Big Brother Naija is the express lane to instant fame. One minute you’re just a regular person tweeting in your towel, the next, you’re trending on X (formerly Twitter), you’ve got fan pages named after you, and strangers are calling you “king” or “queen” like you own a whole dynasty.
But, the thing they don’t always tell you is that fame is not the same as fortune. BBNaija gives you a massive platform, but what you do with it? That’s on you. For every housemate who turns the spotlight into a real brand, there’s another who fumbles the bag, big time. Lavish spending, poor management, fake lifestyle pressure… the list goes on.
In this piece, we’re looking at some ex-BBNaija housemates who went from famous to fading into the background.
No shade, no slander, just lessons. Because sometimes, it’s not about how you enter the spotlight, but how you sustain it.
1. Efe, BBNaija 2017 Winner
Remember “Based on Logistics”? Efe was a national fave during the “See Gobe” season in 2017. The Delta-born rapper won the grand prize, ₦25 million cash and a car, and was on top of the world. But after BBNaija, his music career struggled to take off, despite releasing several singles and even an EP.
His visibility dropped, endorsements dried up, and soon, the BBNaija buzz wore off.
By 2021, rumors were flying about financial struggles and being blacklisted by certain industry players. Whether true or not, it was a sharp contrast to his post-win hype. Moral of the story? BBNaija is a launchpad, not a guarantee.
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2. ThinTallTony, BBNaija 2017
ThinTallTony was one of the more dramatic personalities in the house, an actor, dancer, and full-time entertainer. He had the charisma, he had the fans, but after the show, things got quiet.
Clout doesn’t equal relevance and financial success. Without structure, management, or a monetisable plan, even the most entertaining housemates can fall through the cracks. And sadly, many do.
3. Gifty Powers, BBNaija 2017
Gifty was controversial, dramatic, and unforgettable during her season. But post-show? The fame didn’t translate into real success. She did a few brand partnerships and stirred up headlines with her bold opinions, but there was no long-term career arc, no big business move, no reinvention.
She faded from the limelight.
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4. Bassey, BBNaija 2017
Remember Bassey? Fit, talented, and full of charm. He was tipped to become the next big thing in acting, dance, or even fitness. But after BBNaija, the hype fizzled. There were some Nollywood gigs and TV appearances, but nothing major or long-lasting.
Eventually, he relocated abroad to seek greener pastures and basically stepped out of the limelight. Was it burnout? Bad management? Or just the pressure of staying relevant?
5. Ella, BBNaija Pepper Dem – 2019
Ella was beautiful, talented, and had a lovely voice, but sadly, her post-BBNaija journey took a heartbreaking turn. Just months after the show, she publicly appealed for financial help for her mother’s medical bills. She was called out by fellow housemates who accused her of mismanaging funds.
Whether or not that was fair, one thing was clear: Ella was not financially stable, and the fame had not translated into any major earnings. Her music career didn’t take off either, despite a few attempts.
Ella’s story is painful, but it highlights how brutal the entertainment industry can be if you don’t have the right support system or money blueprint.
Fame is a loan, not a gift
The BBNaija house gives you exposure, but what happens next is all on you. We’ve seen people like Mercy Eke, Tacha, and Liquorose build empires off the same platform. Others? Not so lucky.
It’s not about who was the loudest in the house or who had the biggest fanbase, it’s about planning, consistency, and smart money moves.
So if you’re dreaming of entering that house, just know: getting famous is easy. Staying rich? That’s the real hustle.
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