The past winners of Big Brother Naija encompass contestants of the show that were crowned winners on the last day. The show is a replica of the 1999 Big Brother Franchise which first came into being in the Netherlands. The show was created by the Dutch media guru and TV producer, John de Mol Jr.
After being test ran in the Netherlands, the reality show went on to be adopted internationally. Nigeria has also picked up on this television show and has fine-tuned it to fit her people. However, before having an indigenous individual franchise on its own, most Nigerians were part of Big Brother Africa which was broader and housed contestants from several countries on the continent.
Given that, Big Brother Naija has come home to stay and so far, produced 6 winners. These past winners of the Big Brother Naija show contested in different seasons from the first held in 2006. The very first season to the third was held in South Africa however, from the fourth to the present 7th season has been brought back to Lagos, Nigeria.
All the past winners of Big Brother Naija have proven to be great at keeping their trains moving. They all went to achieve the dreams that being on the show afforded them. As you would see in this article, all the past 6 winners of the reality TV show are still doing well for themselves in their respective career fields.
Let’s Have a Look at All the Past Winners of Big Brother Naija
The very first season of Big Brother Naija was formerly known as Big Brother Nigeria. It was held in South Africa and the hosts then were Olisa Adinua and Michelle Dede. This first season aired on DSTv and M-Net. The show had the likes of present-day celebrities, including Gideon Okeke who is now a popular actor and host.
The first season of Big Brother Nigeria also saw the likes of Ebuka Obi Uchendu as a contestant. He has been the host of Big Brother Naija from the second season to date. Though Ebuka was the favorite of a lot of viewers then, he was evicted on Day 57. This gave chance for Katung Aduwak to win the debut show.
1. Katung Aduwak
Katung Aduwak is a native of Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He schooled at Air Force Jos Military School and went on to further at the University of Jos. At his tertiary level, Katung studied Political Science and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree.
The 2006 premier edition of Big Brother Nigeria aired for a period of 92 days beginning on March 5th and ending on June 4th. Unlike recent ones, this particular season had no theme as entitling the seasons, came with the second edition.
Aduwak however did not start the season from the very beginning. He joined the show on the 23rd day and went on to remain there till the very end of the show. He was aged 26 when he went on the show in 2006.
Katung went through a series of nominations and evictions and was eventually crowned winner of Big Brother Season 1 in June 2006. He was the last man standing after defeating 13 other housemates as they were 14, totally.
The closest person to the Kaduna indigene was then 21-year-old Francisca Owumi who was the first runner-up. Closely following her were Ifeoma ‘Ify’ Ejikeme and Sandra ‘Sandy’ Osigbovo who came in 4th place.
Upon his win, Katung Aduwak was presented with prize money of $100,000. With this, he has gone on to be a renowned scriptwriter, producer, and director. The first past winner of Big Brother Naija has worked with a lot of other celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Where is Katung Aduwak Now?
Katung has worked on films such as Unwanted Guest and Heaven’s Hell to name a few. Delving into music videos, the reality TV star has worked with the likes of Style Plus. In Chocolate City, he was the Executive Director. He is also a family man who leads a home with his wife identified as Raven Taylor.
Aduwak has had links with the international brand known as Campfire Media. He is also the CEO of One Eight Media and has worked as the Senior Creative Director at VIACOM International. In addition to this list of achievements, Katung also worked with MTV Base as a Senior Channel Manager.
On his official Instagram account, Katung states that he is a storyteller, Artist, sojourner, lover, and teacher and he seems to be into NFT.
2. Michael Efe Ejeba
Efe became widely known for always reminding people about Warri. He hails from Delta state hence his constant chants of ‘Warri’. Just like the first winner of the Big Brother Naija show, Ejebe lived in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for a while. Therefore, Efe, the ‘See Gobbe’ Big Brother Naija Season 2 winner represented both Warri and Jos.
A graduate of Economics at the University of Jos, Ejeba, crooned ‘Based on Logistics’ which became a popular phrase amongst his fans. He came to be the winner of the show which had gone on an 11 years hiatus after the first season. Upon the return, the name change from Big Brother Nigeria to Big Brother Naija happened.
Season 2 of Big Brother Naija was held in 2017, 11 years after the first one. However, it was still held in South Africa only this time, it had the ‘See Gobbe’ theme but with the same number of housemates. Additionally, this season was hosted by a former housemate from the first season known as Ebuka Obi Uchendu.
See Gobbe lasted for a period of 78 days beginning on January 22, 2017, and ending on April 9, 2017. The show had two fake housemates introduced halfway into the season. The housemates were known as Jon Ogah and Ese Eriata and their sole goal was to cause some tension in the house while spicing it up.
Eventually, Efe, then 26 years old, made it through 11 weeks of nominations and evictions and was crowned the winner. Clinching the title of the See Gobbe winner, Efe was presented the sum of 25 million Naira on the last day.
Efe Ejeba had Bisola Aiyeola, an actress, as his contender for the prize. She ended up being the first runner-up leaving out the likes of T-Boss, ThinTallTony, and other housemates who were evicted one after the other.
Where is Efe Ejeba Now?
Ejeba who was an upcoming artist in Jos before his big break in Big Brother’s house has gone on to pursue his music career further. Efe relocated to Lagos in pursuit of a career in what he loves doing; entertainment.
He has an EP titled ‘Lagos EP’ and has been on projects with the likes of Olamide, BOJ, and Ice Prince and has released a good number of songs. In 2017, Efe was appointed the ambassador for Youth and Entertainment in Plateau State. Similarly, he got the role of Africa’s Ambassador for Indian Varsity.
3. Miracle Igbokwe
Miracle Igbokwe, a native of Imo State, Nigeria, emerged the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 3. For 2018, the theme was ‘Double Wahala’, and fans would agree that it lived up to its name. There were 20 contestants who vied for the grand prize of 45 million Naira.
It was from this season that names such as Miracle, Dee-One, Anto, BamBam, Cee-C, and Teddy A, became famous. The 85-days-long season housed more housemates this time around. There were 20 contestants who made it into the Big Brother House which was located in South Africa still.
Miracle who was then 23 years old, was a model and an aviation student. He was left in the Big Brother house with Cee-C after the eviction of Nina, Tobi, and Alex on the last day. Eventually, Miracle was announced as the Double Wahala winner on stage.
As a result of his win, the model was about 45 million Naira richer. He was presented with a cheque of 25 million Naira but went home with prizes worth 20 million Naira totaling his wins to 45 million.
In addition to his monetary prize, Miracle won an SUV, and home appliances worth 3 million Naira. He also had an all-expense-paid trip for two. However, these weren’t the only wins he had to his name. While still in the house, during the 85 days, Igbokwe won 1 million Naira from PayPorte Arena Games and 200,000 from the final wager.
The go-getter was also the recipient of 1 million Naira from Pepsi which came with a trip to Dubai for One Africa Music Fest. Additionally, he won a year’s supply of Pepsi soda and Aquafina water.
Where is Miracle Igbokwe Now?
Outside the Big Brother wins, Miracle was named Imo State Education Ambassador. This title was bestowed on him by the then Imo State Governor as Miracle had proven to be an inspiration to many young indigenes of the state.
Upon his win, however, Miracle went on to further his education in South Africa. He took seriously his dreams of being a pilot and eventually gained a certificate as an Instrument Rated pilot.
4. Mercy Eke
Bringing the Big Brother Naija house back to Nigeria saw a lot of newness to the TV Show. First of all, the show witnessed its first-ever female winner in person of Mercy Eke, another Imo State indigene. Also, the show lived up to its theme, ‘ Pepper Dem’.
Ebuka Obi Uchendu hosted this season again for the third time and the house had 21 housemates. The total number of days spent in the house was 99 days and all contestants struggled for the grand prize of 60 million Naira.
Mercy Eke also known as ‘Lambo’ a nickname she earned in the house, was a video vixen before she went in for the show. Her eventual win wasn’t without some controversy and tension as she had a huge confrontational squabble with fellow housemate Tacha. Tacha was even disqualified for being physical with Eke in the heat of their quarrel.
Eke’s runner-up was Mike Edwards who was an athlete and entrepreneur from Manchester. Closely following were also Frodd, Seyi, and Omashola.
Mercy’s win came with prize money of 30 million Naira amongst gift prizes worth another 30 million. She won an SUV vehicle from Innoson Motors which was worth 25 million Naira. Other prizes include a year’s supply of gifts from partners and a trip to Dubai.
Where is Mercy Eke Now?
Mercy who was already in the entertainment industry went on to seal her stance there. She delved into reality TV shows and acting as she started a TV show titled ‘Mercy and Ike’. The show was about the life and daily activities of her and her in-house lover, Ike Onyema. Ike went on to be the Season 5 winner’s boyfriend even after the show had ended.
Also, the Pepper Dem Season’s winner was an entrepreneur who has gone on to continue in her business ventures and even some more. She started ‘Lambo Homes’, a real estate venture that she oversees. Also, she bought a luxurious house located in Lekki.
In March 2020, the 2019 Big Brother Naija winner was given the award for ‘Best Dressed Female’ during the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards show. She has undoubtedly gone on to be a source of fashion inspiration for a lot of females in Nigeria and outside.
5. Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe
After lockdown in most places eased in 2020, Big Brother Naija hosted a fresh set of housemates. Expectedly but still well-thought-out, it was titled ‘Lockdown’. The season welcomed the likes of Nengi, Erica who went on to be disqualified, Ozo, Kiddwaya, and Laycon, the eventual winner.
Lockdown was won by Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe, a Lagos state-born rapper. He was a graduate of Philosophy from the University of Lagos where he graduated with a Second Class Upper.
Amongst the past winners of Big Brother Naija, Laycon witnessed one of the hugest win gaps ever recorded. While most people argue his win came as a result of pity from what transpired between him and Erica, others believe it was pure grace.
Above all, amongst 20 housemates whom he contended for the prize of 85 million Naira, the Lagos-born was crowned. He won 55 million Naira in cash and 40 million in gifts. His gifts included stuff like;
- An Oppo Reno 3 smartphone
- A trip to Dublin courtesy of Guinness
- A trip to Dubai courtesy of Travelbeta
- A trip to watch the UEFA Champions League Finale
- An SUV from Innoson Motors
- 1 year supply of Pepsi
- 1-year supply of Indomie noodles, Munch it, and Colgate toothpaste.
- Home appliances courtesy of Scanfrost
- A two-bedroom apartment courtesy of Revolution Plus
Where is Laycon Now?
Following his love for music and entertainment, Laycon has gone on to further pursue a career in music. He has released a couple of singles featuring other top musical arts in the country. Additionally, he has a reality TV show titled ‘I Am Laycon’, and it airs on Showmax.
The young rapper won himself several ambassadorial deals with brands such as Oppo, Orijin, and lots more. He is also a brand ambassador for GOTV.
Laycon was named the Youth Ambassador of Ogun State Nigeria and given gifts of 5 million and a house. Even while in the house, the BBNaija Season 6 winner recorded a huge number of followings on his social media platforms. This was a feat that was unheard of prior. He was also the first of the Lockdown housemate to get verified on Twitter.
6. Hazel Oyeye ‘Whitemoney’ Onou
So far the last of the past winners of Big Brother Naija is Whitemoney an indigene of Enugu State, Nigeria. He was an entrepreneur based in Lagos who reportedly never attended any University.
Whitemoney contended with a total of 26 housemates for the grand prize of 90 million Naira. The season, themed ‘Shine Ya Eye’ lasted for 82 days and as usual, was hosted by Ebuka Obi Uchendu.
Hazel Oyeye Onou stated that he did menial jobs before venturing into imports and exports. He however got the chance to market himself to viewers who loved him enough to vote him as the winner of the show’s 6th season.
Whitemoney was up against the likes of Liquorose who was a close contender. There was also Pere, Maria, and Yousef who were all part of the season.
Where is Whitemoney Now?
A year into being a winner of 90 million worth of prizes in cash and gifts, he has gone on to further his business ventures. Whitemoney has also been carving a path in the music industry as he has so far released two singles. The titles of his singles are ‘Na We We’ and ‘Selense’.
In addition to making music, Hazel is still in the business of shoemaking. He is also an ambassador of GOTV as well as Binance and other notable brands. The musician was named Ambassador of Creative Arts in Enugu State by the State Governor. Whitemoney has added to his list of awards, an honorary member of the Liberian Senate. With this, he was given a vehicle and won other benefits.
With the seventh season currently ongoing, viewers and fans of the show cannot wait to see who would be added to the list of past winners of Big Brother Naija. There are 26 housemates presently in the Big Brother Naija Season 7 ‘Level Up’ house.
Seeing how well past winners of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show are doing, the season 7 winner surely is projected to follow suit. Apart from the grand prize of 100 million Naira, there is quite a lot for them to grab. Even those who did not win the show are also doing quite well for themselves.
The likes of Nengi, Ozo, and others have bagged several ambassadorial gigs. Even those disqualified from the show still utilized the platform the reality TV show offered, to their advantage.
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