Hehe! How’s your day going Fam?! I don’t have to introduce us to who or what Big Brother Housemates are right, lol, we all know those ‘specs’ muddled up in one big mansion on your favorite “DStv 198 and GOtv 29, 129, and 329” channel (I’m sorry if you don’t know them), but regardless, you’ll still want to know which of them became most successful, oh yea! Let’s quickly dive in shall we!?
So together with the editorial team @Trybecity, we came up with this list after much scrutiny, of the 6 most successful housemates since the show ever began. This is different from the take-home 90 million prizes because, even if some of them didn’t win the show, they still managed to make a name and land themselves a successful career for themselves in and after the show (you see, you won’t miss out on anything even if you’ve never seen the show *smiles*)
1. Ebuka
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a lawyer, model, and media personality, was a housemate on the first season of Big Brother Naija reality TV show of 14 housemates in 2006. Ebuka has had an interesting career even though he did not win and was evicted on the fifty–first day of the competition. The Glo Show, Guinness Greatness TV, Rubbin Minds (on Channels Television), The Spot (EbonyLife TV), Naija Politics (EbonyLife TV), and Men’s Corner are just a few of the programs and series he has hosted. The fashion enthusiast organized a presidential discussion amongst the top presidential contenders in the run-up to the 2011 presidential election. His hosting of Big Brother Naija is, without question, the cherry on top of his career (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). He is the first and only former housemate on the show to return as a host on the same show. Many Nigerians have praised his calmness and charisma as the show’s host, and his fashion choices are a common discussion topic on the show. Meanwhile, he is the host of another reality TV show, ‘Judging Matters,’ which is overseen by Justice Olusola Williams, a retired Lagos State judge.
Ebuka is without a doubt one of the most successful Big Brother Naija alumni, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. He is also one of the most sought-after comperes and TV hosts in Nigeria and a brand ambassador for various brands. He is also considered the richest housemate of all time.
2. Bisola Aiyeola
Bisola Aiyeola, simply called Bisola, was no stranger to reality shows before competing in the BBNaija ‘See Gobbe’ season (2017) where she emerged as first runner-up. In 2008, she competed in Project Fame West Africa and came in fifth place. She had also appeared in a few films and skits, as well as released music before BBNaija. While at BBN, she emerged winner of the ONE Campaign reality show as an “education ambassador” which is an international Advocacy Organisation for girl-child education with offices in London, the United States, Nigeria, and other parts of the world. After leaving the house, as a singer, Bisola released her single debut Luchia under Temple Music.
In 2017, Bisola was nominated for City People Movie Award for Revelation of the Year (English) alongside Zainab Balogun, Somkele Iyamah, and Seun Ajayi. In 2018, Bisola won the TrailBlazer Award at the AMVCA. She made her debut as a producer on ‘Introducing the Kujus’. In 2022, she became the first African to host a family feud, A TV reality show organized by MTN and Ultima. Bisola has been featured in several Nollywood blockbusters, including; The Becoming of Obim. This Lady Called Life, Two Grannies, And A Baby, Payday, Introducing The Kujus, Breaded Life, Dwindle, and Castle and Castle among others.
3. Tobi
Many people felt Tobi Bakre was insane when he quit a well-paying bank job to compete in the Big Brother Naija Double Wahala season (2018). However, three years later, it is clear that he made the proper choice. Many females fawned over him in the house due to his good looks and body. Following the show, he went on to work for Lord’s Gin, Unilever, Amstel Malta, and Jumia. He has also acted in films and television programs such as “Sugar Rush,” “Mokalik,” “Fix Us,” “Hustle,” and “Jenifa’s Diary.”
4. Tasha
Anita Natacha Akide, fondly called Tacha participated in the ‘Pepper Dem’ edition of BBNaija Season 4 (2019). Tacha’s participation in the reality show ended sadly due to her assault on her fellow housemate Mercy which led to her being disqualified and evicted from the house. Assault is against the rule in the Big Brother house.
Despite that, she has gone on to do big things in her chosen field. She has won awards like Net Honour’s Most Popular Person, Female Personality of The Year, Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year, and many more. She was the brand ambassador of ‘GetFit’, a Fitness brand. She made her acting debut in 2022, in the Nollywood movie “Tiger’s Tail.” The words “No leave, no transfer” may not strike a chord with the “uninitiated.” It’s a statement that die-hard Titans, such as supporters of former BBNaija housemate Natacha Akide, are all too familiar with. Titans, her fanbase, is highly vocal on social media. She is also a brand ambassador for several companies and goods. The social media personality, who was born in Rivers State, is a vlogger who gets money from her monetized YouTube channel. ‘Everything Tacha’ is a make-up line owned by the social media influencer.
5. Mercy Eke
Mercy was a contestant in the ‘Pepper Dem’ edition season 4 of the show. She made Big Brother Naija history by becoming the first and only female to win the competition. In addition to the N30 million prize money, she has received various gifts from her supporters, including two plots of property in Lekki (Lagos). She had a spin-off reality program called “Mercy and Ike” after the competition, which focused on her and another housemate and eventually ex-lover, Ike Onyema.
After winning the show, Eke became an ambassador and influencer for various organizations. In 2020, she made her acting debut in the Nollywood film Fate of Alakada. She has also appeared in short comedy skits alongside a few Nigerian comedians. Mercy has signed endorsement deals and becomes a brand ambassador for numerous brands, including Ciroc and Mr.Taxi. She also launched her clothing line MnM Luxury.
6. Erica
Erica Nlewedim, like Tacha, was disqualified from the BBNaija reality show ‘Lockdown’ season 5 for breaking head-of-house rules and preventing Prince, her deputy head-of-house from enjoying the head-of-house privileges. Erica’s profile, on the other hand, has continued to climb after she left the house. She had appeared in a few films before BBNaija, but since then, she has been in several high-profile films, like ‘Devil in Agbada’ and ‘Bitter Rain.’ She also has a reality show called “Inside Life,” which airs on MTV Base. Diamond Bank, Hollandia, Globacom, Jumia, Zaron Cosmetics, and Peak Milk are among the brands and products for which she is a brand ambassador. She co-owns Beluxia Global Links with her mother and serves as its Chief Executive Officer.
What’s your take on the list!?
