When The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa premiered on Showmax on November 28, 2025, Mariam Timmer brought Lagos energy to Brazil.
The spin-off series assembled cast members from five African franchises, and for Timmer, who has appeared in all three seasons of The Real Housewives of Lagos, it represented another milestone in her reality TV career.
“Being part of the very first edition of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa is an incredible honor,” she said ahead of the premiere. “Just like when I was selected as part of the debut cast of The Real Housewives of Lagos, it carries that same powerful feeling, if not even more.”
The series brought together Timmer and Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja to represent Nigeria alongside cast members from Durban (Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela, and Jojo Robinson), Johannesburg (Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay), and Nairobi (Dr. Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu). The mix of personalities from across the continent created what Showmax positioned as the ultimate luxury escape, building on the success of last year’s The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, one of the platform’s most-watched series in 2024.
Representing Nigerian Culture Through Fashion
Throughout the Brazil trip, Timmer made deliberate choices about how she wanted to represent Nigeria. She wore exclusively Nigerian designers, continuing a practice she’s maintained throughout her time on RHOLagos. For her, fashion isn’t just about looking good on camera, it’s about showcasing the talent coming out of her country.
“I’m a huge believer in Nigerian and African fashion,” she said. “I made it a point to wear only Nigerian designers throughout the show. Every outfit was a statement, a celebration, and a reminder of the creativity coming out of our country.” Beyond wardrobe, she also took opportunities to educate the other cast members about her Yoruba heritage, moments she described as some of her proudest on the trip. “They were fascinated, they were curious, and they genuinely appreciated the culture I brought to the table. That meant a lot to me.”
Building Bonds Across Borders
The cast dynamics played out differently than Timmer expected. She connected quickly with Annie Mthembu from the Durban franchise and Princess Jecoco from Abuja, finding common ground both personally and professionally. The friendships extended beyond what cameras captured, with cast members opening up about their personal lives and supporting each other off-screen. “What made it special was that our connection went beyond the show,” Timmer said. “We were able to open up, share what we were dealing with in our personal lives, and really support each other. That, to me, is sisterhood.”
When it came to drama, Timmer didn’t shy away from acknowledging her role. Annie Mthembu recently said in an interview that it was a tie between Timmer and Christall Kay from Johannesburg for who brought the most drama this season. Timmer’s response was characteristically direct: “Drama is part of what makes these shows so entertaining, and I definitely brought my energy to the table. But honestly, I like to think that while I bring the drama, I also bring authenticity, fun, and heart.”
Evolution on Screen
As an original cast member who has been on all seasons of RHOLagos, Timmer sees Ultimate Girls Trip as an opportunity for viewers to see how she’s evolved. The woman who appeared in Season 1 isn’t who she is now, and she wanted that growth to be visible. “I’ve grown, I’ve elevated, and I’ve refined who I am personally, emotionally, and professionally,” she said. “This trip shows that clearly. My consistency, my work ethic, and my presence speak louder than ever.”
That evolution includes being more self-aware about how she navigates group dynamics. Known for being expressive and unfiltered, Timmer said she didn’t change who she is for the continental stage, but she was conscious of the space and the people around her. Some cast members came in with preconceived notions about her, and she could tell they were initially cautious. “Then they realized I’m actually very easy to talk to and a whole vibe on my own,” she said. “I brought my natural, happy energy as always, but I was also very self-aware of the space, the dynamics, and the people I was with.”
The Bigger Picture
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa is produced by GOAT Productions, the team behind Showmax originals including Unfollowed, Untied, and the award-winning Life With Kelly Khumalo Season 3. According to Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Channels and Content West Africa at MultiChoice, the series taps into what audiences have already embraced about the franchise while expanding its scope. “With The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, we are telling stories that reflect our shared experiences while celebrating African women and the rich diversity of the continent,” she said.
Barrie Kelly, VP of International Format Production and Development at NBCUniversal Formats, which distributes the franchise internationally, sees the continental edition as a natural evolution. “Every African version of The Real Housewives has captured the vibrant diversity of its country while resonating with audiences both locally and globally,” he said. “With The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, we are taking that energy to the next level.”
For Timmer, the experience reinforced something she already knew about herself: she shows up authentically, no matter the setting. “I don’t manage people’s perceptions of me. I show up as myself. Always,” she said. And based on how she describes the season, viewers can expect exactly that: Mariam Timmer, unfiltered, elevated, and fully present.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa is still streaming on Showmax.