Big Brother Naija is a Nigerian-based reality TV series from the original Big Brother reality game show franchise. The TV show was formerly broadcasted in the Netherlands only before eventually syndicated globally. The show was founded by John de Mel Jr. of Endemol (A Dutch-based media company responsible for producing and distributing multiplatform entertainment content before it became defunct in 2015).
'Housemates' as they're referred to in the house, are expected to live together in a custom-designed house completely isolated from the outside world for a specific number of days (roughly 3 months).
'Housemates' are voted out of the Big Brother house mostly every week (Sunday) until one person remains and subsequently emerges as the winner, leaving with the grand prize.
Here's an overview of the past winners of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show.
Big Brother Naija (Season 1) — 2006
• Theme – None
• Launch date – 5 March 2006
• Finale date – 4 June 2006
• Days – 92
• Housemates – 14
• Show host – Olisa Adibua & Mitchelle Dede
Winner:
Katung Aduwak
When Big Brother Nigeria (as it was formerly known) aired in 2006, it was won by Katung Aduwak, who hails from Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Political Science and holds a profession in scriptwriting, producing, and directing. He currently serves as the CEO of One O Eight Media and African Partner for Campfire Media. He was 26 years old when he entered the show and subsequently emerged as the first official Big Brother Naija winner, with a cash prize of $100,000.
Big Brother Naija (Season 2) — 2017
• Theme – See Gobe
• Launch date – 22 January 2017
• Finale date – 9 April 2017
• Days – 77
• Housemates – 14
• Show host – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Winner:
Michael Efe Ejeba
Efe, as he's simply known by fans, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, media personality, and rapper. He came to the limelight after winning season 2 of the reality show (now called Big Brother Naija). He's currently 28 years of age. He was born and raised in Jos, Plateau State, but originally a native of Delta State. Before his 'BBN Season 2' win, he was appointed as an Ambassador of the entertainment and creative industry and Youth Ambassador by the Nigeria Ministry of Sports and Youth. They emerged as the season's winner, with a cash prize of ₦25 million top prizes. He has worked with renowned veteran Nigerian rapper Olamide after successfully launching his music career.
Big Brother Naija (Season 3) — 2018
• Theme – Double Wahala
• Launch date – 28 January 2018
• Finale date – 22 April 2018
• Days – 85
• Housemates – 20
• Show host – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Winner:
Miracle Igbokwe
The 3rd season of the reality show witnessed 20 housemates struggle tirelessly for the grand price of ₦25 million, a brand new Hyundai Tucson SUV, ₦3 million worth of households goods, and a trip to an exotic location for two people. Miracle overtook his other housemates to become the winner. He is a 26-year-old Nigerian pilot and model from Imo state. He was appointed by the former Imo state governor as the ambassador of education for the state. He fulfilled his pilot dream after graduating from an aviation school in the United States in June 2019.
Big Brother Naija (Season 4) — 2019
• Theme – Pepper Dem
• Launch date – 28 June 2019
• Finale date – 22 October 2019
• Days – 99
• Housemates – 21
• Show host – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Winner:
Mercy Eke
The first female to ever win the reality show with a grand prize of ₦60 million. She's also the first winner to achieve massive success outside the show, as she's known for always flaunting her accomplishments and wealth on Instagram. She's a popular businesswoman, real estate mogul, video vixen, Influencer, media personality, actress, and ambassador. Her most notable ambassadorial deal is with the famous vodka Ciroc. The 4th Big Brother Naija season was held in Nigeria for the first time after previous seasons in South Africa.
Big Brother Naija (Season 5) — 2020
• Theme – Lockdown
• Launch date – 19 July 2020
• Finale date – 28 September 2020
• Days – 71
• Housemates – 20
• Show host – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Winner:
Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba (Laycon)
Coming into the show as the 19th contestant, he soon became everyone's favourite. He was the first-ever big brother housemate in history to reach 1 million followers on Instagram while still in the house. He also got verified before his other housemates that season. After 71 days of a fierce battle in the house, Laycon was pronounced the winner in the finale, with a total of 60% vote casts, and went home with ₦85 million worth of prize.
Following his exit from the show, he established himself as a professional rapper, singer, songwriter, and media personality. He has since dropped 2 mixtapes, 2 EPs, 6 singles, and his debut album "Shall We Begin". He's currently signed to Fierce Nation Record Label.
Big Brother Naija (Season 6) — 2021
• Theme – Shine Ya Eye
• Launch date – 24 July 2021
• Finale date – 3 October 2021
• Days – 71
• Housemates – 26
• Show host – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Winner: Whitemoney
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show host for the 5th consecutive season, the winner of this season is expected to win a grand prize of ₦90 million. Finalists from this season include Emmanuel, Pere, Angel, Cross, and runner-up Liquorose. The season finale witnessed performances from ex-BBN Star Avala, Lojay, Laycon (Season 5 winner), and Ajebo Hustlers.
Born Hazel Oyeye Onou, he is a 29-year-old from Enugu State, Nigeria. Whitemoney works as a designer shoe importer and businessman. Many voted the housemate because he was from a poor background and had many challenging experiences while hustling to make ends meet. He once revealed in the Big Brother house that he had worked as an Okada man and generator repairer, all in the name of making money to put food on his table.
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Big Brother Naija