After 78 days of dramatic activities in the Big Brother Naija (BBN) house, the lifestyle reality show came to an end, Sunday night, with Delta State contestant, Efe Ejeba winning the coveted prize of N25 million and a Kia Seranto SUV.
Efe, an upcoming rapper and last man standing on the show beat fellow finalists – Bisola, TBoss, Debie-Rise and Marvis – in a tension-filled finale that had fans of the show canvassing vigorously for their preferred housemates.
The 24-hour three-month long live show which commenced recording in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 22, 2017, with 12 housemates who were later joined by two others, and another two but fake housemates, climaxed in glamorous live performances that had DJ Neptune, music artistes Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, Tiwa savage and Emmy Gee, throwing up so much vibes amidst pomp.
While in the house, Efe, who is the youngest contestant – aged 24 – was unique for his frankness, multiple-term as Head of House, and his common use of pidgin diction with jokey phrases.
A graduate of Economics from the University of Jos, Plateau State, the self-acclaimed ‘street’ boy, who was one of the usually nominated housemates for possible eviction, had, each time, led the vote chart.
Female housemate and multi-talented entertainer was a high contender for the prize. She told Big Brother in a Diary Room session earlier that win or lose; “I feel like a winner already.” She noted that it took her eight years to be selected as a participant, and believes the show will impact her career greatly.
Big Brother who expressed optimism for her talents admonished her in a touching way, as she fought back tears. It was the most emotional last Diary Room session.
He said: “It’s been an amazing experience having you in the house – your versatility, your incredibility. Yes, there have been moments you have told big Brother that certain things you have done and may have said, that you wish to take them back; but who can judge you, except they have been through this experience themselves. It’s always good to find out why people do what they do. That curiosity leads to understanding, and understanding opens up the human souls to compassion, and compassion is the cornerstone of love. For there is no guilt in humans, all there is, is love. Bisola, as you leave tonight, may genuine love find you. May you prosper beyond your imagination. You are a gold fish… you are a gold fish; there will be no hiding place for you. All the good things will locate you. You can sing, you can act… the question is not what can Bisola do? It is what can’t Bisola do? Big Brother has truly enjoyed your stay in the house and wishes you all the very best in your future endeavor. You’ve got a Midas touch, go touch anything a d it will turn to gold. Good luck to you…”
2Baba opened the show, singing his latest song, ‘Holy Holy’, followed by Mavin Record’s First Lady, Tiwa Savage with ‘Key to the City’. When Emmy Gee climbed the stage featuring AB Crazy and DJ Dimplez, they sang ‘Rands and Nairas’. Tiwa Savage returned one more time to the stage, doing the medley, ‘Romatic’ and ‘All Over’, while 2Baba closed the performances with the classic, ‘African Queen’.
It was a live crossing show, with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu hosting the South African studio leg, while former BBN winner, Katung Aduwak anchored the live broadcast from the Lagos screening center, the Classique Event Place, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, with fans of the show, sponsors, Nigerian media and past contestants of the show.
Marvis was the first to leave the house. When asked if she would want to further her relationship with Efe, she became evasive. Marvis’ exit was followed by guitar girl Debie-Rise who had disappointment written all over her. Asked where her heart belongs between Efe and Bassey, she noted that although it was natural to get attracted to one or two person, “But I really like Bassey.”
It was jubilations at the Lagos screening center when TBoss was evicted, just as the crowd at the Johannesburg studio where sort of booing her. She had been the most controversial housemate, noted for a beautiful body, full of tattoos and piercings which she displayed at will. The internet was abuzz last week when it was said that the Nigerian-Romanian housemate could not recite the National Anthem. She, also being the reason Kemen was disqualified from the show. However, she was declared overall winner of Friday Payporte arena games with a voucher of N500, 000 for shopping.
Presenting another side-laurel; the ONE campaign prize, won by Bisola was Honorable Desmond Elliot and Sarah Makka. She will be joining organisers in New York to speak further at the United Nations Assembly on educating the girl-child.
When Efe was declared winner, it was clear Bisola was the first runner-up.
Previously evicted housemates include Miyonse, Soma, CocoIce, Gifty, Uriel, ThinTallTony, Bassey, Balley, and Kemen, who was disqualified for breaking the rule of the game. They were all present at the Lagos live screening.
In the last three months, Big Brother Naija was estimated to be the most watched show on the African continent, shutting down Instagram, Facebook and Twitters with trending issues on a daily basis.
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