The heat in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen never lets up, and this week the remaining home cooks were served a double helping of pressure with a Blind Taste Test followed by their very first Mystery Box Challenge.

Following Demilade’s dramatic exit the previous week, seven hopefuls returned to the kitchen knowing that any mistake could leave their MasterChef dreams overcooked.

The first challenge on the menu was a Blind Taste Test, where the contestants had to identify a variety of fruits and vegetables using only their palates. It was a particularly nerve-racking challenge for David, who admitted he doesn’t always trust his taste buds. However, he rose to the occasion, joining Loye and Favy in correctly identifying the ingredients and securing a coveted spot on the gantry.

That left Preye, Derry, Fads and Isabella fighting to keep their aprons in the competition.

The home cooks then had to face their first-ever Mystery Box Challenge, where creativity, execution and composure were all put to the test. When the judges tasted their way through the dishes, Isabella and Preye found themselves at the bottom of the pack.

Ultimately, it was Preye’s Roasted Sirloin with Butternut Squash that failed to hit the mark, bringing his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.

Derry proved once again why she has earned the nickname “Daring Derry.” Unfazed by the Mystery Box Challenge, she served up a dish that impressed the judges from presentation to palate. Her thoughtful plating, technical execution and well-balanced flavours earned her the coveted Dish of the Day title.

Meanwhile, Fads – affectionately known as the “Cat Woman” for her remarkable ability to land on her feet – continued her fight in the competition. Her Plantain Tacos showcased ingenuity and secured her safety from the bottom two. While the judges appreciated the effort, Chef Eros reminded her that the competition is entering a critical stage, saying: “This is the MasterChef kitchen and I expect MasterChef results.”

At first glance, Preye appeared to have delivered a winning plate. The judges praised the presentation, with the dish drawing comparisons to something one might find in a charming French bistro.

However, in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen, appearances only get you so far.

The mood quickly shifted when Chef Eros cut into the sirloin steak. Sensing trouble, he quietly removed his glasses before revealing the verdict: the steak was undercooked.

It proved to be a costly mistake. In the MasterChef kitchen, there are few offences more serious than serving food that is raw or burnt. Despite the promise shown in the dish, the undercooked steak ultimately sealed Preye’s fate and brought his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.

With the stakes rising and the margins between success and elimination becoming ever smaller, the remaining home cooks know that every plate must now be worthy of the MasterChef title.

The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with rebroadcasts on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

Next week, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen welcomes special guest judge Chef Tosan for a challenge that is guaranteed to test the home cooks in a whole new way.

With baking on the menu, confidence quickly gives way to nerves as the remaining contestants face one of the most feared disciplines in the culinary world. Unlike cooking, where intuition can often save the day, baking demands precision, patience and flawless execution.

As temperatures rise and tensions simmer, the home cooks must prove they can handle the pressure and deliver bakes worthy of the MasterChef title. Who will rise to the occasion, and whose hopes will crumble under the weight of the challenge?

By Adedapo Adesanya

House of Venusta, in partnership with Panda Media Productions, has announced the launch of the VENUSTA Model Workshop 2026, a four-week intensive training programme aimed at developing aspiring and emerging models through professional coaching, industry exposure, and practical skills acquisition.

The workshop will be held every Saturday in June at the Meals & Events Centre, No. 1 Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Lagos.

Participants will receive practical training in runway walking, posing, grooming, camera presence, confidence building, and professional modelling etiquette.

The workshop will be facilitated by Chidi Sunday, Creative Director of Threadking Studios, a respected fashion creative with extensive experience in talent development and fashion production.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr Michael Panda Okolie, Founder of House of VENUSTA and Panda Media Productions, said: “Every year, we meet talented young people who dream of becoming models but simply do not know where to start. Many lack access to mentorship, professional training, and the financial resources required to enter the industry. Through this workshop, we are removing those barriers.

“At VENUSTA, we are committed to discovering, mentoring, and developing the next generation of fashion talent. This workshop is more than training; it is an opportunity to be seen, guided, connected to agencies, and equipped with the tools needed to begin a successful modeling career.”

The VENUSTA Model Workshop serves as both a training platform and talent scouting initiative, with outstanding participants receiving opportunities for mentorship, industry exposure, and potential agency representation.

For registration and enquiries, interested participants are encouraged to contact the VENUSTA team through its official communication channels.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The theme for the 2026 edition of the prestigious Carnival Calabar will be unveiled on Sunday, May 31, at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos.

This theme-unveiling event is being organised by the Cross River State Carnival Commission.

The theme guides the bands in their choreography and the presentation of the whole carnival. It also allows the state to engage with stakeholders, sponsors, and the diplomatic community as part of preparations for the yearly programme.

For this year’s unveiling event, Ambassador Gautier Mignot of the European Union (EU) is expected to be the special guest of honour, with Ambassador Paulo Santos of Portugal as the guest of honour.

As part of the activities leading up to the unveiling event, the Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Dr Gabe Onah, paid a strategic visit to Multichoice Nigeria Canal + Company. He was accompanied by the Lead Marketing Consultant of Carnival Calabar, Mrs Mary Ephraim Egbas.

The delegation was received by the chief executive of Multichoice Nigeria Canal + Company, Ms Kemi Okunola, and the Executive Director, General Entertainment, Multichoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola.

The delegation briefed Multichoice on plans for digital transformation and streaming to a global audience for this year’s event, as well as this Sunday’s event.

Carnival Calabar is the biggest Street Dance Parade in Africa, held every December in Cross River State. It is one of the biggest tourism events in West Africa, drawing millions of visitors to Cross River every year.