The first season of the reality TV show Big Brother Naija aired from March 5 to June 4, 2006. It then went off the air for 11 years before returning in 2017, glamsquad reports
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The show has had six successful seasons since it first aired as ‘Big Brother Nigeria’ in 2006. Each season has a different theme that speaks to the pop culture of the time, current events, and the type of characters (housemates) in the house.
Aside from being a huge success as a show, the MultiChoice Nigeria-owned series has also become one of the most reliable ways to become a celebrity. Every year since it first aired, it has produced at least two major celebrities in the entertainment industry, some of whom are show winners and others who simply caught the attention of fans.
Here are the previous six seasons’ winners and what they have been up to.
Katung Aduwak, Season 1 (20o6)
Big Brother Naija’s first season, dubbed ‘Big Brother Nigeria,’ aired from March 5 to June 4, 2006. Katung Aduwak was crowned the winner of the show, which was hosted by Michelle Dede and Olisa Adibua.
Katung was 26 years old when he won the first season of BBNaija in 2006, taking home $100,000.
Among his many accomplishments, he holds a doctorate from the Digital Film Academy in New York. He is now a director and producer of the films “Unwanted Guest” and “Heaven’s Hell.” He has also directed music videos for Chocolate City, Styl Plus, Gabriel Afolayan, and EbonyLife TV’s “Desperate Housewives.”
(2017) Season 2 – Michael Efe Ejeba
The second season of Big Brother Nigeria aired more than a decade after the first season. The show was renamed “Big Brother Naija” instead of “Big Brother Nigeria.” It debuted in January 2017 with 22 contestants competing for the N25m grand prize under the theme “See Gobe.”
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, an ex-housemate from the first season, hosted the show, which saw Efe Ejeba win.
Following his victory in the show, he relocated from Jos to Lagos to launch his music career, releasing an EP titled “Lagos EP.”
On the song “Warri,” he also collaborated with superstar rapper Olamide.
Other songs by the Faculty of Economics graduate include “Based on logistics” and “I love you.” He is still working on his music career.
Miracle Igbokwe – Season 3 (2018)
The show returned for its third season on January 28, 2018, with the theme “Double Wahala.”
Ebuka returned as host for the show’s 12 week run, with 20 housemates competing for the N25m cash prize.
Miracle Igbokwe of Imo State took home the grand prize at the end of the season. He was given a brand new Hyundai Tucson SUV, a N25 million cheque, home appliances worth N3 million, and a trip to an exotic location for two, totaling N45 million in prizes.
He was appointed as the Imo state education ambassador and obtained his Private Pilot License.
Mercy Eke (2019) Season 4
Big Brother Naija’s fourth season, dubbed “Pepper Dem,” premiered on June 30, 2019. Unlike previous seasons, this season was held in Nigeria and aired for 99 days, with 26 contestants competing for N60 million in prizes. Bet9ja Coins were introduced as a new house currency for this season.
Mercy Eke was crowned the winner of the show, becoming the first female to do so. She took home a total of N60 million, including N30 million in cash, a N25 million Innoson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), a trip to Dubai, and other prizes.
On March 14, 2020, the video vixen and entrepreneur received the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Dressed Female. She also purchased a home in Lekki, Lagos. She and her on-screen love interest, Ike, have since launched their own reality show, “Mercy & Ike.” She also established her own real estate firm, Lambe Homes.
Mercy stated earlier this year that she wished for her old life back due to the responsibilities that come with fame.
Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe Season 5 (2020)
The president of the Icons, fondly referred to as Laycon by his die-hard fans, was the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 5, also known as Big Brother Naija: Lockdown.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition was unique. To select contestants for the show, interested applicants were asked to participate in a virtual audition.
Between May 20 and May 30, 2020, video submissions were accepted, with interested contestants asked to create a two-minute video stating why they should appear on the show.
Over 30,000 contestants expressed interest at the end of the online audition, and 20 housemates were chosen.
Laycon, a reality show star born on November 8, 1993, is a media personality, rapper, singer, and songwriter.
In addition to other accomplishments since winning the reality TV show, he was named the youth ambassador of Ogun State, Nigeria, on October 6, 2020.
Laycon’s fans were overjoyed when he was named a GOTV Brand Ambassador, and the celebration was widespread across all social media platforms.
He has also launched his own reality television show, ‘I Am Laycon,’ on Showmax. His life is illuminated by the reality show.
Despite the fact that the Orijin drink company was a sponsor of the BBNaija 2020 edition, Laycon never saw an ambassadorial deal coming while he was on the show drinking the drink.
OPPO consumer electronics also asked people to like, comment, and retweet Laycon’s photo on social media if they wanted him to be their ambassador. Laycon’s engagement on the post landed him the deal, and he was unveiled in grand style.
In addition, Mentos sweet joined the ranks of companies promoting their products using Laycon’s image and fan base. As an ambassador, he was seen in various videos and photos promoting Mentos products.
Laycon, a native of Ogun State in Nigeria’s south-western region, was named a Youth Ambassador by his state’s governor, Dapo Abiodun. He was not only honored with the appointment, but he was also given N5 million and a house.
Laycon is the first BBNaija lockdown housemate to have his Twitter account verified.
White Money (Season 6 – 2021)
Hazel Oyeye Onou, also known as Whitemoney, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, won the reality show ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition with a N90 million grand prize.
Whitemoney, who is currently basking in the euphoria of the moment, has established himself as an entrepreneur.
He went from being an Okada man to becoming an importer and exporter of luxury shoes and lip balms when he arrived in Lagos.
Whitemoney made a living by barbering, selling hair products, retouching, and working on telecommunication towers before moving on to import and export designer shoes, which he now does.
Whitemoney is now an ambassador to GOtv and the Enugu State Government, and he was hosted at the state house banquet hall by Enugu State Governor Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Whitemoney, an illustrious son of the state, has been appointed as Enugu State’s Creative Arts Ambassador.
Months after winning the competition, he was named an honorary member of the Liberian Senate. As part of his appointment benefits, he received an official government vehicle.
In addition, he struck a deal with Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency exchange, in collaboration with other housemates Ikechukwu Sunday Okonkwo (Cross) and Pere Egbi. (Pere).
White Money is also an ambassador for the Tecno mobile phone brand.
Whitemoney has two singles to his credit: ‘SELENSE’ and ‘Na We We’. In 2022, he collaborated with rapper Zoro to unleash the Amapiano sound.
‘Na We We’ is a follow-up to his previous single, ‘SELENSE,’ which was produced by Masterkraft, mixed by Mix Monsta, and featured extra strings from Fiokee.
Whitemoney tells a story of joy and jubilation after overcoming difficulties or conquering various life hurdles in this single.