Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) former housemates are taking the Nollywood industry by storm. It is safe to say the reality TV show which kicked off in 2006 has successfully attained the height of truly transforming participants into bonafide stars across various industries.
Big Brother Naija housemates take Nollywood by storm
Interestingly, the reality TV show influence is more visible in the Nollywood industry where former housemates have made remarkable impact to Africa’s largest film industry.
These housemates known for their captivating personas during the show, have seamlessly transitioned into acting, earning roles in high-profile projects. Gideon Okeke is a shining example of one of the most successful actors bore out of Big Brother Naija show. He has started in movies such as Tinsel, Tokunbo, The Trade, A Place in the Stars, Crossroads amongst others.
Bisola Aiyeola from Season 2 “See Gobe” standout and has emerged as a leading figure in the Nollywood industry with notable appearances in Introducing the Kujus, This Lady called Life, Perfect Picture, The Bling Lagosians, Payday, Ajosepo, Everybody Loves Jennifer. Similarly, Bamike Olawunmi- Adenibuyan better known as BamBam from Season 3 “Double Wahala” has also showed her skills in movies like Houe of Ga’a, Collission, Foreigner’s God, Lockdown, Hire a Woman amongst others.
The journey from reality TV to Nollywood hasn’t been limited to regular faces alone. Tobi Bakre, a fellow “Double Wahala” housemate, surprised many with his electrifying performance in Brotherhood, which earned him widespread acclaim and a deeper foothold in the industry.
The likes of Mercy Eke, the winner of BBNaija Season 4 “Pepper Dem”, Venita AkPofure, Teddy A, Victoria Adeyele better known as Veeiye, Beauty Tukura, Boma Akpore, Pere Egbi, Roseline Afijie better known as Liquorose, and Okusaga Adeoluwa better known as Saga have also showcased their talents in various movies.
Actors Guild of Nigeria kicks back
While we see potentials and future veteran Nollywood actors and filmmakers, Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) stated in 2021 during the Season 6 “Shine Ya Eye” edition of reality TV show that Nollywood is not a dumping ground for evicted housemates.
Emeka’s comment was bore on the night Boma, Tega, Michael and Peace were evicted. Following the alleged sensual script played by Boma and Tega (the married woman in the season), social media used had suggested that they will do well in Nollywood industry.
Despite the remark by Emeka, Nollywood filmmakers have tapped into this reservoir of reality TV stars to attract the BBNaija fan base, which numbers in millions. The former housemates’ on-screen chemistry and massive social media followings have positioned them as bankable assets in Nollywood’s competitive space.
While it is noticeable that Big Brother Naija show has received criticisms for gradually loosing its main value, the former housemates have shown that their influence doesn’t end with the show. They are redefining stardom by penetrating Nollywood and demonstrating that the transition from reality TV to mainstream acting is more than possible, a phenomenon that has come to stay.
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