The Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality TV show returned on Sunday, July 23, 2023 with the All Stars Edition featuring housemates randomly selected from the previous seasons since 2017.
The first edition of the BBNaija show, as we know, was held in 2006. Thereafter, the show took a 10-year break and relaunched in 2017. Since then, it has run six editions – See Gobe (Season 2), Double Wahala (Season 3), Pepper Dem (Season 4), Lockdown (Season 5), Shine Ya Eye (Season 6) and Level Up (Season 7). Each editions since inception has produced winners. While some of the past winners have remained in the limelight, fans are wondering where the others are.
In this article, we shine light on all the past winners, where they are now and what they have been up to.
1. Katung Aduwak
Katung Aduwak was the winner of the first season of the Big Brother Naija reality show held between 5th March and 4th June 2006.
The Kaduna State-born scriptwriter, movie producer and director is currently the CEO of One O Eight Media and African Partner for Campfire Media.
After he won the BBNaija show in 2006, Aduwak served for many years as Senior Channel Manager at MTV Base. He was also a media panellist at the Harvard Africa Business School Forum, Senior Creative Director at Viacom International, an American video and communications company, and also Executive Director at Chocolate City, a Nigerian record label.
He is married to Raven Taylor-Aduwak and they have a son together.
2. Efe
Efe Michael Ejeba, known simply as Efe or Efe Money, was the winner of the Big Brother Naija season 2 (See Gobbe edition) which was aired on Dstv and Gotv channels between 22 January and 9 April 2017.
Efe is a singer, media personality and rapper and, while in the house, entertained viewers with his raps and his slogan, “Based on logistics”, which became an anthem after he won show.
After winning the Big Brother Naija show, Efe went on to release songs like “Warri” and “Campaign”. He has also dropped projects including “Am Sorry Am Winning”, “Nonstop”, among others. In 2018 he became African Ambassador for Indian Varsity.
He released his latest album “Stubborn Boy” in 2022.
3. Miracle
Miracle Igbokwe is one winner of the BBNaija show who has stayed away from all the limelight and celebrity drama associated with the show.
After he won season 3 of the show, Double Wahala edition, which aired from 28 January to 22 April 2018, Miracle was appointed education ambassador for Imo State under the then Governor Rochas Okorocha. Thereafter, Imo State-born, who was then an aspiring pilot, took his prize money, ploughed it into his aviation studies and went back to a private life.
Earlier this year, he announced that he had passed his flight instructor exam. He currently works as an aviator.
4. Mercy Eke
was the winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 4: Pepper Dem edition, which aired from 30 June to 6 October 2019. She made history as the first woman to win the reality show.
While on the show, the Imo State-born Mercy, known by fans as Lambo or Queen of Highlights, struck a relationship with a fellow housemate, Ikechukwu Onyeama. The relationship flourished after the show until the pair split in 2020.
Since she won the show, Mercy has been an influencer and brand ambassador for different companies and brands like Ciroc and Mr Taxi. She also ventured into Nollywood where she made her acting debut in the movie “Fate of Alakada”. She also featured in “Shanty Town” released in 2023.
In March 2020, Mercy received the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for best dressed female.
Today, Mercy is described as a media personality, actress, video vixen and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, she runs a clothing line, MNM Luxury, which she established in 2019.
Mercy is currently in Biggie’s house as a housemate in the ongoing Big Brother All Stars edition.
5. Laycon
Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba, popularly known as Laycon, was the winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 5, the Lockdown edition. He won the show by scoring a record 60 percent of votes cast during the grand finale of the show.
After winning the Big Brother season 5, the singer, rapper, songwriter and media personality who is signed to Fierce Nation featured on DJ Neptunes and Joeboy’s “Nobody Icon” remix. He also released “Wagwan” and “Fall for Me” in 2021. The same year he released his debut album, “Shall We Begin”, and it peaked at number 9 at the Nigerian album charts and Number 1 on the Nigeria iTunes album chart.
Laycon, who is also an influencer and ambassador for companies including Lipton, launched his own reality show “I am Laycon”, which aired on Showmax and became the most streamed show in Nigeria on the platform.
A sickle cell advocate, he recently released his second album, “Bioba”, while announcing that he had graduated from Portsmouth University with a Master’s in International Relations.
6. Whitemoney
Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, was the winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 6: Shine Ya Eye edition, which aired between 24 July and 3 October 2021.
After winning the Big Brother Naija show, the singer, songwriter and businessman ventured into many businesses also became an ambassador to various brands and companies. He has continued with his music career and has released some songs, including his first official single “Selense”.
Whitemoney is currently a housemate in the ongoing Big Brother Naija All Stars edition.
7. Phyna
Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, also known as Phyna, is an actress, model, hype woman, entertainer and businesswoman.
After winning the Big Brother Naija Season 7: Level Up edition, Phyna went on to become an influencer and brand ambassador for different brands, including Rixariskinskinscrets, Speedy Weightloss, amongst others.
