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.
Asake Drops fourth studio album M$NEY, featuring DJ Snake, Tiakola Amongst Others
Four albums in, two Grammy nominations to his name, the most entries on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, and the most-streamed artist on Spotify Nigeria, Asake drops M$NEY, his fourth studio album released on the 1st of May via GIRAN REPUBLIC and EMPIRE.
The 13-track project is Asake’s most sonically varied to date. It opens with a live choral performance (an unusual choice that immediately signals this is not going to be a straightforward Afrobeats record) and moves through orchestral arrangements, jazz-tinged strings, dance production, and amapiano before it is done.
Speaking on the album, Asake said: “M$NEY is a reflection of my spiritual and creative journey. Everything flows from a place of gratitude to God, and every moment that’s shaped me. I stay true to myself but also weave in new creative expressions from my life experiences and personal evolution.”
Fans got their first taste of the project as far back as February 2025 with ‘Why Love’, followed by ‘Badman Gangsta’ featuring French artist Tiakola, a track built around a reimagined sample of Amerie’s ‘1 Thing’ that turned out to be one of the more interesting sonic swings of his singles run.
Then came ‘Worship’ with DJ Snake, which pushed the project into full cross-continental territory.
The full album expands on all of that. Outside the previously released singles, the album includes ‘Gratitude’, ‘Forgiveness’, and ‘Asambe’, a collaboration with South African amapiano producer Kabza De Small. It’s a pairing that will likely draw attention, given both artists’ standing in their respective markets.
The album artwork was created by Iraqi-Dutch artist Arthar Jabar.
Bovi To Replace IK Osakioduwa as hosts for 12th edition Of AMVCA, Ending 11-year Run
After eleven consecutive editions under the same host, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is changing the face of its stage.
The organisers have announced Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha as co-hosts for the 12th edition, scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, bringing to a close IK Osakioduwa’s unbroken run as the face of the ceremony since its debut in 2013.
Osakioduwa has been a fixture of the AMVCA since the awards launched, hosting every edition across more than a decade. His departure from the role marks the most significant change to the ceremony’s presentation since its inception.
In his place steps Bovi, one of Nigeria’s most recognised stand-up comedians, known for his sharp wit, storytelling, and stage command. Joining him is Nomzamo Mbatha, whose profile extends well beyond the screen. The actress, producer, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador gained international recognition through her role in Coming 2 America and currently stars as Queen Nandi in the acclaimed epic drama series Shaka iLembe, for which she also serves as Executive Producer.
The organisers described the pairing as “a master of wit and narrative, and a global icon of screen and advocacy,” promising a night where “mastery meets African excellence.” Bovi, speaking on his appointment, made clear he understands the significance of the occasion.
“The AMVCA stage is one of the biggest in Africa, and I don’t take that lightly,” he said. “I want to bring the energy, the laughs, and the magic that this night deserves. African storytelling is at an all-time high, and it’s an honour to be the one holding the mic while we celebrate the best of it.”
Veteran actress Joke Silva has been named head judge for the 12th edition.On the nominations front, Gingerrr and The Herd lead the pack with nine nods each across acting, directing, and technical categories. To Kill A Monkey follows with eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow, from the Davies brothers, earned seven across various categories.
Adekunle Gold surprises Simi with Mercedes-Benz GLE and diamond ring for her 38th birthday
Afrobeats hitmaker Adekunle Gold marked his wife Simi’s 38th birthday on April 19 with a surprise gift of a brand new Mercedes-Benz GLE and a diamond ring, in a moment that has since circulated widely across social media.
A video shared by Adekunle Gold on his Instagram page captured the moment the award-winning singer Simi walked out to find the luxury vehicle, visibly overcome with emotion, before embracing her husband. The clip spread rapidly online, drawing warm reactions from fans and fellow entertainers.
The gesture comes at a particularly eventful period for the couple. Just days after welcoming their second child in March, Adekunle Gold had made headlines for acquiring two new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which he named “Taye” and “Kehinde”, the Yoruba terms for twins. The birthday gift to Simi follows in that vein, reflecting what has been a notably celebratory season for the household.
Simi, for her part, had taken to social media earlier in the day to mark the occasion independently. In a post, she described the past year as “a pretty big, long, heavy, blessed year,” expressing gratitude for her faith and the people closest to her. The surprise that followed appeared to be entirely unscripted.
This is not the first time Adekunle Gold has made a public gesture of this nature on his wife’s birthday. On her 35th birthday in April 2023, he presented her with a multimillion naira customised diamond necklace bearing her name, a moment that similarly trended online. The pattern has come to define how the couple marks the date each year.
Their relationship has been a fixture of public interest since they first came to prominence as a couple. The two began dating in 2014, maintained a private relationship for five years, and married on January 9, 2019.
They celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary in January 2026 and welcomed their second child the following March. Despite sustained public attention and periodic online speculation about their relationship, the couple has remained a consistent presence in each other’s lives and work.
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