The Big Brother Naija has come of age with eleven seasons so far and the most watched reality show getting better years and something getting knocks for not entertaining the viewers as they should.
Ten housemates in Show Ya Self edition are in for the grand finale. Kievo was disqualified for his violent behaviour making it 9 housemates to battle on Sunday, October 4 for the 160 million naira grand prize.
But how did the journey begin for Big Brother?
The maiden edition of the Big Brother Naija was held in 2006 and it was the birth of a dream and unveiling of potentials who have gone on to occupy in different spheres of life. Filmed in South Africa, the reality show featured Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as a housemate before he became the host in Season 2. Katung Aduwak emerged as the winner.
Katung Aduwak
The really show tagged ‘See Gobe’ in 2017 returned after an 11-year hiatus. It unveiled many housemates who are now doing well in entertainment space.
Efe Ejeba won the second season and won the hearts of viewers with popular catchphrases like “Based on Logistics”.
Efe Ejeba
The third season of Big Brother Naija, was the Double Wahala season. It was a season known for intense drama, dynamic duos, and arena games dominance. Miracle Igbokwe emerged as the winner held in 2018.
Miracle Ugbokwe
The 2019 season tagged as Pepper Dem Gang edition with a potpourri of housemates who entertained the viewers and took the show to another level. This was the first season filmed locally in Lagos, Nigeria. Mercy Eke became the first female winner in the show’s history.
Mercy Eke
The Lockdown season (2020) was a different ballgame. Filmed during the global COVID-19 pandemic with strict quarantine rules. There was a record-breaking vote margins as Laycon won the show.
Laycon
In 2021, the organisers introduced wildcards and secret rooms as housemates competed for the grand prize. Whitemoney won hearts through his kitchen skills and relatable personality.
Whitemoney
The Level Up edition had split housemates across two isolated houses (Level 1 and Level 2). Phyna became the second female winner in the reality show that took place in 2022.
Phyna
Season 8 edition was an All Stars edition as past housemates and fan favourites were brought back. The 2023 edition brought up the youngest winner, Ilebaye known as Gen Z Baddie.
Ilebaye
In Season 9, No Loose Guard edition a dynamic paired-entry system was introduced. Kelkyrae who won the edition in 2024 entered as a married duo “DoubleKay” alongside his wife Kassia.
Kellyrae
The milestone decade season 10/10 edition was a reality show in itself and Imisi was crowned the grand winner. She is the previous winner of 2025 and on Sunday a new winner will be crowned who will go home with 160 million naira grand prize.
Imisi
The Show Ya Self Edition has 9 housemates remaining namely Tram, Temi Nkem, Bluethopia, Aikou, Sheba, Barry, Sheba, Oyin, Flora and Ricky. Who wins on the night by the largest votes and getting N160m? Definitely the life of the winner takes a different trajectory.
Credit: Leadership
