MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 Contestants – Ola

It’s week 2 heat 1 of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 and we are profiling the contestants. Ola is 33 originally from Nigeria now based in Chatham, Kent.

Ola is a 33-year-old chef originally from Edo State, South Nigeria. He moved to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, when he was 15 years old. Thirteen years ago, Ola moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. Since then, he has worked in various fine-dining restaurants and sporting venues. Currently, he is employed by a large catering firm. Ola resides in Chatham, Kent, with his wife and two children.

Ola’s culinary journey began at a young age. In Nigeria, there is a societal expectation to pursue careers in medicine or accounting. However, Ola found his passion in the kitchen. He first had the opportunity to work in a professional kitchen while still in school. He spent a couple of months working on a farm, where he was allowed to assist in the kitchen. This experience ignited his love for cooking, and he has been passionate about it ever since.

Although Ola did not receive any formal culinary training, he has learned the craft through hands-on experience. He started his career as a Kitchen Porter and worked his way up the ranks. Ola describes himself as a sponge, always eager to learn from those around him. His cooking style is characterized by freedom and love. He hopes to showcase elegant food that reflects his Nigerian heritage in the competition.

When asked about his motivation for participating in MasterChef: The Professionals, Ola emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment. He believes that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. Ola sees the competition as an opportunity to learn and grow as a chef. He recognizes that no one is a finished product, and he is excited to see how he can improve his skills through the experience.

Outside of cooking, Ola’s main passion is spending time with his family. They mean everything to him. Additionally, Ola has a love for music. He enjoys singing and writing songs, and you might even catch him singing during the competition as he feels it is good for his nerves.

The next episode of MasterChef The Professionals airs Thursday 2 November at 8.00pm on BBC One.

Image Credit: Ola (BBC/Shine TV)