The hit reality TV show Big Brother Naija, usually called BBNaija,is one TV show that many Nigerians across the globe wish to be a part of.Every year thousands of contestants troop to various centres to take part in auditions with the hope of being selected as one of the lucky housemates.
One of the major reasons why many Nigerians strive to be on the show is the fact that it provides a platform for contestants to launch their careers in various sectors of the entertainment industry. It is no longer news that over the years,BBNaija,has successfully turned regular folks into overnight celebrities.
It is worthy to note that not all ex-BBNaija contestants have gone on to make waves after the show, a good number of them have gone ahead to build successful careers.LEADERSHIP Weekend takes a look at 7 of the most successful ex-BBNaija housemates.
- Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu,is considered by many as the most successful ex-BBNaija housemates.In 2006, he went in as one of an eventual 14 housemates on the first season of the show finishing in eighth place.Though he did not win the maiden edition of the show,Ebuka has gone on to build a very successful career.To date, he is one of the most visibly successful BBN 2006 cast members. In January 2017, he was announced as the host of the second season of Big Brother Naija,and has gone on to host subsequent seasons of the show.He is also one of the most sought-after comperes and TV hosts in Nigeria and a brand ambassador for various brand
- Bisola
Bisola Aiyeola,simply called Bisola,was a housemate on the 2017 series of Big Brother Naija where she was first runner up.While at BBN, she emerged winner of ONE Campaign reality show which is an international Advocacy Organisation for girl-child education with offices in London, United States, Nigeria and other parts of the world.After leaving the house, as a singer, Bisola released her single debut Luchia under Temple music.
In 2017, Bisola was nominated for City People Movie Award for Revelation of the Year (English) alongside Zainab Balogun, Somkele Iyamah, Seun Ajayi.In 2018, Bisola won the Trail Blazer Award at the AMVCA. She made her debut as a producer on Introducing the Kujus. In 2022, She became the first African to host family feud, A TV reality show organized by MTN and Ultima.Bisola has featured in severally Nollywood blockbusters, including;The Becoming Of Obim
This Lady Called Life,Two Grannies And A Baby,Payday,Introducing The Kujus, Breaded Life, Dwindle ,Castle and Castle among others.
- Mike Edwards
Mike Edward participated in the Big Brother Naija reality show (Pepper Dem) season 4,where he emerged runner up with the highest number of votes second to Mercy Eke.Mike defeated Frodd, Omashola and Seyi on the final day of the show to emerge runner up.He is a CEO and professional athlete.He owns the first black-owned cigar line in the United Kingdom called Aireyys. Mike is married to the love of his life, Perris Shakes-Drayton, a British Olympian and also a TV personality
- Laycon
Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba, popularly known as Laycon was the winner of BBNaija season 5.He entered the show as the number nineteenth contestant and soon established himself as a fan favorite.Laycon became the first housemate of the season to be verified on Instagram on 22 July 2020.He broke a record, becoming the first housemate in the show’s history to reach 1 million followers on Instagram while still in the house on 19 September 2020.During the finale of the show on 27 September 2020, he was declared the winner scoring a record 60% of the total votes cast and went home with the 85 million grand prize.
Laycon’s Album Shall We Begin was released in April 2021, and the album peaked at number two in Nigeria top album chart, and number one on the Nigeria iTunes album chart. The album went on to chart in over 30 countries and counting. In September 2021, Laycon release the original soundtrack album to his reality show I Am Laycon which was also titled I Am Laycon. This was his second project of the year 2021 and it peaked at number nine on Nigeria album chart. This made it Laycon’s third project to hit the top 10 charts in two years. Also, he was featured on “Enter My Head” by fellow former BBNaija housemate Veeiye, on her debut EP Young & Reckless.In December 2021, Laycon headlined and sold out his first-ever concert tagged iCONs FEST at the 6000 capacity Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotels Lagos.
- Katung
Katung Aduwak was the winner of the premier edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show, with a take home prize of $100,000.
After the reality TV show, Aduwak proceeded to New York to further his education at the Digital Film Academy, graduating with a directorial degree and went into filmmaking. Katung’s debut film Heaven’s Hell was released in May 2019. The movie clips were shot in 2012 by One O Eight Media, partnering with BGL and Hashtag Media House and starred Nollywood actors and actresses and Nigerian singer Waje.In 2020, Aduwak directed a short film exposing the conflict between African Americans and the African diaspora, titled Not Supposed to be Here.
- Mercy Eke
Mercy Eke was the winner of BBNaija season 4 becoming the first woman to win the show.
After winning the show,Eke became an ambassador and influencer for various organizations. In 2020, she made her acting debut in the Nollywood film Fate of Alakada.She has also appeared in short comedy skits alongside a few Nigerian comedians.Mercy has signed endorsement deals and become a brand ambassador for numerous brands, including Ciroc and Mr.Taxi.She also launched her own clothing line MnM Luxury.
- Tacha
Anita Natacha Akide,fondly called Tacha participated in Big Brother Naija (season 4).Tacha’s participation in the reality show ended sadly due to her assault on her fellow housemate Mercy which led to her being disqualified and evicted from the house. Assault is against the rule in the Big Brother house.Inspite of that she has gone on to do big things in her chosen field. She has won awards like Net Honour’s Most Popular Person, Female Personality of The Year, Celebrity Entrepreneur of the year and many more.She was the brand ambassador of GetFit, a Fitness brand. She made her acting debut in 2022,in the Nollywood movie “Tiger’s Tail.”
