A new season of the Big Brother Naija reality show has just
kicked off tonight.
Tagged 'Pepper Dem', this year 21 housemates will battle for
the 60 million naira worth of prize money over a period of 99 days.
See the full list and profiles of the new housemates
below...
Avala
Saidat “Avala” Balogun’s highest point of her life is when
she gave birth to her daughter and her single, ‘Give me a chance’. The budding
singer studied music and business at York College in Queens, New York. It’s no
wonder then that her top artists include one of the city’s most famous exports,
Mary J Blidge. Just like the Queen of Hip Hop, the Ogun State native has
ambitions to spread her music all over the world.
What irritates you most about other people: Disloyalty.
What will you do with the prize money: My mom is everything
to me. I will build a house for her and my daughter. I also want to invest in
real estate
Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m not there to play, they
will see that I’m serious, I’m a single mom pursuing her dream. I want to be an
inspiration to a lot of people.
Diane
Diane Yashim describes herself as an easy going girl whose
favourite outfit is a shirt, trousers and sneakers. The model and aspiring cook
is also a graduate of the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Studying and
living there was an eye-opening experience she’ll forever be grateful for. One
of the highlights of her life is being chosen as a Big Brother Naija Season
Four Housemate and she says that nothing would make her quit the game. She adds
that she likes to try new things and wants to see the whole experience through.
What irritates you most about other people: Liars and loud
talkers.
What will you do with the prize money: Travel as well as try
to get into the entertainment industry as an actor or television presenter. I
will also go back to school.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m an open book, I believe
I’m relatable and people will understand me easily.
Ella
Victoria “Ella” Nnabuchi is no stranger to the limelight.
She was a runner up in a popular music talent search show and she’s a
television presenter, voice-over artist, actress and model. She also enjoys dancing, singing, reading,
writing, travelling and poetry. The industry preaches that one should fake it
until they make it. Not Ella, she says
it’s better to “faith it, until you make It.”
What irritates you most about other people: Liars and
deceitful people.
What will you do with the prize money: I haven’t thought
about it yet.
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m very
interesting and unique
Esther
Esther Olaoluwa Agunbiade is proud of her beauty and brains.
The 22-year-old Lagos based lawyer was called to the bar at just twenty-one
years old. She’s also very athletic and loves to show off her figure. Her
favourite outfit? A white off the shoulder, bodycon, short dress. “Who says a
girl can’t embrace all aspects of who she is?” she questions.
What irritates you most about other people: People with bad
bathroom and toilet hygiene or habits.
If you had a million dollars, would you still be in the BB
game: Yes, it’s not just about the money for me. I love competition
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m real, smart and
sexy.
Frodd
Chemeka Frodd Okoye is a soft-spoken Investment Adviser and
Sales Executive from Anambra State. The 28-year-old believes family is
everything and that’s why he lists paying for his mother’s surgery bill as one
of the proudest moments of his life. He says nothing can make him quit Big
Brother and even if he had a million dollars, he would still participate in the game because “the
experience can never be bought.”
What irritates you most about other people: Pride, fake
people and bullies.
What will you do with the prize money: Start a fashion line
and an NGO for single mothers.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I have my charms.
Gedoni
Ekpata Gedoni is a fashion entrepreneur who likes to keep it
simple with a dash of sophistication. The 31-year-old Cross Riverian enjoys
basketball, soccer, taking walks and cleaning the house! His other talents
include writing poetry and drawing portraits with pencil.
What irritates you most about other people: The inability to
take correction as well as physical and mental laziness.
What will you do with the prize money: Sort out family
debts, put up a proper fashion house and random acts of kindness.
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am easy going and
interesting plus I have this genuine and charming personality.
Ike
26-yer-old Steve Ikechukwu Onyema, is originally from Imo
State, but bides his time between Houston, Texas and Maryland, Lagos. He’s loud
and colourful and loves to entertain because “you only live once”. When he lost
his business in 2013, Ike had to move in with his girlfriend. Luckily, things
are looking up for him now. In his downtime, you will find Ike eating steak and
vegging out on the couch watching his favourite movie ‘No Country For Old Men’.
Not even a family loss would make him quit the game. And if he was rich, he
would still do it for the experience.
What irritates you most about other people: People who talk
too much
What will you do with the prize money: I’ll give my cousin
some money. I live with him and he has been taking care of my bills for the
last 7 months. I’d put some money into real estate and give some to a
children’s charity.
Why will you be a fan favourite: My funny personality and my
looks will carry me through. I’ll definitely put on a show.
Isilomo
Lagos resident, Isilomo Braimoh is single and ready to
mingle. An HR manager at 27, Isilomo has an MA in Human Resource Management
with professional certification. She winds down from her hectic job by engaging
in sports, outdoor activities, food, music and travel. A lover of all things
music, her favourite songs are currently ‘Middle Child’ by J.Cole and ‘Daz How
Star Do’ by Skiibii Dazz.
What irritates you most in other people: I hate it when in
an argument or debate, a person stops putting out their opinion in a clear and
concise manner. I also dislike it when people are sluggish about things.
Thirdly, I don’t like people who don’t take responsibility and hold themselves
accountable for their actions.
What will you do with the prize money: I will invest in
myself as a brand, invest in any kind of Capital Market Instrument, kick start
my media career (by going for training) and go on a long ass holiday with my
sisters.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I think I call it like it
is, and I think I have a realness that Nigerians would see and appreciate. I’m
also quite funny in a not so obvious way - my friends and family think I’m
insanely hilarious. I’m interested to see if the audience will feel the same.
Jackye
Just like her spirit animal the lioness, Jackye is a fierce
hunter who led her software engineering team to winning a contract to build a
Fintech app for one of the biggest companies in Africa. The 23-year-old has only
had one boyfriend her entire life and she relaxes by watching football, playing
games and eating spaghetti, her favourite meal. Her life mantra is, “I never
lose, either I win or I learn.”
What irritates you most in other people: When they are slow
– I’m not a fan of slow people.
What will you do with the prize money: I will invest it in
an ongoing tech project which will make AI affordable to Nigerians.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I don’t know if people will
like me.
Jeff
When it’s time to let loose, Jeff blasts Drake’s ‘Take Care’
and Burna Boy’s ‘Rock Your Body’. Originally from Anambra but now residing in
Jos, Jeff is a 30-year-old banker who believes in taking things one day at a
time. His go to food is a dish of beans, yam, amala, ewedu and gbegiri. Jeff
also enjoys swimming and dunking a few on the basketball court.
What irritates you most in other people: Ungratefulness.
What will you do with the prize money: I'll use this money
to further establish my fintech start-up business. The business aims to help
the youth improve their circumstances and grow with what little they may have.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I am witty, friendly,
kind-hearted and have an endearing mindset.
Mike
Mike Edwards is a husband, CEO and athlete who doesn’t know
how to quit. The highest point in his life was the day he got married to the
love of his life. Mike owns the first Black-owned cigar line in the United
Kingdom and he’s also a professional athlete. The lowest point in his life was
when he was banned from representing Nigeria at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
He’d still come to the Big Brother Naija House even if he had a million dollars
because he never backs down from a challenge.
What irritates you most about other people: Negativity.
What will you do with the prize money: I would continue to
grow my business.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I am positive and I have a
keep it real personality.
Khafi
Police officer Khafi Kareem believes that you can have it
all if you believe in yourself. She is not only hoping to win the prize money
but she wants the exposure that being in Big Brother Naija House brings so that
she can do societal good. What people don’t know about her is that she is
secretly talented in spoken word, singing and dancing. She is an Ekiti native
who resides in London.
What irritates you most in other people: When they try to
control me or suppress me from expressing
myself freely.
What can make you quit the BB game: If I was forced to
something sexual in the Big Brother Naija House.
What will you do with the prize money: I will hire a film
crew and host a travel show going to every state in Nigeria showcasing the
tourist beauty spots. I would also invest in charitable causes.
KimOprah
Bubbly television presenter Kim-Oprah, believes that nothing
is impossible to achieve. The African beauty achieved the impossible when she
represented Nigeria at the Miss Intercontinental World Beauty Pageant.
Kim-Oprah is not just a pretty face she owns a business and her favourite book
is ‘Smart Money Woman’ by Arese Ugwu. There is nothing that would make her quit
the Big Brother House because she is not a quitter.
What irritates you most about other people: Lying.
What will you do with the prize money: I’ll do two things
with the money, invest in my business and further my education by doing a
business management course.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m very real, I don’t hide
or pretend, I can be nice and at the same time be an edgy person.
Mercy
26-year-old Mercy Eke is a video vixen and businesswoman
based in Lagos. She loves cooking, swimming, travelling and dancing. No matter
the setbacks, Mercy always picks herself up and does her best. “I’m grateful
for each and every day. Being alive today is already the highest point of my life”.
When she’s not dancing, singing or rapping, Mercy makes time to enjoy her
favourite food: white rice and pepper soup. If she had a million dollars in her
account, would Sugar still be in the BB Naija game? “Yes, I would. I want the
fame. The popularity is very important for my business”.
What irritates you most about other people: I dislike people
who are proud.
What will you do with the prize money: I want to start my
own fashion brand or label.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I’m a fun person and I’m a
sweet girl. Some people call me “Sugar”. Plus, I can be crazy!
Nelson
Nelson Allison, Mr. Universe Nigeria 2018, is single and
looking. When he is not consulting or modelling, he enjoys sketch drawing,
working out, watching movies and cooking. If he were a world leader, he would
ensure that both the poor and the rich had equal opportunities. Nelson believes
that it’s not over until the fat lady sings.
What irritates you most about other people: Lies and
dishonesty.
What will you do with the prize money: I will take care of
myself and start a business.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I'm creative, passionate,
cheerful, warm-hearted and humorous.
Omashola
Model and Entrepreneur Omashola is originally from Delta
State, but now calls Lagos home. He loves playing basketball, cooking and
“being in the water, even though I can’t swim”. Putting his life’s motto “If
you want it, go get it – don’t just sit down” into action this year, Omashola
got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. But the worst happened;
she turned him down! Now single and focused on building his brand, Omashalo
comes into the Big Brother Naija House ready to make his dreams come true.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate liars.
What will you do with the prize money: I will invest and
triple it in less than a year.
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m different, I’m
special and I have a story to tell.
Seyi
Oluwaseyi “Seyi” Awolowo has had many highs and lows in his
three decades of existence. The bubbly entrepreneur once tried to commit
suicide but has since risen above that dark period of his teenage years and has
turned his life around. He is committed to his journey of self-acceptance, his
girlfriend and his beliefs. He demonstrates the latter with a “Jesus’’ tattoo
across his arm. Seeing his own face on a billboard for the first time is one of
the highest moments of his life so far.
What irritates you most about other people: Fake people and
those who lack of originality.
What will you do with the prize money: Invest in my company.
May also help a charity or two.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I’ll stand out from the
rest of the Housemates.
Tuoyo
Psychotherapist, fitness coach and “part time stripper”
Tuoyo loves working out, reading books, watching movies, listening to his
favourite musicians Davido and J Cole and cuddling (even though he is single).
Although life has been good to this energetic 23-year-old, not being
shortlisted for an important Navy and Airforce entrance examination left him
staring at an uncertain future. Luckily, a shot at fame and fortune on this
season’s Big Brother Naija has given him another shot at making his dreams come
true.
What irritates you most about other people: Gossip and body
odor.
What will you do with the prize money: Open a therapy
institution and a lounge.
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am very
entertaining, I am a solution provider, a good listener and a likeable person.
Sir Dee
Sir Dee, real name Atteh Daniel Tioluwa, is a banker and
graphic designer from Kaduna State. He loves football, board games and movies.
His favourite of all time? Any of the movies in the Lord of the Rings
franchise. Sir Dee, who is in a relationship, believes in being “the best
version of myself at all times” - and counts whistling as one of his secret
talents. If he were an animal, this
27-year-old would be a lion. “I am kingly, dignified, but will not hesitate to
defend those I love”. As much as the
prize money is important, winning is not Sir Dee’s ultimate aim. “The fact that
I will be disconnected from everyone I know will have to form new relationships
in an enclosed environment, is very exciting to me”.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate people
who are manipulative and condescending
What will you do with the prize money: Pay for a trip for my
parents, my kid brother and myself to go see my sister in the UK. I’d also give
a certain amount to my sister and then invest in my business, amongst other
things.
Why will you be a fan favourite: I am down to earth and very
original. I have a great sense of humor and am super sarcastic, and playful.
There will never be a dull moment in the house, with me around.
Tacha
Tacha has always wanted to be on Big Brother Naija. It comes
as no surprise then, that getting picked to be a Housemate this season, is the
highlight of her life. This spunky 23-year-old Rivers State native lives her
life like her favourite musician Cardi B does; “Do no harm but take no mess”.
Talented at making strategic money moves, Tacha would pick her phone over
sleep, any day. Although losing her mom weighs heavily on her, the experience
has taught Tacha she is as strong as an eagle, one of her favourite animals.
What irritates you most about other people: I hate gossip
mongers with a passion.
What will you do with the prize money: Invest in new
business ideas, increase my family’s standard of living and start a charity
foundation
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I’m SYMPLYTACHA.
I’m spontaneous, loud, interesting, lively and fun.
Thelma
26-year-old Thelma Ibemere lives her life by one simple
motto: “Only hang out with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress
in you”. Although this vivacious Hair
and Beauty practitioner is currently in a relationship, she believes nothing
could have kept her away from her destiny; being in the Big Brother Naija
House. When she’s not running her hair business, Thelma finds time to dance,
travel and read. Her favourite book of all time? ‘Talent Is Not Enough’ by
James C Maxwell. If Thelma had a million dollars in the bank, would she still
be in the game? “Of course, I would! Because of the fame. The only thing that
would make me quit is a wedding, or pregnancy.”.
What irritates you most about other people: Scandals and
pretense.
What will you do with the prize money: I will invest it in
my business and assist my family as well.
Why will you be a fan favourite: Because I am jovial and
accommodating.
