'Rookie errors won’t fly': 'MasterChef SA' judges tease a fiercer, more emotional season 6

Cooking shows have become the holy grail for networks and streaming platforms. The reality show format, with its high-pressure environment where personalities and passion clash, makes for addictive viewing and is a consistent ratings goldmine.

It may not be as wild and intense as the award-winning series, “The Bear”, but it comes with its own upsets, meltdowns and culinary triumphs. 

I have my firm favourite shows, and the “MasterChef” franchise, whether local or international, has unfailingly hit that sweet spot every season.

On that note, season six of “MasterChef SA” will be arriving on our screens later this month.

The 26-episode format of the show focuses on 20 amateur cooks who must navigate a series of challenges and eliminations.

In December, I was invited to the set at Atlantic Studios in Cape Town before production on the final episode wrapped. 

While I’m unable to divulge anything about the contestants or the episode I got to watch on the day of my visit, I did manage to shoot the breeze with the esteemed judging panel of Zola Nene (ZN), Justine Drake (JD) and Katlego Mlambo (KM), and they had some interesting responses to my questions.

Each season is unique, shaped by the distinct personalities of the contestants.

What were your impressions of the season six participants?

ZN: I feel like this season in particular, the level of food knowledge is already at a heightened level. I think the way that they think about food, the ideas that they come up with are already innovative. The viewers are going to see people who really do know food and know how to cook from the get-go, which is very different from the previous seasons. 

JD: We have some really big personalities this year. And to watch how they arrive, how they change as they are altered by the pressure, humbled by the task… We have quite a few anxious people who doubt themselves, and, conversely, there are ones with that I've got this attitude.

They learn the hard way that humility is going to serve them better in the kitchen. So it's really been interesting. 

KM: I think for me, with this being my second season with Zola and Justine, people are sticking to their roots. What people are trying to do in this season is basically take the food that they grew up eating, adding a bit of private school elevation to it to take it to the next level.

As returning judges, would you say your standards have become stricter over time, or do you consistently balance constructive feedback with complete honesty?

KM: This season, we want to see consistency. But you also get very frustrated because, at the end of the day, we are here to be judges, but you can't be singing the same song to the contestants every single time.

So it does get frustrating when you see the potential of them being in the Top 10 and being in the Top 5, and they are still making those rookie errors. There's empathy because you want to help to a certain degree, but we also need to do our job. 

ZN: For me, I don't think that my judging style or level of critique changes from episode one to episode 101. Yeah, I take it very seriously at all times, at all levels, whatever the products and the challenge are. And, yes, we're human, so we connect with them on another level.

But I stay steadfast in my criteria. Those judging parameters, for me, are very clear because you're only as good as the challenge that was set before you. 

JD: The “MasterChef” brand makes this sort of thing relatively easy, as they have two criteria where you have to uplift and mentor the contestants. This is because we want to see them grow and succeed, and we will help you do that. 

Each episode is a singular unit of: Did you read the brief? Did you cook that well? Did you burn it? Whose dish is better? It's as simple as that. So in terms of judging, it's pretty cut and dried. Do we fall in love or get irritated? Hundreds. 

How do the guest judges influence the dynamic of each episode, and what are your thoughts on their inclusion?

ZN: It's always fun when a fourth personality enters the chat. They lift the mood and also for the contestants as well. They meet somebody who they aspire to or somebody they've only seen in magazines or on socials, and they get to get up close and personal and actually interact with them and ask them questions.

I mean, that's a unique opportunity,  meeting your heroes on a show that's fulfilling a dream of yours. 

JD: And it's an expertise that we don't necessarily have. It adds an element to the show that really teaches contestants something new, and they've got the opportunity to ask questions. Not only do the contestants learn, but so too do the audience. I mean, edutainment is very much a part of this format, particularly this year. 

KM: The guests that are coming are the crème de la crème because of their craft. Some of them are strict, some of them are not as strict, but they add this flavour to the show, which is tantalising. 

∎ “MasterChef South Africa” season 6 will air on e.tv from Sunday, February 22, at 6pm. The episodes will be rebroadcast on eReality and eExtra.