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Ugandan fans of Big Brother Naija will be elated to know that 24 new housemates entered Biggie’s house in Nigeria, on Sunday.
For 10 weeks, they will allow cameras to be on them 24/7, for the sole benefit of Africa’s entertainment. Well, that and the 160m Naira (about $117,000 or Shs 443m) up for grabs in prizes.
Showing on MultiChoice’s DStv and GOtv platforms, there had been anxiety among the show’s diehard fans that the company’s acquisition by French media conglomerate CanalPlus would affect such popular continental shows.
Considered one of the most successful versions of the global Big Brother franchise, Big Brother Naija, now in its 11th season, reportedly attracts more than 300 million viewers across Africa and is a cash magnet for the organisers, because of its huge endorsement deals every year.
It has also catapulted many previous housemates’ careers, mostly in the film and music industries, with some of them going on to become multi-millionnaira brand ambassadors and influencers, hence the uniqueness of candidates that fight to get into the house.
The Nigerian housemates are typically consummate professionals in all sectors, from fashion to chemical engineering, aviation and medicine. It is no wonder, since Big Brother Africa folded years ago, other countries such as South Africa and Angola have had their own houses/housemates, but none have been a continental success like the Nigerian house.
On Sunday, the latest batch of 24 was unveiled by host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and will stay in the house for close to three months, with weekly evictions that will eventually see the last housemate standing walk away with cash, and various prizes including an Innoson Motors SUV.
Going by the live launch, these housemates may not ride so much on looks like it has been in past seasons, but seem to be a drama-packed lot; so, expect fights, chaos and creativity-laden showcases – the theme is Show Ya Sef, after all.
