Season 8 Gallery

We are very excited to announce that our new host is Tapfuma Makina. One of South Africa’s favourite news and sports anchors, has been announced as the new UBM host for Season 8 (S8).  Now, after almost two decades in radio and television, as well as hosting and presenting premieres and awards across sports, enterprise and entertainment, broadcasting is in his professional DNA. His distinctive voice, familiar to many from HeartFM, Top Billing, eNCA and beyond, has captured many SA broadcasting highlights in recent years. Best known for his love of sport, Makina is excited to explore his additional passions for travel, food and discovering the unique talents of all South Africans as he joins UBM Season 8’s search for SA’s Ultimate Braai Master of 2023.

What’s more braai than Justin Bonello? Not much. Our bush cook host is also an author, entrepreneur, community uplifter and local food fundi who pushes our braai teams to their limits. Justin’s job means keeping the team’s in-line to perform as best they can, sure he might shout at times but he’s actually a big softie who loves nothing more than hitting the open road, deliciously prepared foods and spending his time in great company. Will the teams be able to live up to his braai-spectations?

Having previously judged prestigious events such as the Eat Out Awards, Masterchef South Africa and most recently the Windhoek Shisinyama Search, Chef Benny is back to bring his expertise and exceptional talent to the UBM set. Known for his kind nature but also fierce judging, the teams will have to step up their braai game to flip the grid in their favour. @chef_bennym / @Benny.Masekwameng

Celebrity judge, food enthusiast, self-proclaimed Kitchen Cowboy and author, Pete Goffe-Wood has been an influential member of the South African food scene for many years. His incredible palette, coupled with his overall food experience means that the teams will have to braai their hearts out to impress him, one chop at a time.