By Kanayo Jubal
Quick News Africa takes a quick look at the past winners of the much-loved reality television show hours before its fifth season begins.
The reality show premiered in 2006, when it was still know as Big Brother Nigeria. The show had 14 interesting personalities – Yinka Oremosu, Katung Aduwak, Chinedu Amah, Joan Agabi, Helen Eremiokhale, Joseph Ada, Ichemeta Ochoga, Frank Konwea, Maureen Osuji, Sandra Osaigbovo, Ify Ejikeme, Francisca Owumi, Gideon Okeke and Obi Uchenda – who lived together, fought and forged friendships for 92 days.
Katung Aduwak emerged winner, carting home the $100,000 prize money. Aduwak went on to the Digital Film Academy in New York and currently pursues his passion; film-making. He has made videos for Chocolate City, Styl Plus, Kunle Afolayan, amongst others.
Also, he starred in EbonyLife TV’s ‘Desperate Housewives’ and is currently the Senior Channel Manager, MTVBase.
Nigerians thought the show was done with and, then, 11 years after its maiden season, it returned in 2017 with more vibe, sass and the theme ‘See Gobe’.
This time, the housemates were Efe Ejeba, Marvis Nkpornwi, Bisola Aiyeola, Tokunbo Idowu, Debbie Rise, Bobai Balat, Bassey Ekpenyong, Edet Anthony, Uriel Oputa, Ekemini Ekerette,Gifty Ajumobi, Kusha Montana, Miyonse Amosu and Somadina Ayama.
Efe Ejeba emerged winner after a thrilling, drama-filled, three-month sojourn in the house, carting away the N25million cash prize, amongst other things. Today, the rapper, who loves to rap in the Pidgin English, has released an EP, ‘Lagos’ and has a single he did with Olamide, ‘Warri’. Other songs are ‘Based on Logistics’ and ‘I love you’.
In 2018, the drama was more; so was the cash prize. Sass filled the air. With the show themed ‘Double Wahala’, the housemates did not failt to create, give and navigate their way around the wahala in the house.
This time, the housemates were Iwuchukwu Onyii, Alexandra Asogwa, Angel Awotarigha, Antoinette Lecky, Bamike Olawunmi, Bitto Arumun, Cynthia Nwadiora, Adedayo Adewunmi, Ifu Ennada, Kelvin Brouillette, Khloe Abiri, Leo DaSilva, Omololu Adetokunbo, Miracle Igbokwe, Nina Ivy, Princess Onyejekwe, Patrick Fakoya, Tope Teddy, Toby Bakare and Vanessa Williams.
Miracle Igbokwe emerged the winner, carting away the N25million cash, a Hyundai Tucson SUV, home appliances worth N3million and a holiday for two to an exotic location.
After the show, he left for South Africa, where he attended an aviation school and, sometime in 2019, became a certified ‘Instrument Rated’ pilot.
The fourth season of the show returned in 2019, with Isilomo Braimoh, Saidat Balogun, Victoria Nnabuchi, Chinonseo Opara, Tuoyo, Diane Yashi, Esther Agunbiade, Chukwuemeka Okoye, Ekpata Gedoni, Steve Ikechukwu Onyema, Jackye, Jeff, Kaffi Kareem, Mercy Eke, Mike Edwards,Nelson Allison, Omatshola Oburoh, Oluwaseyi Awolowo, Daniel Tioluwa, Precious Natasha and Thelma Ibemere.
Well, Mercy Eke emerged the winner of the show and the first female to do so, carting away the N30milion cash, an Innoson SUV worth N25million, a trip to Dubai, amongst others.
Today, besides being a products’ endorser, she has her own real estate company, her reality television show and was voted AMVCA Best Dressed Woman for 2019.
The 5th edition of the show kicks off in a few minutes and, thanks to the restrictions borne of the Corona Virus, many will be holed up at home watching. No one knows what to expect but serial host, Ebuka Uchendu has promised Nigerians “a show like never before”. Who knows…?
