The ladies and gentlemen of Heartbeat are here, and they’re bringing energy, confidence and personalities that won’t let you skip the channel.
Heartbeat, a new DStv dating show, which premieres on Sunday, January 11, brings into the house 10 singles – five men and five women – who would domicile for 12 weeks of romance, drama and serious sparks.
From games to challenges, the cameras are there to catch 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.
Here are the 10 men and women stepping into the Heartbeat house with charm, ambition, and the will to find love.
Chidera Eggerue
Popularly known as ‘The Slumflower’, 30-year-old Chidera Eggerue 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 – a body-positive campaigner (Financial Times), 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).
According to Chidera, she’s in Heartbeat for one thing: men who can truly handle strong women.
Queen Latifah
Lateefa Shittu is a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Ogun State, who knows how to command attention.
Confident, charismatic and always in her element, Lateefa loves to travel, have fun, and live loudly. She describes herself as “loud, lovely, and unapologetic”.
Lateefa is indeed a self-proclaimed wildcat and proud crybaby, who is both highly confident and unapologetically flirty.
According to Lateefa, she’s still single because she refuses to settle down. Though, she “likes her men ugly” to balance out her own beauty, she’s serious about wanting the real thing.
On Heartbeat, Lateefa says she’s bringing a strong personality into the house, as she’s ready to make her mark and meet the man she truly wants.
Hilda Braso Agyekum
Hilda Braso Agyekum is a 28-year-old Ghanaian actress, producer and scriptwriter who is confident, expressive and knows what she wants.
On Heartbeat, Hilda 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 a man. She’s drawn to men who are taller than her, look good, financially stable and intellectually stimulating.
For Hilda, honesty is non-negotiable and lying is an instant deal breaker. She puts it thus: “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
24-year-old music artiste, Shekinah Esosa 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 everyday feel like a first meeting, making her ‘impossible to get bored with.’
On Heartbeat, Shekinah is bringing bold energy, playful spirit, and a clear mission: to find love.
Her type? A clean, tall man that smells good, and emotionally intelligent. Well, for her, tattoos are a bonus if done right. Shekinna spoils her partner unapologetically and expects the same energy back.
Toriah Kim
Toriah, 26, is a hairstylist, freelance model, and full-time free spirit. She’s wild, real and unapologetically herself, going after what she wants with no-holds-barred.
Toriah has a speck – a tall, dark-skinned man with a nice smile. But loyalty, honesty, and efforts are non-negotiable for her. 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
At 25, Alvin has already tried on more careers than most people. He’s a trained computer scientist and a licensed cabin crew (though not currently flying), 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 reasons he joined Heartbeat – in search of what he calls ‘my better half.’
Alvin’s love language is spending quality time, and he’s clear about one thing: he doesn’t like to be chased. He 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 also for a real connection. Or, as he puts it, a heartbeat!
Igwe Cruise
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 wants.
Igwe is 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. He says he’s on Heartbeat for love and adventure.
Henri Promise Chibueze
Henri Promise Chibueze, a 27-year-old business enthusiast, likes to keep his options (and his mind) open.
Henri describes himself as someone who enjoys trying new things, and on Heartbeat, he says he can be both a playboy and a lover boy. In his world, those two don’t cancel each other out. “Even as a playboy, you can be monogamous,” he declares.
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 a partner who is ‘always willing to accept an advance from someone else’ instantly turns him off.
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 going to lose himself in the process. Boundaries first, feelings after and maybe love if the vibe is right.
Ken Nwaomucha
Ken Nwaomucha, 26, is a realtor from Warri, Delta State, who describes himself as a lover boy with a playful side, balancing charm and dedication in equal measure.
Ken is passionate about fitness, loves fashion, and runs his own brand, K.i.club, proving that 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
Ikenna is the entrepreneur behind Nevada Nightclub, one of Abuja’s most popular nightlife destinations.
Once a shy guy, Ikenna now sees himself as confident, jovial and completely in his element. However, when it comes to relationship, he is drawn to natural women, preferably tall, with a sweet face and good manners.
Loyalty is important to Ikenna, 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.
