After a 10-year hiatus, the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Nigeria (BBN), a spinoff of BBA
is making a comeback. Now branded Big
Brother Naija and sponsored by an online store, PayPorte.
The show, which
has produced amazing talents, who are currently holding
sway in the Nigerian entertainment industry days
after its launch, had youths took to its portal to register for the re-invented
BBN, which promises to create fun and exciting moments.
Speaking on the
return of the show, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said the
re-invented BBN is another remarkable way of delighting customers through
enhancement of the company’s product offerings.
“The addition
of BBN to our content is a demonstration of our commitment to consistently meet
the needs of our customers through innovative, qualitative and varied content
available on DStv platforms,” he said.
According to
him, the show has been repackaged to meet the current socio-economic realities,
following the success of the past seasons. “BBA was popular for its
entertainment value and ability to showcase ordinary Africans from different
walks of life in extra-ordinary ways. We decided to re-invent the reality show
by bringing back the Nigerian version, which we are confident, will draw a
pan-African audience,” he added.
He explained
that auditions for the rebranded show held simultaneously in Lagos, Port
Harcourt and Abuja, adding that thousands of youth besieged the audition venues
to have a chance of being selected to compete for the star prize worth N25
million and a KIA Sorento car.
Ugbe further
explained that twelve housemates would slug it out by showcasing their best
selves, while also avoiding possible eviction by voters. “The show will be
broadcast live on dedicated event channels on all DStv packages and on GOtv
Plus beginning from January 22, 2017,” he stated
Now that the
show is back, millions of viewers across Africa, including Nigeria will for
eleven weeks, stay glued to their TV to find out who will clinch the ultimate
prize. Some of the contenders shared their experience after making it through the
first stage of the audition, which they described as a tale of excitement, fun,
anxiety and passion.
Highpoint of
the auditions was displays of unique fashion, weird hairstyles, exceptional
beauty and allure from the youths who were all eager to make it into the house.
For Okon
Emmanuel, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, who was
auditioned in Lagos, it was one of the best auditions he has attended in recent
times. “The screening process is both transparent and fair as we were called in
groups and interviewed in the presence of other contenders. I am excited that I
am able to make it to the second stage,” he said.
Jessica Mbajuka,
a film graduate from Anambra State, who is based in South Africa but flew into
Nigeria for the Lagos audition said, “The return of the show is a unique
opportunity for me to showcase my talent and make myself more relevant to my
country. I was extremely excited when I got wind of the BBN audition through my
younger sister. As a film graduate from a university in Johannesburg, it is an
opportunity to tell the world that Nigerians are immensely talented.”
Reality TV
shows in addition to other entertainment genres, according to a report
published in British Council’s The Voices
Magazine, has continue to be a conduit for creating stars for Nollywood, the
world’s second largest film industry by volume.
It need be noted
that Nigeria has had its fair dose of reality TV shows
over the years. This stem on the fact that the entertainment industry boasts of
amazing talents, who are products of reality TV shows with strong entertainment
values.
The recently held The Voice Nigeria, promoted by
AfricaMagic as one of such reality shows, brought to limelight Agharese
Emokpae, who is well known by her stage name, A’rese, whose exploits would have
been unsung if not for such stage. Her emergence saw her catapulted to fame and
instantly assumed a celebrity status.
Not only does
the reality shows identify talents, especially youths; it also served as a launch pad and position
them for greater opportunities in their chosen career paths. For
example, Big Brother Africa (BBA), West African Idol, MTN Project Fame, and Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) among others,
have produced stars including Uti Nwachukwu, Timi Dakolo, Omawunmi Mgbele, Iyanya
Mbuk, Chidinma Ekile, O.C. Ukeje, and Ivie Okujaye
respectively. Also, Gideon Okeke, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
among others, whose profiles have continue to rise and shine brilliantly in the entertainment industry after
their victories in reality TV shows.
Today, these entertainers are
among the A-list artistes currently holding sway in the industry. The fame that accrued from their exposure has also
brought substantial endorsement deals from some brands. For example, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
and O.C. Ukeje are making extra income as brand ambassadors of Gulder a brand
from Nigeria Breweries and MultiChoice, respectively.
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