- Big Brother Naija reality show is one of the biggest stages in Africa that enables housemates to become popular celebrities
- Thriving in various industries as celebrities, some ex-housemates have made reputable mark in Nollywood
- TheRadar compiled a list of former BBN housemates who are popular actors/actresses today
Housemates have various reasons for appearing on Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). For many, the opportunity to gain fame is a significant motivator.
Additionally, the platform allows them to showcase their talents, which has proven to be a launching pad for many to achieve celebrity status.
Life after BBNaija, former housemates whether as winners or not have found themselves in the Nigerian industry, taking up significant roles and proving their artistic talents on screen.
Here, TheRadar spotlights and takes a peek at 10 ex-Big Brother Housemates who are making waves in Nollywood today. The priority for this compilation was based on former housemates, who have significant appearances on screen not just cameos.
10 former Big Brother housemates who have become Nollywood stars
- Tobi Bakre
Tobi Bakre, who is a model, actor and photographer, was a housemate during the BBNaija season 3 “Double Wahala” edition. After the show, Tobi shined in his career as an actor. Tobi Bakre took on significant roles in Nollywood titles such as Brotherhood, Gangs of Lagos, Sugar Rush, Blood Covenant, Fix Us and Jenifa’s Diary. His commendable roles also won him three nominations at the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards and 2021 Net Awards for Most Popular Media Personality (Male). At the 2023 AMVCA ceremony, he won the Best Actor category for his performance in Gangs of Lagos.
- Bisola Aiyeola
Bisola is a popular Nigerian actress and singer, who was a former BBNaija housemate. Her remarkable roles in the Nollywood industry stand out among the housemates of the reality show. She emerged as the first runner-up in the “See Gobe” season of the show before her stardom as a popular actress. She has played lead roles in films like Sugar Rush, This Lady Called Life, A Simple Lie, Dwindle, and Perfect Picture amongst others. In 2018, she won the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Trailblazer award.
- Erica Nlewedim
Erica Nlewedim rose to fame during the 2020 “Lockdown” edition of the Big Brother Naija show. She is a model and actress. Despite being disqualified from the show, Erica has proved her artistic side in Nollywood. She has appeared in notable titles like Blood Covenant, Hire a Woman, Devil in Agbada, Bitter Rain, Made in Heaven, Far from Home and others.
- Nengi
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Rebecca Hampson popularly known as Nengi is another housemate making waves in Nollywood. She was part of the Season 5 tagged “Lockdown.” She proved her potential to win the show but eventually lost to Laycon. She has been featured in popular Nollywood titles like Rattlesnake, Bad Boys and Bridesmaid. She was also featured on the television show Nkoyo, produced by Annie Idibia.
- Venita Akpofure
Known for her controversial highlights during Big Brother Naija season 4 and season 8, the drama continued in Nollywood. She has played convincing roles in Kayode Kasum’s Kambili and Niyi Akinmolayan’s My Village People. She has also been featured in Before Valentine’s Day, Gold Diggin, Silent Intruder and While You Slept.
- Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A)
- Pere Egbi
- Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan (BamBam)
- Elozonam
- Diane Russet
Kellyrae sets record as first married man ever to win BBNaija
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Housemate Kingsley Oritsetimeyin, popularly known as Kellyrae, one of the DoubleKay pair, emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBN) ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.
His latest win makes him the first married man ever to win the show after defeating seven other finalists to win an N60 million cash prize, an SUV, and other rewards.
