Spotlight on past BBN winners

As the Big Brother Naija Season 9: No Loose Guard was wrapped up on Sunday, October 6, 2024, the widely popular reality TV show stands on the brink of celebrating nearly a decade of captivating audiences and shaping the careers of countless contestants. Over the years, the show has not only entertained but also transformed regular individuals into household names by launching them into fame and success. OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL delves into the journeys of past winners

Katung Aduwak

Katung Aduwak was the first person to win Big Brother Naija in 2006. His win saw him take away $100,000 worth of prizes. Aduwak is a producer, director, writer and artiste.

After Aduwak’s win, he focused on furthering his education and building his career. He attended the Digital Film Academy in New York and later went into filmmaking. He has movies like Heaven’s hell Unwanted guest to his credit

Aduwak has made significant strides in his career. He served as the Senior Creative Director at Viacom International and was also MTV Base’s Senior Channel Manager. Additionally, he held the position of Executive Director at Chocolate City. As a talented artist, he expresses his storytelling through various forms of art, including painting.

Born in 1980 in Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Aduwak is married to Raven Taylor-Aduwak, and they have a son together.

Efe Money

Efe Ejeba, popularly known as Efe Money by fans, won the second season of the show, ‘See Gobe’, after spending 78 days in the house. He walked away with a cash prize of 25 million naira and an SUV.

From his time in the house, Efe displayed a passion for music. Following the show’s conclusion, he quickly established his music career, with his first song, ‘Based on Logistics’, inspired by his favourite slang during his time on the show. In 2017, he was appointed as Plateau State’s Youth and Entertainment Ambassador. The following year, Efe was also appointed as Africa’s Ambassador for Indian Varsity.

Miracle Igbokwe

Miracle Igbokwe was on track to becoming a pilot before winning Big Brother Naija Season 3, ‘Double Wahala’, in 2018. He clinched the grand prize of N45m and a car

Unlike many ex-BBN winners who often pursue entertainment careers, Igbokwe remained committed to his aviation aspirations. After his time on the show, he continued his education in aviation and has remained dedicated to this field.

Born in 1995 in Imo State, Igbokwe was named Education Ambassador for the state by former Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2018.

Mercy Eke

Mercy Eke made history by being the first female contestant to win BBN Season 4, Pepper Dem, after spending 99 days in the house. Her passion for appearing on screen led her to audition and later become a media personality, actress, and entrepreneur.

Since her win, Eke has made a name for herself by featuring in notable films such as Shanty Town and Fate of Alakada, as well as music videos including Flavour’s ‘Big Baller’ and Rudeboy’s ‘Take It’. In 2023, she returned to the BBN screen during the All Stars season, finishing as the runner-up.

Eke was born on September 29, 1990, and grew up in Imo State, Nigeria.

Laycon

Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba, better known as Laycon, won Season 5 of BBN, Lockdown, during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many viewers at home, all eyes were on the housemates.

Laycon’s victory on September 28, 2020, set the stage for him to launch his career as a rapper and songwriter. Since then, he has remained dedicated to his craft, releasing songs such as ‘Verified’, ‘Motivation’ and ‘Rise Up’.

Born on November 8, 1993, Laycon is originally from Odeda in Ogun State but grew up in Lagos. He holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and a Master’s from the University of Portsmouth in the UK.

Whitemoney

Hazel Onou, popularly referred to as Whitemoney, won BBN season 6, Shine ya Eye. He was already an artiste before his entrance into the house but was looking to gain more visibility.

His culinary skills quickly endeared him to fans, leading to a significant following. Since his victory, Whitemoney has capitalised on his fame by launching Whitemoney Party Jollof, a catering service that showcases his cooking talents.

In addition to catering, Whitemoney has remained active in the music scene, consistently releasing tracks and expanding his artistry. He also returned to the BBN house in 2023 to contest in the All stars season.

Whitemoney was born in Enugu but grew up in Kaduna State.

Phyna

After 10 weeks in the BBN house in 2022, Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna won the Level up season of the show. She walked home with a N100 million grand prize.

Before Phyna went into the show, she was a hype woman and skit maker. So, the much-needed win afforded Phyna to take her craft to the next level as well as expand her craft.

After her time on the show, Phyna has expanded her career as a hype woman releasing some rap and dance hall singles including Talk and Ding Dong. She has also acted in some movies including Ada Omo Daddy and Leaving Beauty.

In 2023, Phyna won the Trendupp Award for Force of Online Sensation and La Mode Awards for Celebrity of The Year (Female category)

Ilebaye

Ilebaye Odiniya won the BBN Season 8; the All-Stars edition of the show. That season of BBN, unlike other seasons, featured past housemates such as Mercy Eke and Whitemoney. However, the Gen-Z baddie, as she is often, called won the hearts of viewers over other housemates, walking away with the coveted prize of N120m.

Before Ilebaye went into the house, she had acted in popular soap operas including ‘Papa Ajasco’ and ‘Nnena and Friends’. Many fans are expecting that she would get back into her acting career but she seems to still be taking her time deciding what she wants to venture into. She has not really been active on social media or even posting what she is up to. However, after winning the season, she stated that she was going to use the prize money to establish an orphanage, start a business, and invest in other things.

Ilebaye was born and raised in Kogi State where she hails from.

Kellyrae

Kingsley Sule, aka Kellyrae, won the Big Brother Naija Season 9, No Loose Guard edition, and went home with a N60m cash prize and an SUV. Following Kellyrae’s win, he shared the spotlight with his wife, Kassia, who competed with him as his partner, in the early part of the show.

Before his time in the house, Kellyrae was already an artiste. After his win, he stated that he was passionate about pursuing his music career to the fullest.

Born on September 29, 1991, Kellyrae hails from Delta but was raised in Jos, Plateau State.