Some Nigerians have expressed their shock over the choice of housemates in the ongoing fourth season of the Big Brother Naija reality show.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the season kicked off on Sunday with 21 housemates, most of whom some viewers have described as “more foreign than Nigerian.”
Respondents said that it was puzzling how Manchester-based Mike, London Police Officer Khafi and Ike, who said this was his first time in Lagos, made the cut while thousands of Nigerians, who flooded audition centres in February didn’t.
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NAN recalls that audition centres across the country were crowded with people struggling to get into the venue.
See reactions:
@Omojuwa said, “I have a problem with everyday Nigerians struggling across the country to audition for this thing, yet it appears they stood no chance from the beginning.
“That should have been made clear to them from the start. Big Brother Phonetics. It appears this is Big Brother Nigeria Diaspora.”
@BabaRoyan tweeted, “Too much handpicking! Connection is the main thing to strive in Nigeria! While The main people who went for the audition were selected to become #BBNaija NINJAs.”
@Ibidunmary said, “I said it to someone all those people jumping fence, crossing hurdles to make it to the audition none of them is in the house, all these ones are imported.”
@DesmondAyotunde wrote, “I doubt if most of these contestants in the house really participated in the audition.”
Meanwhile, Instagram sensation, SimplyTacha who was the last housemate announced on Sunday, has remained a strong talking point for viewers as she was recognisable from several audition clips.
@DrOlufumnilayo said, “If truly Simply Tacha is in the house this year, then that’s a smart move by the organisers.
“She is a game winner. I won’t be surprised at all if she makes it to the Top 3. Mark this tweet.”
@Morlimoore tweeted, “The lady has got what it takes to keep attention on her. She has been using that to fuel her hustle. I equally believe she’ll make the top 3, she would keep giving the people what they like to see.”
NAN reports that housemates will spend 99 days in the house, competing for the grand prize worth 60 million Naira.
MEET THE 21 HOUSEMATES
Single mom and budding singer Avala is not here to play. Being part of Big Brother Naija is part of pursuing her dreams and she also wants to inspire other young women. Avala Saidat “Avala” Balogun’s highest point of her life is when she gave birth to her daughter and her single, ‘Give me a chance’. The budding singer studied music and business at York College in Queens, New York. It’s no wonder then that her top artists include one of the city’s most famous exports, Mary J Blidge.
Just like the Queen of Hip Hop, the Ogun State native has ambitions to spread her music all over the world. What irritates you most about other people: Disloyalty. What will you do with the prize money: My mom is everything to me. I will build a house for her and my daughter. I also want to invest in real estate. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m not there to play, they will see that I’m serious, I’m a single mom pursuing her dream. I want to be an inspiration to a lot of people.
2. Khafi Police officer Khafi Kareem believes that you can have it all if you believe in yourself. She is not only hoping to win the prize money but she wants the exposure that being in Big Brother Naija House brings so that she can do societal good. What people don’t know about her is that she is secretly talented in spoken word, singing and dancing. She is an Ekiti native who resides in London.
What irritates you most in other people: When they try to control me or suppress me from expressing myself freely. What can make you quit the BB game: If I was forced to something sexual in the Big Brother Naija House. What will you do with the prize money: I will hire a film crew and host a travel show going to every state in Nigeria showcasing the tourist beauty spots. I would also invest in charitable causes.
3. Omashola Model and Entrepreneur Omashola is originally from Delta State, but now calls Lagos home. He loves playing basketball, cooking and “being in the water, even though I can’t swim”. Putting his life’s motto “If you want it, go get it – don’t just sit down” into action this year, Omashola got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. But the worst happened; she turned him down! Now single and focused on building his brand, Omashalo comes into the Big Brother Naija House ready to make his dreams come true.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate liars. What will you do with the prize money: I will invest and triple it in less than a year. Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m different, I’m special and I have a story to tell.
4. Ella Victoria “Ella” Nnabuchi is no stranger to the limelight. She was a runner up in a popular music talent search show and she’s a television presenter, voice-over artist, actress and model. She also enjoys dancing, singing, reading, writing, travelling and poetry. The industry preaches that one should fake it until they make it. Not Ella, she says it’s better to “faith it, until you make It.” Ella What irritates you most about other people: Liars and deceitful people. What will you do with the prize money: I haven’t thought about it yet. Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m very interesting and unique.
5. FRODD Chemeka Frodd Okoye is a soft-spoken Investment Adviser and Sales Executive from Anambra State. The 28-year-old believes family is everything and that’s why he lists paying for his mother’s surgery bill as one of the proudest moments of his life. He says nothing can make him quit Big Brother and even if he had a million dollars, he would still participate in the game because “the experience can never be bought.” FRODD What irritates you most about other people: Pride, fake people and bullies. What will you do with the prize money: Start a fashion line and an NGO for single mothers. Why will you be a fan favourite: I have my charms.
6. IKE 26-yer-old Steve Ikechukwu Onyema, is originally from Imo State, but bides his time between Houston, Texas and Maryland, Lagos. He’s loud and colourful and loves to entertain because “you only live once”. When he lost his business in 2013, Ike had to move in with his girlfriend. Luckily, things are looking up for him now. In his downtime, you will find Ike eating steak and vegging out on the couch watching his favourite movie ‘No Country For Old Men’. Not even a family loss would make him quit the game. And if he was rich, he would still do it for the experience.
What irritates you most about other people: People who talk too much What will you do with the prize money: I’ll give my cousin some money. I live with him and he has been taking care of my bills for the last 7 months. I’d put some money into real estate and give some to a children’s charity. Why will you be a fan favourite: My funny personality and my looks will carry me through. I’ll definitely put on a show.
7. Isilomo Lagos resident, Isilomo Braimoh is single and ready to mingle. An HR manager at 27, Isilomo has an MA in Human Resource Management with professional certification. She winds down from her hectic job by engaging in sports, outdoor activities, food, music and travel. A lover of all things music, her favourite songs are currently ‘Middle Child’ by J.Cole and ‘Daz How Star Do’ by Skiibii Dazz.
What irritates you most in other people: I hate it when in an argument or debate, a person stops putting out their opinion in a clear and concise manner. I also dislike it when people are sluggish about things. Thirdly, I don’t like people who don’t take responsibility and hold themselves accountable for their actions. What will you do with the prize money: I will invest in myself as a brand, invest in any kind of Capital Market Instrument, kick start my media career (by going for training) and go on a long ass holiday with my sisters. Why will you be a fan favourite: I think I call it like it is, and I think I have a realness that Nigerians would see and appreciate. I’m also quite funny in a not so obvious way – my friends and family think I’m insanely hilarious. I’m interested to see if the audience will feel the same.
8. Jackye Just like her spirit animal the lioness, Jackye is a fierce hunter who led her software engineering team to winning a contract to build a Fintech app for one of the biggest companies in Africa. The 23-year-old has only had one boyfriend her entire life and she relaxes by watching football, playing games and eating spaghetti, her favourite meal. Her life mantra is, “I never lose, either I win or I learn.”
What irritates you most in other people: When they are slow – I’m not a fan of slow people. What will you do with the prize money: I will invest it in an ongoing tech project which will make AI affordable to Nigerians. Why will you be a fan favourite: I don’t know if people will like me.
9. KimOprah Bubbly television presenter Kim-Oprah, believes that nothing is impossible to achieve. The African beauty achieved the impossible when she represented Nigeria at the Miss Intercontinental World Beauty Pageant. Kim-Oprah is not just a pretty face she owns a business and her favourite book is ‘Smart Money Woman’ by Arese Ugwu. There is nothing that would make her quit the Big Brother House because she is not a quitter.
What irritates you most about other people: Lying. What will you do with the prize money: I’ll do two things with the money, invest in my business and further my education by doing a business management course. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m very real, I don’t hide or pretend, I can be nice and at the same time be an edgy person.
10. Sir Dee Sir Dee, real name Atteh Daniel Tioluwa, is a banker and graphic designer from Kaduna State. He loves football, board games and movies. His favourite of all time? Any of the movies in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Sir Dee, who is in a relationship, believes in being “the best version of myself at all times” – and counts whistling as one of his secret talents. If he were an animal, this 27-year-old would be a lion. “I am kingly, dignified, but will not hesitate to defend those I love”. As much as the prize money is important, winning is not Sir Dee’s ultimate aim. “The fact that I will be disconnected from everyone I know will have to form new relationships in an enclosed environment, is very exciting to me”.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate people who are manipulative and condescending What will you do with the prize money: Pay for a trip for my parents, my kid brother and myself to go see my sister in the UK. I’d also give a certain amount to my sister and then invest in my business, amongst other things. Why will you be a fan favourite: I am down to earth and very original. I have a great sense of humor and am super sarcastic, and playful. There will never be a dull moment in the house, with me around.
11. Tuoyo Psychotherapist, fitness coach and “part time stripper” Tuoyo loves working out, reading books, watching movies, listening to his favourite musicians Davido and J Cole and cuddling (even though he is single). Although life has been good to this energetic 23-year-old, not being shortlisted for an important Navy and Airforce entrance examination left him staring at an uncertain future. Luckily, a shot at fame and fortune on this season’s Big Brother Naija has given him another shot at making his dreams come true.
What irritates you most about other people: Gossip and body odor. What will you do with the prize money: Open a therapy institution and a lounge. Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am very entertaining, I am a solution provider, a good listener and a likeable person.
What irritates you most about other people: Lies and dishonesty. What will you do with the prize money: I will take care of myself and start a business. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m creative, passionate, cheerful, warm-hearted and humorous.
12. Nelson Allison, Mr. Universe Nigeria 2018, is single and looking. When he is not consulting or modelling, he enjoys sketch drawing, working out, watching movies and cooking. If he were a world leader, he would ensure that both the poor and the rich had equal opportunities. Nelson believes that it’s not over until the fat lady sings.
What irritates you most about other people: Lies and dishonesty. What will you do with the prize money: I will take care of myself and start a business. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m creative, passionate, cheerful, warm-hearted and humorous.
13. Thelma 26-year-old Thelma Ibemere lives her life by one simple motto: “Only hang out with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you”. Although this vivacious Hair and Beauty practitioner is currently in a relationship, she believes nothing could have kept her away from her destiny; being in the Big Brother Naija House. When she’s not running her hair business, Thelma finds time to dance, travel and read. Her favourite book of all time? ‘Talent Is Not Enough’ by James C Maxwell. If Thelma had a million dollars in the bank, would she still be in the game? “Of course, I would! Because of the fame. The only thing that would make me quit is a wedding, or pregnancy.”.
What irritates you most about other people: Scandals and pretense. What will you do with the prize money: I will invest it in my business and assist my family as well. Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am jovial and accommodating.
14. Seyi Oluwaseyi “Seyi” Awolowo has had many highs and lows in his three decades of existence. The bubbly entrepreneur once tried to commit suicide but has since risen above that dark period of his teenage years and has turned his life around. He is committed to his journey of self-acceptance, his girlfriend and his beliefs. He demonstrates the latter with a “Jesus’’ tattoo across his arm. Seeing his own face on a billboard for the first time is one of the highest moments of his life so far.
What irritates you most about other people: Fake people and those who lack of originality. What will you do with the prize money: Invest in my company. May also help a charity or two. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’ll stand out from the rest of the Housemates.
15. Esther Esther Olaoluwa Agunbiade is proud of her beauty and brains. The 22-year-old Lagos based lawyer was called to the bar at just twenty-one years old. She’s also very athletic and loves to show off her figure. Her favourite outfit? A white off the shoulder, bodycon, short dress. “Who says a girl can’t embrace all aspects of who she is?” she questions.
What irritates you most about other people: People with bad bathroom and toilet hygiene or habits. If you had a million dollars, would you still be in the BB game: Yes, it’s not just about the money for me. I love competition
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m real, smart and sexy.
16. Jeff When it’s time to let loose, Jeff blasts Drake’s ‘Take Care’ and Burna Boy’s ‘Rock Your Body’. Originally from Anambra but now residing in Jos, Jeff is a 30-year-old banker who believes in taking things one day at a time. His go to food is a dish of beans, yam, amala, ewedu and gbegiri. Jeff also enjoys swimming and dunking a few on the basketball court.
What irritates you most in other people: Ungratefulness. What will you do with the prize money: I’ll use this money to further establish my fintech start-up business. The business aims to help the youth improve their circumstances and grow with what little they may have. Why will you be a fan favourite: I am witty, friendly, kind-hearted and have an endearing mindset.
17. Tacha Tacha has always wanted to be on Big Brother Naija. It comes as no surprise then, that getting picked to be a Housemate this season, is the highlight of her life. This spunky 23-year-old Rivers State native lives her life like her favourite musician Cardi B does; “Do no harm but take no mess”. Talented at making strategic money moves, Tacha would pick her phone over sleep, any day. Although losing her mom weighs heavily on her, the experience has taught Tacha she is as strong as an eagle, one of her favourite animals.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate gossip mongers with a passion. What will you do with the prize money: Invest in new business ideas, increase my family’s standard of living and start a charity foundation Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m SYMPLYTACHA. I’m spontaneous, loud, interesting, lively and fun.
26-year-old Mercy Eke is a video vixen and businesswoman based in Lagos. She loves cooking, swimming, travelling and dancing. No matter the setbacks, Mercy always picks herself up and does her best. “I’m grateful for each and every day. Being alive today is already the highest point of my life”. When she’s not dancing, singing or rapping, Mercy makes time to enjoy her favourite food: white rice and pepper soup. If she had a million dollars in her account, would Sugar still be in the BB Naija game? “Yes, I would. I want the fame. The popularity is very important for my business”.
What irritates you most about other people: I dislike people who are proud. What will you do with the prize money: I want to start my own fashion brand or label. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m a fun person and I’m a sweet girl. Some people call me “Sugar”. Plus, I can be crazy!
19. Diane Diane Yashim describes herself as an easy going girl whose favourite outfit is a shirt, trousers and sneakers. The model and aspiring cook is also a graduate of the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Studying and living there was an eye-opening experience she’ll forever be grateful for. One of the highlights of her life is being chosen as a Big Brother Naija Season Four Housemate and she says that nothing would make her quit the game. She adds that she likes to try new things and wants to see the whole experience through.
What irritates you most about other people: Liars and loud talkers. What will you do with the prize money: Travel as well as try to get into the entertainment industry as an actor or television presenter. I will also go back to school. Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m an open book, I believe I’m relatable and people will understand me easily.
20. Gedoni Ekpata Gedoni is a fashion entrepreneur who likes to keep it simple with a dash of sophistication. The 31-year-old Cross Riverian enjoys basketball, soccer, taking walks and cleaning the house! His other talents include writing poetry and drawing portraits with pencil.
What irritates you most about other people: The inability to take correction as well as physical and mental laziness. What will you do with the prize money: Sort out family debts, put up a proper fashion house and random acts of kindness. Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am easy going and interesting plus I have this genuine and charming personality.
