Season 9
As the coals reach optimal temperatures and smoke wafts into the air, the competition is set to intensify with the return of Ultimate Braai Master for its ninth season.
This season sees eight teams go head-to-head in pursuit of the prestigious title: Most Valuable Braaier (MVB).
The flames rise higher this season as six esteemed teams return, fired up to vie for redemption, joined by two wildcard entrants eager to carve their legacy into the annals of Ultimate Braai Master.
The participants bring a diverse array of culinary techniques to the table, covering the full spectrum, from traditional methods to innovative interpretations influenced by township cuisine and heritage-driven recipes.
Each team is strategically equipped with distinct flavours and methodologies aimed at securing victory.
Filmed in the breathtaking valleys of the Overberg district, Western Cape, this season is a celebration of resilience, culture and the timeless tradition of open-flame cooking.
Season 9 is poised to deliver an array of intricate challenges, set against remarkable backdrops, encapsulating the essence of South African culinary cultures.
You can look forward to unforgettable dishes, tough eliminations and smoky glory under the watchful eyes of judges Chef Pete Goffe-Wood and Chef Benny Masekwameng, who are looking to raise the bar this season.
Tapfuma Makina returns as host and leads the charge once again with his customary insights and unwavering passion.
In the Season 9 premiere, "Welcome to the Fire": Six top teams return, joined by two Wild Cards, to face tough challenges in a fiery, non-elimination.
The Host
Tapfuma Makina
Zimbabwean-born Tapfuma Makina is known as a sports host and presenter and has hosted shows on HeartFM, Top Billing and eNCA.
A Rhodes University alum, Tapfuma's plans to continue on and study medicine after completing his BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology changed direction after becoming a presenter on campus radio.
He has since hosted premieres and awards across sports, enterprise and entertainment.
The Judges
Pete Goffe-Wood
Celebrity chef Pete Goffe-Wood made his mark on the Cape Town food scene back in the early '90s when fusion food was still a novelty in South Africa.
His bold and brave Asian-European- and African-inspired combo creations raised local food eyebrows.
Benny Masekwameng
Celebrity chef Benny was born and bred in Alexander in Johannesburg.
He graduated from what is now the Durban University of Technology with a diploma in catering management, and thereafter commenced his culinary journey, which would see him become executive chef at the then Mondo Vino restaurant at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.