The first ever edition of the Big Brother Naija,( formerly known as Big Brother Nigeria), was held 14 years ago. The Nigerian reality competition television show, based on the Big Brother television franchise, in which 12 to 20 contestants (housemates) live in an isolated house and compete for a star prize and other gifts from sponsors. This is a show that viewers determine who gets evicted and who stays till the final day.
This year’s show will see the winner walk away with Prizes worth N85 Million at the final day. The season 5 came amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which earlier cast doubts whether the show will hold or not.
In-recent years, there have been different speculations on how much the organizers and telecom companies have made out of the competition from the votes cast by viewers. The show recorded 26 Million votes in Big Brother Naija: See Gobee, which is the second season. But there were no figures to indicate how much organizers made from this.
Season 3 saw 170 Million votes for the 2018 edition Double Wahala in the final week and some news platforms suggested that the show may have raked in as much as N5.1billion, but this could not be verified.
The 2019 edition which is the 4th season saw 240 Million votes in the last week, saw claims that suggest organizers raked 7.2 billion. Put some news outfit made some fact checks, and came to a conclusion that is was not accurate and there was no prove. Daily Trust in an article Fact Check: Nigerians Didn’t Spend N7.2bn On 240m Votes For BBNaija indicated that votes were not only from SMS, but some people voted through online channels. Another fact is that the organizers are making not only from the votes, but the usually see an increase in the number of subscribers on DSTV and GOTV during the period of the show.
For the season 5, “Lockdown”, we are expecting to hear from the host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on how many votes were received for this years Big Brother Naija edition. What many will make out of the statistics, we will have to wait and see.
Season 1
The first season of the show was aired on M-Net and DStv Channel 37 from 5 March to 4 June 2006. The voting results were verified by the auditing company of Alexander-Forbes. The housemates spent 92 days in the Big Brother’s House.
The current host of the show Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, popular housemate was the 7th housemate to be evicted. Katung Aduwak, 26 years of age emerged winner of the first season.
Season 2
The second edition with the new name Big Brother Naija was held in 2017, tagged “Big Brother Naija: See Gobbe” was the season two. Housemates spent 78 days in the house. Ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu from season one was the host. Two fake housemates, Jon Ogah and Ese Eriata were introduced halfway into the show to spice things up. Michael “Efe” Ejeba emerged as the winner of the N25m prize money and KIA Sorrento SUV.
Season 3
Big Brother Naija Season 3, tagged “Double Wahala” is the third edition of the Nigerian version of the reality show. Ebuka still was the host of the show. This season ended on 22 April 2018, having run for 12 weeks (85 days). Miracle Ikechukwu Igbokwe was the winner of this season with N45 million prize package containing N25 million in cash, a new SUV worth N12 million, a complete home entertainment system worth N3.3 million and an all-expense paid trip for two worth N4.7 million.
Season 4
The 4th edition of the reality TV, Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem Season 4, saw Ebuka continued as the host. The duration was 99 days. The winner, Mercy Eke, went home with ₦60 million worth of prizes.. N30m cash prize and a top of the range SUV amongst many other exciting prizes.
Season 5
This year’s edition came in the midst of the coronavirus global pandemic, Big Brother Naija: Lockdown, which the 5th seasoon, premiered on 19 July 2020 on Africa Magic and the live feed on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29 and not to forget, Ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu from season one returned as host. The winner is expected to walk away with ₦85 million grand prize. A cash prize of N30M, Innoson Motors SUV, two bedroom apartment, Dubai trip for two, home appliance courtesy of Scanfrost, a year supply of indomie noodles, munch it and colgate toothpaste. Year free supply of Pepsi, branded chiller and a trip to watch UEFA Champions League Finale. Oppo Reno 3 Smart Phone and to crown it with a bonus trip to Dublin, courtesy of Guinness. The duration is 71 days, which will be complete this Sunday, 27 September 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual audition was held to select contestants for the show through a two minute video submissions were received from 20 May to 30 May 2020. At the end of the online audition, over 30,000 contestants showed their interest. Of the 30,000 contestants that showed interest, 20 Housemates were selected.
We already have the 5 finalist of the Lockdown show ready for the finale. The last Men/Women standing are: Dorathy, Laycon, Nengi, Neo and Vee.
