The much anticipated Big Brother Naija has started with 20 housemates on Sunday. A whoop sum of N45 million is at stake at this third edition of the reality show.
The contestants – 10 males and 10 females – made their first appearance during the opening live show in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they shared the spotlight with show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu who prodded them on what they will be offering fans in the next three months.
The crowd of Nigerians in the studio, added pep to the night of expectations, as fans were eager to know which celebrity was among the contestants.
Nonetheless, the 20, made up of up and coming entertainers, showed signs of promising talents in the hiding all along.
The third in the series, this year’s show parades names like Vandora from Edo State; Nina, 23 years old from Owerri, Imo State; Teddy A; and K Brule.
The first instruction from Ebuka was for each housemate to pick a number from the glass bowl. “Look for a bed that matches the number picked and wait for further information, ” he said. Hence, the first set of four housemates who are reality show newbies walked into the house together.
After a short interval, the second set of four – Alex 22years old; Dee-One who said he is in a serious relationship and portrayed some comic traits; Princess, 25 years old; Miracle who is ‘single and available’ – took their turn on stage.
Next was the third set of four. They include Bambam from Ogun State; Ahneeka; Rico Swavey and Bitto.
Ahneeka is ‘going to look for love in the house.’ She says love comes in different ways, and she is just ready to explore. Bambam wants to do everything possible to win, Rico is single and is from Jos, while Bitto who is wearing his mum’s wedding band says it helps him to stay focused.
The ceremony was spiced with music performances by Mayorku and Kiss Daniel.
The fourth set of four who were introduced as young entrepreneurs include Khloe, a fashion designer; Ifu- Ennada who is looking for drama and madness; Angel, a male with an unusual name and Leo, who says he wants to build low cost housing for his people.
When Mayorku returned, his hit song, ‘Che che’ made great interval, just as Kiss Daniel’s ‘ ‘ got many dancing in the live studio, as he closed the show.
The last set of four includes Anto, Vee-C, Lolu, and Tobi.
Although a game of gradual elimination, it is not clear yet how many housemates will join the house in the twists that are bound to follow.
Tagged ‘Double Wahala’, housemates are expected to showcase enviable personalities as proudly-Nigerian brands.
The three-month moments of twists, turns, laughter and tears that the show is known for is being broadcast live to 45 countries from Nigeria through East, West and Southern Africa on DStv’s channel 198 and GOtv’s channel 29.
Nigeria’s online retail store, PayPorte is returning as headline sponsors for the second time.
