The Ultimate Braai Master -Limpopo’s Fire Dancers blazed a bold new path as Wild Cards

The coals have been glowing again on South African screens as The Ultimate Braai Master returned for its ninth season, an all-stars showdown, with a mix of twelve returning legends seeking redemption against two bold wild card teams. The beautiful landscapes of the Western Cape became both the backdrop and battleground as contestants were pitted against each other in a high-pressure series of outdoor fire-cooking challenges, filmed over an intense 21 days.  

Season-9 brought back celebrity chefs Pete Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng to the judging table, while Tapfuma Makina returned as host, guiding viewers through the drama, eliminations and moments of magic around the fire.  Much of the action unfolded in the valleys of the Overberg, from gruelling open-flame cook-offs in a purpose-built braai arena to rugged outdoor challenges that pushed teams to braai in wind, rain or blazing sun under severe time pressure. 

For Limpopo viewers, all eyes were on the Fire Dancers, the team that brings together the fiery passion of local chefs Laaika Moosa of Laaiksfood and Meal Maniac’s Natalie Stewart. These inspiring women have spent recent years transforming the food scene around Tzaneen, Magoebaskloof and Hoedspruit with immersive cooking classes, pop-up feasts and diverse catering events cementing their reputation for bold flavours, local produce and innovation.  Together, their skills seemed tailor-made for a televised braai showdown where taste and presentation matter as much as grit and composure.  

When they were introduced as one of the Wild Card teams, they had no idea what they were in for. They had submitted their audition video without realising it was an All Stars competition, but from the moment filming began, something in them rose to the challenge. As Laaika put it, “the cooking was the easiest part. There are so many other factors that push you to your limits. The hosts don’t tell you anything about the location or the challenge ahead so you just have to learn to surrender to the unknown and trust your instincts.”  

Both women grew up cooking on coals, and flames were part of their childhood language, long before they ever knew it would translate professionally. And their team name came from the instinctive choreography around the fire, with each taking the lead. Before filming, they discussed their strengths, weaknesses and the worst case scenarios, uncovering in the process how naturally their styles aligned. Natalie summed it up simply. “Teamwork is the dreamwork. We are passionate about what we do and want to share it with other people.”  

But the challenges hit hard from the start. The Asado test pushed everyone to their limits as five teams fought for space around one fire-pit in a chaotic scramble that reminded Laaika of The Lord of the Flies. The semi-finals, a nine-course tasting menu prepared in just 2.5 hours, demanded speed, precision and calm inside a cramped kitchen, while reaching the finals brought them to ‘Hell’s Day’, a gruelling seven hours under relentless scrutiny. Natalie described how intimidating it felt to face a wall of cameras and judges who “didn’t mince their words.” 

Fire, though, was familiar ground. Both women know how to build heat, manage coals and coax flavour from flame. Laaika explains that “the trick is to have a feeder fire producing coals for meat, vegetables and another for slow-cooking - each with its own rhythm.” Natalie adds, “don’t be afraid to play with new flavours and textures using really good-quality produce.” The competition often reminded them of home where food and landscape are inseparable and they wanted to prove that Limpopo's flavours, stories and people deserve a place on the national stage.

In the end, they did far more than that. They came home as champions. Their victory is remarkable not only because they made it all the way to the finals won by the Iron Tummies, but because they surpassed their own expectations. Competing against fire legends and seasoned all-stars was intimidating, yet the hosts told them they would give the others a run for their money and they did just that.  As Natalie reflected, the experience opened up a world of methods they had never encountered and it felt incredible to shift perceptions in a braai culture often dominated by men.  

Natalie’s journey carried its own triumph. “I was born with a heart condition and had a setback in episode two but still made it to the finals. It was an incredible lesson that you can do anything that you put your mind to.”  They were determined to have fun in the process but their story is also one of curiosity, courage and the joy of being present in your passion. As Laaika says, “it is about taking a leap of faith and letting it blow your mind.” The Fire Dancers walked into the unknown and emerged with renewed confidence, a deeper trust in their craft and a shared belief that life is richer when you step fearlessly towards the flames.

Laaiksfood: 083 366 8999 laaiksfood@gmail.com  Meal Maniac: 073 997 7125