Who is chef Nkosi Sibanda MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, which airs on BBC One from Tuesday, October 29 at 8pm, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Nkosi Sibanda, sous chef at The Lanesborough in London

Sous chef Nkosi, 25, was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK when he was three years old with his mum and three sisters. He grew up in Corby, Northamptonshire and spent time in Liverpool before settling in London where he lives now.

Name

Nkosi Sibanda

AGE

25

Where are you from/where do you live

Harrow, London, born in Zimbabwe and grew up in Northamptonshire

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Nkosi studied Culinary Arts at the University of West London then went on to work as a commis chef at the Michelin-starred Goring Hotel. He then spent a year working abroad in South Carolina after winning a competition through college. Then moved back to London where his roles have included chef de partie at the Michelin-starred La Trompette. He now works at The Lanesborough hotel in AA 3-Rosette Restaurant, The Grill Kitchen.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My brother-in-law inspired me to become a chef. When we were younger, we would go out for food for special occasions and celebrations. He worked at Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant back in our Liverpool days, and he used to take me into the kitchen and show me how it worked. I loved it straight away, the food, the camaraderie of the kitchen and the whole structure of it. It was then I decided to go on to study catering at university.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“If I had to describe my style I would say Modern British with European influences. I’m a creative person and because of that the vision of my dishes is important, I love presentation and finesse.” 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“Friends and family have been telling me to apply to MasterChef: The Professionals for a few years now. I want to test myself outside of the traditional kitchen environments I’ve worked in. From a professional standpoint I feel confident that now is the time to try to get my name out there!” 

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“Outside the kitchen, I enjoy competitive sport, including swimming, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and football – I’m a Man United fan. I also am passionate about fashion, I love shopping and have dabbled in a bit of modelling too which was great fun.”