One may be quick to rhetorically ask about the significance of Big Brother Naija, because to some, if not many people, at face value, they may not see the importance of the Reality TV Show called Big Brother Naija or BBNaija. But, of course, such people need to be enlightened on the importance of this indigenous show, as its benefits can be quite far-reaching.
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A saying goes that the biggest reality show of all is life itself. Housemates going into the BBNaija house and displaying different characters, behaviours, strengths, weaknesses, etc., can safely be deduced as mirrors or fractions of life in practice. In the words of Donald Trump, "the best show is the one that's real, not scripted." Big Brother Naija is not scripted, laying further credence to its huge potentials and significance in the sociocultural scheme of things in Nigeria.
Currently, the show is in its ninth season, dubbed "No Loose Guard." It is imperative to note that the show started in 2006 but didn't return for its second season until eleven years later, in 2017. Then, the question persists: what importance does Big Brother Naija hold in Nigeria? This question can readily be tackled in multiple ways or dimensions: its significance to the housemates, its importance to the viewers, and its importance to Nigeria as a country.
TO THE HOUSEMATES
The housemates are the primary actors on this reality show; they are the ones watched around the clock and voted for by the viewers.
i. Earning Money
Making or earning money is one of the most important aspects of Big Brother Naija as far as housemates are concerned. The winner goes home with millions of Naira and other goodies attached. Apart from this, other housemates also make lots of money during their stay in the Big Brother House by participating and winning different tasks associated with the reality show.
ii. Unlocking of Potential
As a TV Reality Show, BBNaija is important to housemates as it is a place where hidden potentials are unlocked and talents polished. This is done by engaging in a series of games and tasks in the house. By doing so, one who may not know their strength areas is afforded the platform, time, resources, information, and instructions to be the best version of themselves before exiting the show.
iii. Self-improvement and Development
The self-development aspect of housemates in the Big Brother Naija Show cannot be understated or its importance neglected. By competing among themselves, housemates are made to bring their A-game to the fore, showcasing their mental strength and physicality. They utilize their creativity and initiative in trying to stay ahead. The Show's Host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, once said, "This is Big Brother, not nursery school," underscoring the competitiveness of the Show. All these competitions and tasks are ways housemates measure themselves, improve, and develop in various aspects of their lives.
iv. A Gateway to Opportunities
Big Brother Naija is important because it serves as a springboard to success, a launchpad for careers for housemates quickly signed up by different brands as ambassadors or influencers. Through BBNaija, housemates are exposed to the world, maximizing such opportunities to explore their areas of strength or expand their base. The present host of the Show, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a lawyer by discipline, is today a success story as an on-air personality, live show host, and presenter, thanks to Big Brother Naija. Another example is the winner of Season Seven, Phyna, who is doing well as a Nollywood actor. Rebecca Nengi of Season Five and Mercy Eke of Season Four are household names, businesswomen, brand ambassadors, and success stories due to the exposure they gained from Big Brother Naija.
v. Becoming a Celebrity
In Nigeria, as it is globally, celebrities have huge followership on social media, are loved by fans and admirers, and hold influence in the entertainment industry and beyond. Big Brother Naija is significant to housemates as a platform to attain celebrity status.
TO THE VIEWERS
The viewers of Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show are essential to the program, as they subscribe, watch, form communities for housemates, and vote.
i. Entertainment
This is undoubtedly the foremost importance of Big Brother Naija to viewers. Housemates create engaging, unpredictable content to advance, keeping viewers entertained and glued to their screens. Reality TV, like BBNaija, provides harmless distraction from life's uncertainties.
ii. Informative
As viewers, Big Brother Naija offers an opportunity to learn about various aspects, including backgrounds, business ideas, fashion, culture, cuisines, and life in general. By watching housemates perform assignments, engage in intellectual discourse, and pitch business ideas, viewers gain valuable insights.
iii. Distinction between Celebrity and Public Figure
While one can be both, not every celebrity is a public figure. Public figures are recognized for contributions to politics, art, science, leadership, and more. Big Brother Naija, though entertainment-driven, provides a platform for viewers to assess housemates' performance and distinguish them based on their actions. For instance, Mike (Season 4 runner-up) and Arin (Season 6) can be considered public figures due to their leadership,vocal and opinionated nature. Housemates may leverage their Show experience to pursue public office, with their conduct serving as a reference point.
TO NIGERIA AS A COUNTRY
i. It Elicits and Drives Discussion
Big Brother Naija sparks national and international discussions, engaging people in dissecting the show's events and interrogating housemates' viewpoints. This fosters sociocultural awareness and advancement.
Ii. It Opens up Job Opportunities
Big Brother Naija creates job openings for young, talented individuals specializing in photography, videography, interior design, disc jockeying, and more. These temporary or long-term positions allow individuals to showcase skills, earn income, and expand businesses, contributing positively to Nigeria's socioeconomic development.
iii. It Sets the Country on the Map
Big Brother Naija, like American Idol and The Voice, transcends borders, attracting international attention and discussion. With social media and electronic gadgets, people worldwide watch and vote for their preferred housemates. This maintains Nigeria's image on the global map, strengthening its position among nations.
In sum, Big Brother Naija has become an integral part of our culture, and its importance in Nigeria is undeniable. The show's engaging and enriching content offers diverse benefits to different audiences. As Ryan Seacrest noted, reality shows like Big Brother Naija are here to stay because they have become huge part of our culture.
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