by Thinus Ferreira
The 5th season of the reality show Big Brother Naija themed "The Lockdown Edition" has kicked off, done from Lagos, Nigeria and broadcast as a 24 hour Big Brother Naija channel (DStv 197 Southern Africa, DStv 198 rest of Africa) with 20 new housemates staying in a multi-room, camera-filled studio.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is back as the Big Brother Nigeria host with the 5th season that is set to stretch over 71 days with a grand prize of N85 million (R3.66 million).
This season's Big Brother Naija contestants who range between the ages of 22 and 25 include a bodybuilder, a single mom running her own fashion business, a professional model from London, a philosophy-grad who is now a rapper, a sailor, a physics-grad who is a model, a dietician and a real estate agent.
Here are the 20 housemates:
Popularly referred to as Neo, he's a ride-hailing app driver from Delta State. Although he describes himself as fun, tolerant, loving and smart, he won't hesitate to stand up when it comes to issues concerning bullying and inequality.
A final year student at the University of Lagos from Edo State. The bodybuilder is a confident hunk who takes pride in his 1.95m height. He describes himself as a fun, competitive sports and fitness enthusiast who enjoys winning. In addition, Eric also describes himself as a shy person who takes his time to unveil his wild side.
A creative artist and Lagos resident who hails from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Tricky Tee as he is also known, considers himself a storyteller who uses film and music to express himself.
A consultant and entrepreneur from Imo State. One of his greatest achievements is working with the UEFA Federation in Europe. When he is not busy consulting or managing his urban clothing line, you’ll find him analysing sports and watching documentaries and TV shows.
Self-employed and from Benue State. He describes himself as confident, good looking, ambitious, a daredevil who is highly motivated. It is no surprise then that “bringing back the fun into the house” is what he won’t compromise on this season.
An entrepreneur from Lagos. Though she is a self-proclaimed simple girl she says she is far from average. She believes in fairy tales, and hopefully, Biggie’s House will deliver just that for her.
A fashion entrepreneur. This multi-talented single mother juggles a fashion business and a parenting blog. She is also bilingual and speaks and writes in Swahili fluently.
Entrepreneur from Sokoto state. This adventurous young woman considers herself a great team player who gets along with people. She relies on a healthy diet and is God-fearing.
A media personality from Lagos state who says that people always call her the life of the party. When she's not entertaining, she’s dancing and cooking.
An entrepreneur from Lagos. She believes she is the only one who can make people smile. She says her sassiness will prove to be an asset in the house.
A musician based in Lagos, Nigeria. Vee, as she is affectionately known, was born and raised in London and moved to Lagos almost a year ago to begin her music career where she has already made great strides.
An entrepreneur from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She is a former model who loves learning new things, having fun, travelling, taking on new adventures, and being true to herself. Nengi, as she prefers to be called, studied communications at the University of Port Harcourt and is a proud Capricorn. She says that "If you want the job done right, give it to a Capricorn. I put 110% of my energy and enthusiasm into everything I do".
An entrepreneur from Rivers, Nigeria. She describes herself as a strong woman who wants more from life. Her dream is to be famous and own the biggest luxury fashion brand in the world. She also believes she will make the perfect housemate because she is ready to do all it takes.
An actress and commercial model from London, England. Erica is the name she goes by and she returned to Lagos after studying screen acting at the Met Film School in London.
A dietitian from Lagos. Lilo, as she prefers to be known, is also an entrepreneur and describes herself as "a product of God’s grace".
A singer and rapper from Lagos. He's a graduate of philosophy from the University of Lagos who started his musical journey at an early age and has now emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising new school acts. He describes himself as being versatile and able to coin words together to soothe scenarios and moods.
A sailor from Edo State. Brighto, as he is fondly called, is the youngest of 6 kids. He holds a degree in Marine Engineering from Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt with several other professional certifications. He also had a stint in the aviation sector. He considers himself an avid entertainment lover and a people’s person.
A dancer from Enugu. Not new to fame or competing, he was a winner at the K-Pop World Festival, South Korea 2015 and won third place at a national Dance Competition in 2010. He is also a fitness and personal trainer and a certified Latin ballroom expert.
A rapper and real estate agent from Imo state. He lives and breathes entertainment. He confesses to being clumsy on some days.
An entrepreneur from Abia. A jack-of-all-trades whose portfolio includes modelling, fashion designing and interior decoration. He enjoys active sports and reading about ancient religions and African history. He's a graduate of pure physics from the University of Calabar and is currently living in Lagos.
