The 11th edition of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) officially began on Sunday night with the unveiling of 24 housemates who will compete for the season’s grand prize of N160 million.
The opening live show introduced the contestants from different parts of Nigeria and beyond, with each bringing unique personalities, backgrounds and aspirations into the iconic BBNaija House.
The opening show, which was hosted by media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, featured vibrant performances, colourful stage displays and the much-anticipated introduction of the housemates to millions of viewers across Africa.
The housemates are expected to spend the coming weeks in the house, where they will participate in various tasks, games, and challenges designed to test their creativity, resilience, teamwork, and entertainment value.
The housemates will also navigate relationships, strategic gameplay and weekly nominations while viewers determine their fate through periodic voting.
The “Show ya Sef” edition is expected to deliver the mix of drama, entertainment and competition that has made the reality show one of Africa’s most-watched television programmes.
Here’s a closer look at the 24 contestants hoping to become the next BBNaija winner.
Tram
Joshua Alekewumu, better known as Tram, is an author, entrepreneur and YouTuber. Currently engaged, he says Big Brother Naija is the perfect platform to introduce himself to a wider audience because he believes he is “a gem” the world needs to experience. He enjoys boxing, working out and reading, while describing his intuition as one of his greatest strengths.
Martins
Creative director and model Martins Iyeh believes he belongs on a platform as big as Big Brother Naija. A basketball enthusiast, he jokingly describes his hidden talent as mind-reading and hopes viewers will get to know his personality throughout the competition.
Abi
Abisola Ayoola, known as Abi, is a model and chef who says people have always told her she belongs on television. Married and full of positive energy, she enjoys cooking, dancing, working out and reading. She also says she can speak Italian almost perfectly and believes she has what it takes to stand out in the competition.
Chimsom Chuka
Pharmacist and actor Chimsom Chuka-Okoli says he joined the show because he wants to bring fun and authenticity into the house. Currently in a relationship, he enjoys basketball, football, golf and dancing, while counting drawing, singing and mimicry among his talents.
Keivo
Victor Ikpe, better known as Keivo, is a web developer who says he joined Big Brother Naija for the visibility the platform offers. Outside tech, he enjoys painting, drawing and playing video games, while revealing that he can dance despite keeping that talent mostly to himself.
Mercedes
Ijeoma Emi, popularly known as Mercedes, is self-employed and says viewers should expect entertainment, authenticity, confidence and vulnerability from her. She enjoys singing, dancing, making videos and playing dress-up, while revealing that she can sing opera.
Kamsy
Entrepreneur and event planner Kamsy Uzoma says she joined Big Brother Naija to grow her brand, expand her content creation journey and gain wider visibility. She enjoys spending time with friends and believes her outgoing personality will make her memorable in the house.
Sultex
Professional dancer, choreographer, cast director and movie director Sultan Aregbe-Obanikoro, known as Sultex, believes Big Brother Naija is the biggest platform in Nigeria and hopes it will take his career to the next level. He describes himself as someone who is blunt and always speaks his mind.
Aikou
Amyr Yousufzai, known as Aikou, is a backend developer who believes Big Brother Naija will provide the boost he needs for his career while giving him an unforgettable experience. A passionate reader and writer, he describes himself as someone who can appear distant but is ready to show a different side of himself in the house.
Araga
Fashion model Oluwaseyifunmi Sosanya, popularly known as Araga, hopes Big Brother Naija will help him step out of his shell and introduce him to a wider audience. He enjoys football and athletics and says acting is one of his hidden talents.
Barry
Muudumbari Pop-Yornwin, known as Barry, is a fashion designer who says he is bringing ambition, humour, creativity and competitiveness into the house. A self-described lover boy, Barry enjoys singing, acting, gaming, sports, reading, sewing and cooking.
Cassi
Entrepreneur Ezenwoke Nwosu, popularly known as Cassi, says he sees Big Brother Naija as an opportunity for a fresh start after a difficult period in his life. He enjoys drawing and painting and describes himself as highly organised.
Flora
Flora Egbedi is an entrepreneur who believes she has the confidence, intelligence and personality to thrive in Big Brother Naija. She enjoys travelling, dancing and cooking and says storytelling and content creation are among her strongest skills.
Gerard
Actor, radio host, presenter and content creator Gerard Adebija says he is excited by the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life. He enjoys gaming and reading and says he also raps, sings and writes.
Ricky
Patrick Jumbo, known as Ricky, is a writer and filmmaker who describes himself as an entertainer with an outspoken personality. He enjoys storytelling, debating and supporting Manchester United, while also revealing that he can sing, dance and mimic different accents.
Neche
Lawyer and entrepreneur Chinaecherem Maduagwu, popularly known as Neche, says joining Big Brother Naija has always been a dream. She enjoys music, fitness, fashion and self-care and admits she sometimes needs time alone to recharge.
Sheba
Broadcaster Faith Gamde, known as Sheba, believes the world is yet to see everything she has to offer. She enjoys travelling, hosting events and trying new ventures, while revealing that she is skilled at voice imitation and making animal sounds.
Bells
Isabella Imoh, popularly known as Bells, is a student who says she has always wanted to be on Big Brother Naija. She enjoys reading, bowling and cycling and describes herself as strategic and highly calculative.
Goddessa
Musician Lovette Okechukwu, known as Goddessa, says entertaining people comes naturally to her. She enjoys singing, dancing, reading and cooking and hopes the show will introduce more people to her talent.
Oyin
Sales entrepreneur Oyindamola Oshikoya, popularly known as Oyin, believes viewers will connect with her personality and life story. She enjoys music, movies and modelling and says she is highly observant despite her quiet nature.
Bluethopia
Usaku Bantai, known as Bluethopia, is a photographer, model and student who hopes Big Brother Naija will help showcase her creativity and authenticity. She enjoys cooking, watching movies and spending time with friends, while revealing that she is a speed reader.
Nomy
Whitney Chukwu, popularly known as Nomy, is a fashion entrepreneur who says she joined the show for the exposure it can bring to her brand. She enjoys travelling, reading and fashion and believes her intuition helps her understand people.
Temi Nkem
Temitope Chigbue, known as Temi Nkem, is a student who says she is bringing luxury, confidence and plenty of spice into Biggie’s house. She enjoys golfing, eating and walking and describes herself as a good listener who gives thoughtful advice.
Yusuf
Actor Yusuf Muhammad-Awal says Big Brother Naija represents more than a competition, describing it as a platform where people and their stories can truly be seen. He enjoys boxing, reading, writing and meaningful conversations and says he is ready for the challenge ahead.
With the full lineup now unveiled, the competition officially begins as the 24 housemates settle into life inside Biggie’s house. Over the coming weeks, viewers can expect alliances, rivalries, friendships, unexpected twists and weekly evictions as they battle for the ₦160 million grand prize and the title of Big Brother Naija Season 11 winner.