Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has become an integral part of Nigeria’s consciousness and pop culture.
Generating 55 billion media impressions between July 19 and September 25, 2020, the reality TV show has become a source of premium entertainment that shoots individuals to fame — whether win or not — and provides employment opportunities for hundreds of crew members that ensure the smooth running of the show.
After its first season in 2006, the show has overcome an 11-year hiatus to conclude five successful seasons, with each instalment possessing its own theme and twist while mirroring the trend of its enabling society. In fact, the show peaked at over 40 million viewers across Africa in 2021.
Meanwhile, throughout its instalments, the show has not only availed hundreds of brands exposure but has also allowed participants to attain celebrity status. Participants have become names in the entertainment industry and beyond — from music stars, brand ambassadors, sports personalities, and show producers to business moguls.
With the 7th edition of the reality TV show, tagged “Level Up”, coming to an end on Sunday, October 2, 2022, a new winner is set to join the league of former BBNaija champions to take his or her chance in the spotlight. We take a look at former winners who have found fame through the show and how they are faring in the wake of their wins.
Here are the winners of the last six seasons and what they have been up to with their fame.
Katung Aduwak
Katung is the first winner of the Big Brother Naija show, which aired in 2006. Hosted by Olisa Adibua and Michelle Dede, 26 years old Katung defeated now famous host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and actor Gideon Okeke — among others, to walk away with the $100,000 prize.
Today, Katung is one of Nigeria’s most popular media experts. In 2021, he released his debut movie “Heaven’s Hell”. He also directed the film “Unwanted Guest” and “Not Supposed to be here”. He has directed several music videos for Chocolate City and Styl Plus and has starred in EbonyLife TV’s “Desperate Housewives.”
Apart from being a multimedia artist whose brand, Soujournerinc, features urban arts, Aduwak is the CEO of One O Eight Media & African Partner for Campfire Media, a position he ascended after serving for years as Senior Channel Manager at MTV Base, Senior Creative Director at VIACOM International and Executive Director at Chocolate City.
Efe Ejeba
When the BBNaija reality TV show returned in 2017, some fans didn’t know what to expect, while others hadn’t heard about the show before. Tagged “See Gobe”, the show quickly made its mark on the map as it pitched 22 housemates against one another. Hosted by ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Delta State-born Efe Ejeba secured 57.61 per cent of the votes to emerge winner of the 25 million grand prize.
Efe kickstarted his music career upon his win, releasing his EP Lagos Ep, based on his migration from Jos to Lagos. He has also collaborated with superstars such as Olamide.
Now, Efe hobnobs with the industry’s great and good and makes his trade in music. His recently released song “No Go Do Again” polishes a shelf of good songs such as “Based on Logistics” and “I love You”.
Miracle Igbokwe
Miracle became the winner of the third instalment of the BBNaija reality TV show titled “Doube Wahala”. Again hosted by ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, 20 housemates competed for the 25 million naira prize.
On winning, Miracle received a 25 million naira cheque, a brand new Hyundai Tucson SUV worth 12 million, home appliances worth N3 million and a trip to an exotic location for two, totalling N45 million worth of prizes.
On June 26 2019, Miracle graduated from an aviation school in the United States. Although he likes to keep a low profile away from the glam and paparazzi, the 2018 BBNaija winner is doing well for himself as a certified pilot in the United States.
Mercy Eke
Mercy became the first female to win the famed reality TV show, amassing 41.77 of the votes and warding off stiff competition from Mike Edwards. Mercy Eke went home with a total prize of 60 million naira.
In 2019, Mercy Eke launched her clothing Line ‘MNM Luxury’. A year later, she debuted in Nollywood with the movie Fate of Alakada. Merce Eke is today one of the most sought-after influencers and brand ambassadors. Her clients include Royal Hair International Limited, Luscious hair, Mapia, Ciroc, Unique Motors, Innoson, Payporte and Desperado drink.
Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshebioba
When Laycon first stepped into the BBNaija house in 2020, no one expected that he’d be the first Lockdown housemate to be verified on Instagram, talk more of win the show. As one of the 20 housemates selected from the 30,000 contestants who auditioned virtually as COVID-19 crippled day-to-day activities, Laycon quickly made an impression on fans with his musical talent, intelligence and unassuming demeanour.
After winning the 85 million naira grand prize, Laycon has been making waves in the music industry, dropping hits like ‘God Body’, ‘New Dimension’ and an album Shall We Begin while featuring superstars along the way.
Beyond that, he was made the youth ambassador of Ogun State, Nigeria, in 2020, and he launched his reality TV show on Showmax titled ‘I Am Laycon’ a year later. The reality show sheds light on his life and his journey to superstar status.
Laycon is a brand ambassador for brands such as Orijin, OPPO, Mentos and many more.
Hazel ‘Whitemoney’ Oyeze Onou
Whitemoney emerged as the winner of ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition of the BBNaija show to win the grand prize of 90 million naira.
Before his time in the house, Whitemoney was a jack of all trades, juggling barbing, cooking, taxi driving, singing and comedy acting. No surprise that in the wake of his win, ‘Odogwu’, as he is fondly called, has been a sought-after character in different industries.
Apart from being a brand influencer for Gotv, Tecno and Binance, he is also an ambassador to Enugu State on Creative Arts and an honorary member of the Liberian Senate.
Whitemoney has released two singles, ‘Selense’ and ‘Na We We’. He has also worked with Masterkraft, Mix Monsta, Fiokee, and Zoro.
On September 21, 2022, Whitemoney signed a deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). The 30-year-old also announced that he would drop two singles titled “Egwu” and “You Bad” on September 23, 2022.
