Popular reality television show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is back as the 2022 edition, dubbed; “Level Up” started with so much excitement with the traditional unveiling of the housemates into the House on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022.
The first day saw the unveiling of twelve housemates as Big Brother added 12 more Housemates to the Level Up House the following day, Sunday 25th, 2022 in yet another exciting Live Launch Show.
At this juncture, we present to you the twenty four (24) housemates and some of the things you don’t know about them. Enjoy…
- Adekunle: His full name is Adekunle Tobilola Olopade. He is a 27-year-old digital marketing consultant from Lagos. He considers himself “a self-actualised introvert” who takes pride in being a giver that solves other people’s problems. When he’s not dreaming of creating a better life for himself and figuring out ways to make the world a better place, you’ll find Adekunle playing games on his phone or watching his favourite show, Family Guy, on YouTube. Although peace-making is one of his strengths, Adekunle is not afraid to step up and face challenges head-on should the need arise. Are there any habits that may annoy his fellow Housemates? “The fact that I’m always right; and by the way, I never say anything I don’t know, could be considered annoying. Also, I learned recently that I use a lot of big grammar when I speak,” he says with a chuckle. He hopes to win this season of Big Brother Naija so he can help his mother pay off her mortgage, loans and debt.
- Allysyn: Osy Allysyn Audu is her real name. She describes herself as “a creative goofball who enjoys experiencing people”. She enjoys watching movies, modelling, hanging out with friends and making her own lip gloss, when she is not hard at work as a Sales and Marketing Executive for a popular vehicle brand. Allysyn considers herself a loyal friend and expects the same energy from those closest to her. As a “huge fan of love”, Allysny is currently in a relationship and enjoys “how love helps me see myself in a new light every day”. After investing all her money in furniture for a show she wanted to start on YouTube – then subsequently losing it all when Covid hit, this 25-year-old is eager to get it all back and then some, by winning Big Brother Naija. She also hopes appearing on the show will help her build her brand. “I want to do social media full-time, I want to continue modelling and I also want to be a television presenter”. What habits could annoy her fellow Housemates? “I take everything as a joke, and I like to do things in my own time,” she says.
- Bella: Her real name is Chidimma Esther Okagbue. She is 25-year-old and a graduate of University of Lagos (UNILAG). She is a content creator. Bella loves travelling, swimming, photography, and making new connections. She considers herself “a no-nonsense person who gets pissed off easily” and is competitive, because she likes winning. She admits most of her friends are male because she doesn’t get along with girls. “It always leads to jealousy and gossip,” she says, two things she tries to avoid at all costs. What habits are most likely to irritate her fellow Housemates? “My bluntness. I am fearless, so I don’t sugar-coat my words. I tell it like it is, and people hate to hear the truth”. Bella decided to sign up for Big Brother Naija because she wants to be rich and famous. “I do not ever want to introduce myself. I want to walk into a room and be recognised. I love a life of comfort and intentional happiness”.
- Chichi: Chinenyenwa Desire Okoebor is her real name. “Stripper by night and chef by day”. That’s just one of the many colourful phrases 22-year-old exotic dancer and chef, Chichi, uses to describe herself. She loves swimming, dancing and travelling, and considers herself “an unshakeably ambitious goal-getter”. Although she had a painful childhood, Chichi has managed to rise above it all and continues to forge her own path. She admits her bluntness can sometimes tick people off, but she doesn’t mind because she believes in sincerity. “It’s either I say things the way they are, or I don’t say it at all”. She wants to be on Big Brother Naija to show people that there is more to this stripper than meets the eye. “I have so many things to showcase and I believe the world really needs to see me. The Big Brother Naija House is the only place that will bring me that kind of spotlight,” Chichi says. Her hidden talent? Working the pole, of course!
- Chomzy: Her full name is Esther Chioma Ndubueze. She is a 22-year-old entrepreneur, she loves the simple things in life; sewing, travelling and twerking. Chomzy hates snitches and betrayers, and considers herself a resourceful and passionate peoples-person. She reckons she has the best family in the world. “My mom and siblings are all in Nigeria, and my dad is in Gabon. My family gets along very well and we love each other, but I’m everyone’s favourite,” she says with a smile. Although single, this firecracker is open to love when the time is right. Some of Chomzy’s proudest moments come courtesy of her pageant and modelling work, as well as the multiple awards she has received for her humanitarian and school work. Chomzy hopes Big Brother Naija will make her rich and famous. “I want to be successful in my business and I want to find love too”.
- Diana (Diana Isoken Edobor). Diana is a 33-year-old Project Manager from Edo State. She was born in France, but now calls Abuja home. She is sociable, family-oriented, passionate about self-development, and loves learning about new cultures. She values friendship and believes in treating people the way she would like to be treated; with love, loyalty and respect. When asked about romantic relationships, Diana confirms that she is single. “Guys perceive me as sophisticated, high maintenance and too expensive to approach. When they eventually get to know me, they realise I am actually a very lovable and down to earth person,” she says. This livewire would like to kickstart her acting career, build a network of friends and use the Big Brother Naija platform to establish her brand, and also impact the world in the critical areas of poverty, education and climate change.
- Dotun (Oladotun Mofiyinfoluwa Oloniyo). 26-year-old Dotun works in an hospital as a medical physiologist and moonlights as a personal trainer on his days off. When he’s not working out or saving lives, you will find this chatty, competitive socialite watching movies, cooking or gardening. He describes himself as “fun, good looking and spontaneous” and admits he never backs down from a challenge. Dotun has aspirations of taking over the entertainment industry and counts being crowned Mr. Tourism Nigeria 2018 as a proud moment, alongside graduating as one of the University of Ibadan’s top students in his specialty a week later. One of his favourite pastimes is to walk around shirtless, something he notes usually irritates insecure guys. “I’m opinionated and confident, and some people don’t like it much,” he says, when quizzed about habits that may rub his fellow Housemates up the wrong way. Dotun reckons he has the perfect blend of competitiveness and excitement to help him stand out in the Big Brother Naija House.
- Doyin (Doyinsola Anuoluwapo David). She describes her personality as a mix of Michelle Obama and Cardi B, and admits she is not afraid to bring out either, depending on the scenario. This 26-year-old is “a box of surprises, and you never know what you’ll get”. When she’s not hard at work as a medical radiographer, you’ll find Doyin partying and reading, and although she may come off as a tough cookie, she actually is a true softie on the inside. Making friends hasn’t been an easy journey for Doyin because a lot of people can’t handle how brutally honest she can be. However, she is grateful to have two close friends who mean the world to her. Doyin is hoping Big Brother Naija will help change the direction of her life. “I find medicine incredibly boring and I want to see if there is anything for me in the entertainment industry. Also, I just want to make more money than I’m currently making,” she says.
- Eloswag (Eloka Paul Nwamu). “I’m the next big thing out of Naija and I auditioned to make the House freaking fantastic,” are the confident words of Eloswag, a 27-year-old digital marketer and content creator from Lagos. Apart from being lively, confident and talented, Eloswag, who counts his mom as his superhero, reckons he is a hit with the ladies. “I’m a great guy and the ladies love me,” he says with a laugh. Eloswag is single at the moment and confesses he is in no rush to get boo’d up because he has been “served his breakfast” a couple of times. “Besides, I feel relationships only work better if you have money”. He loves to try out new things and feels Big Brother Naija is just the show for him. “I love networking and I want to have fun. I feel this platform was created to uplift the youth and the chosen contestants, and I think I’d fit the role perfectly,” he says.
- Giddyfia: (Gideon Anieti Nwawo). Whatever Giddyfia chooses to do, he makes sure to do it with passion. This 24-year-old engineer considers himself a hardworking team player with excellent interpersonal skills and lots of creative ideas. Prone to laughing and joking during serious moments, Giddyfia respects friendships and tries to avoid drama and betrayal at all costs. He has many friends, but is careful to let only a few people in. One of his favourite achievements is graduating from university with top honours. He is a fitness buff and even won the 2019 ‘Male Physique of the Year’ award in college. He feels he will make a good Housemate because he is kind, caring, smart and fun to be with. “There are things about me that people will love to see and emulate,” Giddyfia says.
- Hermes (Hermes Chibueze Iyele). Performance artist Hermes counts basketball, public speaking and American flag football as some of his interests. He has had the opportunity to perform some of his original dance pieces at reputable festivals in Lagos, Glasgow and Rotterdam, and has also appeared in music videos for afrobeats stars including Burna Boy, Davido and Ajebo Hustlers. He is in a polyamorous relationship with two women and feels this kind of partnership has left enough room for everyone in it to grow individually and collectively. One of his favourite traits is honesty. “I’m one to tell the truth, but over time I’ve realised many people are not particularly fond of perspectives they don’t agree with, so I tell the truth, but diplomatically,” Hermes said. Why the Big Brother Naija House? “I’d like to show people just how much the love and creativity that is built in such tight living circumstances can change the world and help people grow”.
- Sheggz: (Segun Daniel Olusemo). He is a 26-year-old actor and professional footballer based in England. After sustaining an injury last year, he started acting again and recently scored a role in a production directed by Tola Odunsi. He Described himself as “confident, but not cocky” and “the perfect mix of Lagos and London.” Sheggz is a hard worker, but also a smart worker, and believes it’s important to be both. Talkative when needed, but also a good listener, He considers himself down to earth, relatable, and ambitious. Although currently single, he loves relationships, but believes it is important to find the right person. “I think it’s important to settle down with someone you genuinely connect with and not just for vibes,” he says.
- Amaka: (Chiamaka Crystal Mbah)… “I am in between being a spoilt brat and a disciplined child,” those are spicy opening words from 23-year-old health care worker and Anambra State native, Amaka. This self-professed daddy’s girl has only one sibling, is the only girl in her family and loves generous men. Her motto is: ‘Grab the bull by the horns and forge ahead’, which has helped her navigate the highs and lows life throws her way. Amaka confesses she signed up for Big Brother Naija to not only win, but to have fun, meet new people and to pepper all her exes. Amaka admits she may sometimes come across as bold, mean and “extra”, but people always realise she is as soft as jelly, when they get to know her better. She is the first to admit she talks a lot, something her fellow Housemates may find annoying. “I am a big parrot! You don’t need to pay me o. I can talk for free non-stop,” she says. Although she admits to holding grudges, Amaka reckons she makes up for it by being honest. “You will always know where you stand with me”.
- Beauty: (Beauty Etsanyi Tukura). She has done an impressive job of living up to her name. The 24-year-old lawyer from Taraba State was crowned Miss Nigeria in 2019, becoming the country’s 43rd beauty to win the pageant. She also held the ‘Most Beautiful Girl Taraba’ title, from 2015 to 2017. Beauty describes herself as a generous, open, reliable free-spirit and believes if she puts her mind to anything, she surely will achieve it. One of the lowest points in her life is when she had to rewrite the Nigerian Bar Exams after failing the first time. As the last born of four siblings, Beauty enjoys the love, constant guidance and unwavering support this position affords her. Why Big Brother Naija? “I love a good challenge, and I am very entertaining. Most importantly, I need the platform to further build my brand as Beauty Tukura. I know that being in the House will change my life and I am ready for that change and all that it comes with,” she says.
- Bryann: (Brian Chkuwuebuka Chiji). He is a singer and songwriter. Bryann counts Wande Coal, Vybz Cartel and Angelique Kidjo as some of his musical influences. The 24-year-old who hails from Imo State started releasing music in 2019, and finally put out a full-length project in 2021. Although down-to-earth and sometimes reserved, Bryann enjoys meeting new people, partying and watching movies. “I would call myself an extravert; which is a mix of both an introvert and an extrovert. I have random bursts of energy and I have low-energy days, but I understand how to navigate people in either of these situations,” he says. He is at his happiest when he is being creative and hopes Big Brother Naija will give him the platform to interact with people, raise his social currency and also create awareness about his music. His fellow Housemates, however, might take exception to his chronic late-coming and his bad memory. “I’m super forgetful, so I sometimes forget to pitch for meetings on time,” he says with a chuckle.
- Christy O: (Christiana Oluwafunke Ojumu). She is a beauty entrepreneur who runs a cosmetics business. This outspoken 24-year-old also models in her free time, and believes in giving people second chances. She describes herself as a “funny, smart and hardworking extrovert” and admits you are more than likely to find her “where the fun is” on any given day. When she’s not hiking or enjoying a picnic with her close friends, Christy O makes time to write poems. Her major weakness? “I’m a perfectionist, which means I’m usually not satisfied with a result, especially when a task has been performed by someone else.” She is also argumentative and sarcastic, traits that may annoy her fellow Housemates. Despite all this, Christy O feels she’s the right person for this experience. “I am excellent at putting on a good show. Big Brother Naija is about entertaining, educating and being creative. I think I can be great at that,” she says.
- Cyph: (Bright Hidi Nwekete). He sis an Art lover, movie junkie and music freak Cyph, hails from Imo State and studied Electrical Engineering at Madonna University. He loves food, travel, fashion and cruise, and admits he can be quite enigmatic. “I’m goofy, sociable and playful too though, so that balances it out,” he says.His motto is: ‘You only live once’ and Cyph ensures he remembers this when he has disagreements with loved ones by hashing out any differences immediately. This 27-year-old is the first to admit he loves being happy, but is prone to crying if someone makes him extremely angry. Although not in a relationship, he has his eyes set on someone outside the House currently.Why sign up for Big Brother Naija? “I’ve always wanted to be seen or known beyond the comfort of my home, phone and friends. I have a lot to give to society and I see BB Naija as that first step”.
- Daniella: (Daniella Utangbe Peters). When she’s not writing poetry, acting, or singing, you’ll find 22-year-old Daniella working out and staying fit. She hates bullies with a passion and believes in fair play, so she usually steps in as “the defender” during heated arguments. Daniella loves meeting new people and describes herself as resilient, energetic and observant. She has a twin brother, five older brothers and a younger sister, and loves being part of a big family. Although she just got out of a toxic relationship, Daniella still believes in love and is open to finding it one day. When quizzed on habits that could possibly annoy her fellow Housemates, she says: “Based on research, it would be my sensitivity. I’m very aware of verbal and non-verbal communication. My pettiness would be another, even though I don’t like drama. Also, I am quite unpredictable”. Daniella believes Big Brother Naija is the perfect stage to showcase her creativity. “I want to be in the entertainment industry. I strongly believe I belong here”.
- Groovy: (Henry Olisaemeka Orakwue). He is an artist, fashion entrepreneur and model Groovy, is an ambitious 26-year-old from Anambra State. He has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos and loves working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He describes himself as “a positive, self-sufficient, supportive person” and believes his winning mentality never fails to push him and those around him to greater heights. Groovy reckons his argumentative nature could rub his fellow Housemates up the wrong way. “I don’t back down if I feel I’m right about something, unless the facts state I’m wrong. I’m also very principled, so I hardly bend my will to please others, unless it’s the right thing to do.” He has been running a clothing and accessories business for the past four years, and also dabbles in music, and feels Big Brother Naija will help him make a name for himself. “I want to be famous, wealthy, influential and powerful. I want to be a voice for change in my country and in the world and this show is the platform to showcase who I am, and who I can be to the world,” he says.
- Ilebaye: (Ilebaye Odiniya). 21-year-old Ilebaye is a criminology and security studies graduate and entrepreneur. She loves swimming, partying, bowling and shopping, and considers herself a controversial, adventurous go-getter. Ilebaye doesn’t believe in love and feels romantic relationships are all about pretence. “Maybe one day I will find a reason to believe in love, for now, not a chance,” she says. She can be blunt and have a nonchalant attitude, traits that could annoy her fellow Housemates, but she plans to make up for it by being easy going and fun to be around. Ilebaye believes Big Brother Naija is the perfect platform to sell herself and gain exposure, which will be good for her business. “Let’s not forget all the other opportunities that come with being a BB Naija Housemate”.
- Kess: (Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu Kess) is a married 28-year-old businessman who enjoys living life to the fullest. Family means the world to him and he even counts one of his brothers as his best friend. “He is like a twin brother to me. I love my family. Our struggles made us stronger and I’m blessed to have them in my life”.He describes himself as a “showstopping, jaw-dropping human being” and takes pride in his talents. “I can do almost anything. I can sing, but not on Wande Coal’s level, sha. I dey dance small. I sabi act small. I have never pursued any of this seriously because man need to survive first,” he says. Kess is stubborn and values himself, traits which others sometimes find annoying. Being in the Big Brother Naija House has always been his dream. “Anybody who knows me, knows this about me. I watch the show and I have always envisioned myself on it”.
- Khalid: (Ismail Rukuba AhaluKhalid). He doesn’t like to beat around the bush when it comes to relationships, and his idea of fun is hanging out with the right people, having meaningful conversations and engaging in extreme sports. He enjoys archery, skateboarding, basketball, watching anime and also has a keen interest in mythology. This 22-year-old freelance graphic designer and muralist from Plateau State loves to try new things and considers himself charismatic. Khalid, who describes himself as “chronically single”, is not looking for love at the moment, but feels like he hit the jackpot where friendship is concerned, which is more than enough. He sees the Big Brother Naija House as a platform to advertise himself and meet amazing new people. “With my talents, I know I’m supposed to do greater things than I am doing right now. My friends and family never fail to remind me, so I owe it to them and myself to be great,” he says.
- Pharmsavi: (Saviour Ikin Akpan). He is a licensed pharmacist. Pharmsavi is a confident multitalented extrovert with “an amazing sense of humour”. He is passionate about life and acting in particular, and would like to pursue the craft as a profession in the near future.Pharmsavi enjoys travelling, dancing and playing video games, and has a large network of friends, courtesy of his boisterous, friendly personality. He dislikes hypocrisy and deceit and considers himself emotional and competitive. He loves graphic design and when he has time, you will find Pharmsavi playing table tennis.Habits that could possibly annoy his fellow Housemates during his time in the House? “I am a perfectionist. People always say I suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because I like things to be clean and in order,” he says.Pharmsavi hopes Big Brother Naija will help him kickstart his dream of becoming a professional actor. “I also want to create awareness on drug abuse and misuse, especially among the youth”.
- Phyna: (Ijeoma Josephina Otabor). She describes herself as “allergic to malice”. She is short-tempered and can fight with a person one minute, then talk to them the next, like nothing happened. She is single and believes she is a born entertainer. “My view on relationships is: Na mumu dey fall in love”. This 25-year-old hype girl considers herself jovial, and maintains she is allergic to gossip. “I don’t condone gossip, and a lot of people know I hate it. You can never gossip about someone to me,” she says. One of her talents is repairing home appliances and she counts her graduation as one of the best moments of her life. “I never thought I would be able to further my education in a higher institution of learning”. Phyna has set her sights on the Big Brother Naija House because of one simple reason; she wants to make a difference.