franchise is one of the most successful culinary television formats globally, created in 1990 by British filmmaker Franc Roddam. Over the past three decades, it has been adapted in more than 70 countries, producing over 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes. The show has become a global platform for amateur cooks to showcase their talent while celebrating local food cultures and culinary traditions.
MasterChef has been credited with launching the careers of numerous professional chefs and food entrepreneurs worldwide. Its success lies in a combination of intense competition, technical skill challenges, and storytelling that highlights contestants’ personal journeys. Each country’s adaptation reflects its unique culinary identity, giving viewers both inspiration and cultural insight.
In Africa, the MasterChef format has been highly anticipated, with fans eager to see their local cuisine and home-grown culinary talent represented on an international stage. With the franchise already popular in countries such as South Africa and Morocco, Nigeria’s version is expected to capture a large audience, given the country’s vibrant food scene and a growing appetite for reality-based cooking competitions.
The launch of MasterChef Nigeria also aligns with a broader trend in African media toward high-quality, locally produced content for regional and global audiences. Platforms like DStv’s Africa Magic channels have played a critical role in promoting African culture, entertainment, and creativity across the continent. By combining a proven global format with Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, MasterChef Nigeria offers both entertainment and professional development opportunities for participants.
The ₦73 million (US$178,000) prize underscores the competition’s seriousness and commitment to transforming the lives of amateur cooks. Beyond the prize, winners and notable participants often gain visibility, media exposure, and career opportunities, including restaurant partnerships, cookbook deals, and international culinary training.
Additionally, Nigeria’s food culture is uniquely diverse, reflecting over 250 ethnic groups with distinct culinary traditions. From jollof rice and egusi soup to suya and moi moi, the country’s dishes vary widely in flavor, ingredients, and preparation techniques. This diversity provides a rich canvas for contestants to demonstrate both innovation and mastery, making MasterChef Nigeria not only a competition but also a celebration of the country’s culinary identity.
Finally, the show is expected to inspire a new generation of home cooks and food entrepreneurs, supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning food industry and hospitality sector. By highlighting talent, fostering creativity, and promoting professional standards, MasterChef Nigeria could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s next wave of culinary stars.
