The curtains have opened to yet another Big Brother Naija season. The latest season premiered on Saturday, July 23rd with a dozen housemates introduced to fans and then to Big Brother’s house. The second opening day saw another set of 12 BBNaija housemates make their way into Big Brother’s house number two. As most fans of the reality TV show already know, the housemates have been split into two houses, the first set collectively referred to as Level 2 are camped in one house while the second set aka Level 1 are together in a different house. This brings the total of BBNaija housemates for the Level Up season to 24, 12 females and 12 males.
Social media has been set abuzz from the get-go with varying opinions about the housemate’s first impressions. Big brother has also received some tongue-lashing for his choice of interior decor, hopefully, this won’t hamper on the show’s entertainment value. The housemates are in and ready to play with hopes to level up to the finale. Yet to pick a fave? Read through to discover each of the BBNaija housemates competing in the Level Up season.
Phyna describes herself as a short-tempered lady who is very allergic to malice and gossip and will never be found involved in any in the house (we’re watching you lady!) “My view on relationships is: Na mumu dey fall in love,” the born entertainer says, but this is big brother’s house and anything can happen. Phyna’s goal for joining BBNaija was so she could “make a difference.”
Savior is a licensed pharmacist whose first love is acting. He hopes that BBNaija will avail him the opportunity to showcase his acting talents so he can professionally pursue the craft after the show. He is an extrovert who finds it easy to make friends and thus has lots of them. His obsession with a neat space, he says could be a source of contention between him and his fellow housemates. Savior is emotional and competitive.
Khalid is a freelance graphic designer and muralist who engages in extreme sports (such as skateboarding, and archery) for fun. He has a charismatic personality and enjoys having deep meaningful conversations with like minds. His other interests include mythology, basketball, and anime.
Kess is a married man who adores his family. He is a diehard fan of BBNaija and being a housemate is a dream come true for him. He is a businessman with many talents spanning from acting to dancing.
A Gen Z graduate of criminology and security studies, Ilebaye describes herself as controversial, adventurous, and a straight-talker. Some of the fun activity she enjoys includes swimming, partying, and bowling. She hopes to utilize her BBnaija fame to promote her business.
The 6 ft 5-inch tall Groovy says he’s single and hopes to find love, so shippers lookout for this one. The UNILAG grad owns a fashion business, models, and does music on the side. He describes himself as being ambitious and is not one to back down from an argument.
Amaka famously said on stage that she hopes to disappoint anyone who thinks a man will win the Level Up Season. She is a bold go-getter who is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. She admits to being a talkative, a trait that helps her stay honest.
Beauty is a former beauty queen who believes in the power of dogged determination. The last of 4 siblings, she holds a law degree but will love to promote her brand after Big Brother. She describes herself as a free-spirit who is open and reliable.
Bryann is a recording artist hoping to get further with his music career after the show. He is an ambivert with good people skills but maintains that he can be forgetful.
Christy O is an extrovert who enjoys having fun and maintains that there’s no dull moment with her. If her life were a movie, it will be titled “The Spice Girl.” She’s a great listener who pays attention to detail and would readily offer a helping hand to anyone in need. She promises to keep her pants on in the house. Her bad side? She is argumentative and blunt.
Cyph is an empath who feels and understands people deeply. He is a graphic designer who wishes he could also paint. Cyph has a competitive spirit which he believes most housemates will not like. He loves food, music, movies, and traveling.
Daniella is a ball of energy who enjoys working out. She’s a creative who loves to write poetry, sing, and dance and hopes to showcase her creative side to the fullest on the show. The sensitive and extremely observant Daniella has a strong dislike for bullies and will stand up to them at every given opportunity.
Chinenyenwa strips at night and works as a chef at dawn. She had a troubled childhood but is determined not to let her difficult experiences define her future. When she gets on the bad side of a fellow housemate, it could likely be due to her smart mouth. She loves drama and is ready to bring it on.
Watch out for Chomzy on the dance floor on Saturday nights as she describes herself as the life of the party who simply enjoys twerking. She hails from a close-knit family and hates betrayals and oppression. She hopes to promote her business on the show and expand it when the show’s done.
He is a fitness enthusiast and creative thinker who graduated with flying colors with an engineering degree. Gideon possesses a fun side that makes him easily likable. He hates drama!
16. Diana
Full Name: Diana Isoken Edobor
Age: 33
State: Edo
House: Level 1
Dual-lingual (French and English) Diana is a project manager by profession and loves to learn about new cultures, however, she hopes to jumpstart an acting career after the show. She is friendly but daring and not one to get easily intimidated.
17. Dotun
Full Name: Oladotun Mofiyinfoluwa Oloniyo
Age: 26
State: Ekiti
House: Level 1
Dotun graduated top of his class with a degree in medical physiology from the prestigious University of Ibadan. When he isn’t fixing up cramped limbs, he loves to keep his own limbs active through work-outs. He is friendly, fun-loving, and competitive, qualities he hopes viewers will find entertaining.
18. Doyin
Full Name: Doyinsola Anuoluwapo David
Age: 26
House: Level 1
Doyin is a medical radiologist but hopes to find a place in the entertainment industry as she considers medicine boring. She’s cheerful and fun but her knack for being blatantly honest makes it difficult for her to keep friends. Doyin says she’s good at manipulating but is a loyal friend who will never back-stab. She hates selfish and self-centered people.
19. Eloswag
Full Name: Eloka Paul Nwamu
Age: 27
State: Delta
House: Level 1
A techie who is confident in his own skin, Eloswag says he has what it takes to make the house fun. He has his way with ladies and is in the house to have fun and network.
20. Hermes
Full Name: Hermes Chibueze Iyele
House: Level 1
Hermes is a dancer and performance artist who has gone intercontinental with his talent. He has choreographed for industry greats like Burna Boy, Davido, and Ajebo Hustlers. He admits to being in a polyamorous relationship with 2 women and hopes to mingle in the house. Basketball is among his favorite pastimes.
21. Sheggz
Full Name: Segun Daniel Olusemo
Age: 26
State: Lagos
House: Level 1
Sheggz is a pro-footballer who after sustaining a sports injury turned his focus towards acting. A London boy who is still in touch with his Naija spirit, Seggz is ambitious, hardworking, and confident. He’s open to finding love in the house.
22. Adekunle
Full Name: Adekunle Tobilola Olopade Adekunle
Age: 27
State: Lagos
House: Level 1
Adekunle is an introvert who when not making money as a digital marketing consultant loves to solve other people’s problems. He’s a peacemaker by nature but not one to cower when being challenged. He considers himself very knowledgeable and would love to win the money to help pay off his mom’s mortgage.
23. Allysyn
Full Name: Osy Allysyn Audu
Age: 25
House: Level 1
A model and social media enthusiast, Allysyn wants to become a full-time social media influencer and TV presenter. She’s a fun-lover, joker, loyal friend sucker for love and is open to finding love in the house.
24. Bella
Full Name: Chidimma Esther Okagbue
Age: 25
“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,” Bella says describing the type of life she wants which led her to the BBNaija house. She creates online content and loves photography. She’s a competitor who likes to win all the time and finds it easier befriending guys than girls.
Why I Refused To Rap In English For Global Validation – Olamide
When the conversation around Nigerian hip hop legends arises, Olamide Badoo’s name sits firmly at the top of the list.
From his breakout in the early 2010s to becoming a full-blown cultural force, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has built an empire around authenticity, consistency, and a fearless embrace of his roots.
The YBNL boss is not only responsible for his own catalogue of timeless street anthems, but for discovering and nurturing some of the country’s biggest modern stars, from Lil Kesh to Fireboy DML to Asake.
What sets Olamide apart isn’t just his ear for hits or his dominance on the charts. It is his refusal to conform. In an era when many Nigerian artists switched to English or diluted their sound in search of international recognition, Olamide doubled down on the streets that made him.
During a recent interview with Eddie Kaddi on BBC Radio 1 Extra, Olamide spoke candidly about the philosophy behind his decision to rap in his native language rather than switching to English for global appeal.
His words revealed a sense of pride that goes beyond music.
He said: “Growing up and seeing the likes of Awilo Longomba doing his thing, Brenda Fassi (…). These people never tried to infuse English by force or anything. They were just doing their thing. Key thing is you have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, then the rest of the world are going to catch up eventually. So I have to stay true to myself no matter what it is, where it is in this world.”
The 36-year-old star added: “I’m a Naija boy. If I want to wear my Agbada and my Dashiki, I will do it. Let them know what I’m really all about — my heritage, my lineage, my culture, my food. You just have to stay true to yourself and that’s the only way you can become comfortable in life. I’m comfortable in my skin, I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy. I’ve got H-factor and all that. And I’m proud about it.”
That statement alone captures the very essence of Olamide’s career, a superb balance of street confidence, cultural loyalty, and an unshakeable belief in himself.
It is the same attitude that has fuelled his rise from Bariga to global acclaim, without ever having to abandon his linguistic or sonic identity.
#SpotlightAfricaThrowbackSeries The Exclusive Wedding of Chief Sunday and Mrs Oluwatosin Oso in Akure
Joyful was the moment when the families of Oso in Ado-Ekiti and Ojo in Akure, Ondo State, as their children, Chief Sunday Oso and Mrs. Oluwatosin Ojo, formally sealed their lifelong union with an exchange of marital vows on November 6, 2021.
For the two lovebirds, the aura exuded nothing but love, as they both looked resplendent in their beautiful attire, gazing at each other with overwhelming excitement.
The event kicked off with a photo session by the couple at St. Jacobs Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Akure, Ondo State, which hosted notable guests from across Nigeria and abroad. At the same time, families, friends, and well-wishers converged at BAS Event Centre, Akure, Ondo State, the venue for both the traditional marriage and reception.
The two families expressed their joy as they warmly welcomed one another during the engagement. Guests were enlivened with rib-cracking jokes by the popular actress, Ronke Ojo, popularly known as Oshodi Oke, who anchored the event. The Ogbomoso-based Fuji maestro, Ramoni Akanni, did not fail to entertain guests with lively music. It was an all-you-can-eat menu accompanied by varieties of drinks, wine, and liquor.
Dignitaries in attendance include top politician, Hon. Olu Araoyinbo, Chairman, West Park Hotel, Mr Rasaq Oseni, Aare Khalif Adebiyi, Nigerian-based businessman, Mr Sesan Adelabu, Emirates, Chairman, St. Jacobs Hotel, Mr Babatope Adebiyi (Jafil), the Waziri of Ekiti State, Alhaji Ajijola, former Chairman, Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, among others.
Couple makes history with Nigeria’s first train wedding
As the rhythmic clatter of wheels echoed along the Lagos–Ibadan railway route, a different kind of journey unfolded inside some of the coaches. Nigerian actor Shawn Faqua and his partner, Sharon Ifunnaya, an event planner, made history by exchanging vows on a moving train, marking the first wedding of its kind in Nigeria.
The ceremony took place aboard a train departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos. The coaches, normally a functional passenger compartment, were transformed into a wedding venue, with guests seated at tables, floral arrangements along the windows, a small aisle, and a distinct sense of movement beneath the couple’s feet.
Videos and photos quickly circulated online, showing the train in motion, guests seated, the bride and groom exchanging rings, all of these happening while the train sped past skylines and small towns outside the windows, adding a cinematic touch to the celebration.
A viral clip captures the bride, announcing cheerfully, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” And Shawn adds with a grin: “First ever! Breaking record!” This light-hearted tone sets the affair apart as a bold idea executed with joy rather than a stiff and strictly formal event.
In a country where weddings often follow a popular route of banquet halls, churches, and lush locations, Shawn and Sharon’s choice stood out for its novelty and playful spirit. Instead of a stationary venue, they chose to literally move. The train symbolised motion, journey, and progress, which can be interpreted as a very clever metaphor for beginning a life journey together.
On top of that, the event subtly highlighted Nigeria’s rail travel, which is still bouncing back. The renovation and revitalisation of train lines, especially those linking Lagos with neighbouring cities, has brought trains back into the public eye. This wedding transformed that infrastructure into a setting for romance and celebration.
The wedding caught social-media attention, both for its uniqueness and the celebrity names involved. On Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, various video clips and images of the couple prompted jokes, praises, and reactions.
Weddings in Nigeria often carry a strong cultural and social load that includes multiple ceremonies (traditional, civil, white, religious), large guest lists, elaborate halls, and aesthetics. But this train wedding offered something different. It didn’t abandon tradition as the couple still held a traditional Igbo ceremony. But it added an unexpected and modern twist to the venue and setting.
This is probably a sign of how wedding culture in Nigeria is evolving. Couples increasingly seek personalisation, memorable experiences, and Instagram-worthy moments that reflect their personality, rather than simply replicating a standard format.
Recent Comments