Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Episode 1 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa is now streaming on Showmax.

Filmed in Brazil, the season brings together franchise favourites from Abuja, Durban, Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway where glamour, drama and sisterhood collide in this new chapter of the African franchise.

Princess Jecoco of The Real Housewives of Abuja fame steps back into the spotlight with her unmistakable energy for the debut season of the show.

In this interview below, Princess Jecoco takes us inside this landmark season, unpacking the cast dynamics, the Brazil experience and what fans can look forward to as the Ultimate Girls Trip format makes its bold African debut.

What was your first reaction when you got the call to join the cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa?

Honestly, I was so excited and a little shocked! It felt like such a huge honour being invited to represent Nigeria and Abuja on a continental trip; it is no small thing. I knew it could be a powerful moment for me, personally, but also for my city. At the same time, I felt a little nervous, because I wanted to make sure I showed up as my authentic self. I accepted because at the end of the day, it’s a vacation.

Watch the trailer for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Having been away from the reality TV scene, how did you prepare yourself to be back in the spotlight?

Over the past couple of years, I focused on self-work, on balancing my businesses (with Sefcon Hotels, Jevjaz Ltd) and my family life. Mentally, I journaled, prayed, and really reaffirmed who Princess Jecoco is – not just the "housewife" version, but me as a lawyer, a mother, a culture ambassador. When the call came, I felt stronger and more grounded than before.

Did you feel the need to assert yourself early, or did the group naturally make room for your presence?

It was a mix of both. I think my energy tends to be big, so there wasn’t a shortage of me making my presence felt. But I also respected the fact that this was a girls’ trip: it’s about camaraderie, laughter, but also real conversations. I didn’t walk in with the intention of dominating, but I also wasn’t going to shrink. I made space with confidence, not aggression. So yeah, they definitely made room for my presence.

How did this trip differ from The Real Housewives of Abuja, and what did it – if at all – reveal about your personality in navigating dynamic relationships?

On RHOAbuja, you’re more rooted in your day-to-day business, family and local power dynamics. On Ultimate Girls Trip, there’s vacation energy, which brings out a different side of people who are more relaxed, more spontaneous. For me, it revealed how adaptable I am; I could hold my own in deep conversations, but also be goofy, playful, and vulnerable. It showed how I navigate when things are less structured.

It revealed that I’m a very emotional person. I cried a lot on this trip. That very bold and feisty Jecoco got overly emotional on this trip.

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How important was it for you to represent your city and culture in a way that felt real and not performative?

So important. Being from Abuja and being deeply invested in my Igbo heritage (as president of Umu Asa Cultural Association), I feel a responsibility. When I go on a global or continental stage, I want people to see me, not a caricature. I made sure to bring my culture, my values, even my accent, my humour – everything that makes me who I am.

Did anyone reveal a different side of themselves off-camera that viewers won’t immediately expect?

Yes, and I think that’s the beauty of filming a trip like this. There were moments when people let their guards down. Someone who seemed very poised could suddenly get emotional, or someone who seemed reserved could be the loudest in laughter off camera. Those quieter, more human moments are what I hope people will notice more than the dramatics.

However, there is one cast member who was just too much on camera. She’s cool off camera but always does the most as soon as the camera comes on. It was really annoying because we all wanted to have fun, but she was like the bad egg that still wanted to be in the pack. Almost everyone had fights with her. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Share one behind-the-scenes moment in Brazil that captured the true Girls Trip chaos

There was one night when a few of us just stayed up talking under the stars wine in hand after eating and we had a spontaneous dance party outside, music blasting, and the next thing you know, we’re all dancing barefoot, to Brazilian beats. That was real, unfiltered, joyful chaos.

Who gave you the best banter or back-and-forth energy on the trip?

Honestly, there were a few. But I think the best was with someone who wasn’t afraid to call me out in a funny way. That kind of banter keeps things genuine. It’s not just shade; it’s playful, witty, and rooted in knowing each other enough to push and pull. That’s the kind of energy I love.

Ultimately my girl Mariam. We understand each other mostly because we are Naija babes so it was really easy. My girl Annie too, we are so similar in so many ways, so banter was nice.

Did you form any new friendships on the trip?

Absolutely. That’s the most magical part of something like Girls Trip. Beyond the cameras, I connected with women from different parts of Africa we laughed, we cried, we shared stories about home, beauty, motherhood, business. Some of those relationships I believe will outlast the show.

What should fans brace themselves for in this season with giving out spoilers?

Get ready for high energy, big laughs, and some real talk. There will be moments of tension, but also genuine sisterhood. I think fans will see me outside of my comfort zones emotionally and socially but also more grounded than ever. And yes, there will be surprises: things that will make you gasp, but also things that will make you smile.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls’ Trip: Africa stars Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson from The Real Housewives of Durban. Joining them are The Real Housewives of Johannesburg favourites Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay. From Nairobi, we have Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu, while Nigeria brings the heat with Princess Jecoco from Abuja and Mariam Timmer from Lagos.

New episodes of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa will drop every Friday.

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