Dating reality TV show lovers are in for a ride in January as MultiChoice’s new dating reality show, Heartbeat, premieres Sunday, January 11, 2026, on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8), bringing 10 singles, five men and five women, into one house for 12 weeks of romance, drama, and serious sparks.
From games to challenges, the cameras are catching every flirt, fight, and heart-eye moment. At the end of it, couples face the “Promise Lock,” a symbolic pledge that could turn a fling into forever.
Meet the singles’
Chidera Eggerue – Age 30
Popularly known as The Slumflower, Chidera is a writer, podcaster, and certified conversation starter. She rose to prominence in 2018 after creating the viral #SAGGYBOOBSMATTER movement, a hashtag that flipped the script on how women’s bodies are seen and talked about.
Chidera is also the best-selling author of ‘What A Time To Be Alone’ and ‘How To Get Over A Boy,’ and she hosts a podcast where her conversations centre on female empowerment, love, and the social issues many people avoid.
Over the years, Chidera has been called many things. From a body-positive campaigner (Financial Times) to “a force to be reckoned with” (Vogue), this generation’s agony aunt (Dazed), and one of the most outspoken and controversial young feminists on social media (The Times). On Heartbeat, The Slumflower says she’s there for one thing only: men who can truly handle strong women.
Queen Latifah – Age 28
Lateefa Shittu is a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Ogun State who knows how to command attention. Confident, charismatic, and always in her element, she loves to travel, have fun, and live loudly. She describes herself as “loud, lovely, and unapologetic”, a self-proclaimed wildcat and proud crybaby who is both highly confident and unapologetically flirty.
When it comes to dating, Lateefa says she’s still single because she refuses to settle. She jokes that she “likes her men ugly” to balance out her own beauty, but she’s serious about wanting the real thing. On Heartbeat, she’s bringing a strong personality into the house, ready to make her mark and meet the man she truly wants.
Hilda Braso Agyekum – Age 28
Hilda Braso Agyekum is a 28-year-old Ghanaian actress, producer, and scriptwriter who is confident, expressive, and very clear about what she wants. On Heartbeat, she describes herself as a “natural flirt” and defines intimacy as something deeply personal, emotional, and affectionate, not just vibes, but real connection.
When it comes to dating, Hilda says she wants to be deeply loved by one man. She’s drawn to men who are taller than her, look good, are financially stable, and are intellectually stimulating. Honesty is non-negotiable for her, with lying being an instant deal breaker, as she puts it, “If you lie to me, I’ll catch you, so don’t lie.” On Heartbeat, Hilda is open to love, but only on her terms.
Shekinah Esosa – Age 24
24-year-old musical artist Shekinah is ready to be submissive with the right one. The streamer from Edo State describes herself as expressive, spontaneous, and goal-driven, believing she can make every day feel like a first meeting, ‘making her impossible to get bored with.’ On Heartbeat, she’s bringing bold energy, a playful spirit, and a clear mission: to find love.
Her type? “Clean, tall, smelling good, and emotionally intelligent,” with tattoos a bonus if done right. Shekinna spoils her partner unapologetically and expects the same energy back.
Toriah Kim—Age 26
Toriah is a hairstylist, freelance model, and full-time free spirit. She’s wild, real, and unapologetically herself, going after what she wants with zero holding back.
She has a type, and it’s tall, dark-skinned, with a nice smile. But loyalty, honesty, and effort are non-negotiable. She gives green lights, fights for the right man, and expects the same energy in return. On Heartbeat, Toriah is all about genuine connection, and she doesn’t mess around.
Alvin Leonard – Age 25
At 25, Alvin has already tried on more careers than most people. He’s a trained computer scientist and a licensed cabin crew member (not currently flying, but yes, still one), and he also makes shoes because why stick to one lane when you can explore all of them?
When it comes to love, Alvin is honest: it hasn’t always been kind to him. That’s part of the reason he joined Heartbeat, in search of what he calls ‘my better half.’ His love language is quality time, and he’s clear about one thing: he doesn’t like to be chased. Alvin describes himself as a ‘dominant man’ who prefers mutual interest and intentional connection.
On Heartbeat, Alvin says he’s open, ready, and hopeful, searching not just for love but for a real connection. Or, as he puts it, a heartbeat.
Igwe Cruise – Age 29
Igwe is a 29-year-old oil and gas professional who keeps things cool, calm, and very intentional. He describes himself as someone who doesn’t play games and knows exactly what he likes. He’s attracted to petite women, prefers a submissive partner, and has a soft spot for polo, both the sport and the lifestyle. He admits that he can grow tired of people over time.
Outside the show, Igwe uses his platform to share lifestyle content and spotlight brands he enjoys. On Heartbeat, he says he’s here for love and adventure.
Henri Promise Chibueze – Age 27
Meet Henri, a 27-year-old business enthusiast who likes to keep his options (and his mind) open. Henri describes himself as someone who enjoys trying new things, and on Heartbeat, he sums up his personality in one line: he can be both a playboy and a loverboy. In his world, those two don’t cancel each other out. According to him, “Even as a playboy, you can be monogamous.”
When it comes to dating, Henri is clear about what he wants and what he won’t tolerate. Loyalty matters to him, and he admits he’s instantly turned off by a partner who is “always willing to accept an advance from someone else.” For Henri, real connection is built through shared experiences, consistency, and mutual respect.
On Heartbeat, Henri says he’s open to exploring connections, but he’s not here to lose himself in the process. Boundaries first, feelings after and maybe love if the vibe is right.
Ken Nwaomucha – Age 26
Ken Nwaomucha is a 26-year-old relator from Warri who describes himself as a lover boy with a playful side, balancing charm and dedication in equal measure. He’s passionate about fitness, loves fashion, and runs his own brand, K.i.club, proving he’s as stylish as he is disciplined.
On Heartbeat, Ken is ready to leave the streets behind and find his dream woman. He says he’s both a lover and a playboy but insists he has no toxic traits, just a man confident in what he brings to the table.
Ikenna Damian Maduba – Age 31
Hailing from Imo State, Ikenna is the entrepreneur behind Nevada Nightclub, one of Abuja’s most popular nightlife destinations. Once shy, he now describes himself as confident, jovial, and completely in his element.
When it comes to relationships, Ikenna is drawn to natural women, preferably tall, with a sweet face and good manners. Loyalty is important to him, and while he acknowledges his hot temper as a potential red flag, he admits that “all bets are off” if the right woman comes along.