Former Big Brother Naija housemate and comedian, DeeOne, has ignited a wave of controversy within the entertainment industry by declaring that only three former contestants from the reality show have remained relevant in the public eye. According to DeeOne, he, television host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and actress Bisola Aiyeola are the only ex-housemates who have maintained their presence and influence since the show aired.
In a video posted on his TikTok page, DeeOne raised questions about the lasting impact of the Big Brother Naija experience, suggesting that for many former housemates, the reality show has been more of a hindrance than a launchpad for success. He argued that while many ex-housemates may still be working, they have failed to remain significant in the entertainment industry.
“In the history of Big Brother Naija, only three of us [housemates] are still relevant today: DeeOne, Ebuka, and Bisola. After the three of us, who else? This is not to say that the rest are not working. We have over 150 ex-housemates. How many are relevant?” DeeOne questioned in the viral video.
DeeOne went on to clarify that his comments were not about financial success, but about maintaining visibility and influence. “I’m not talking about making money. Everyone is making money. We are talking about relevancy. Let’s be realistic. You might not like it, but it’s the truth,” he said. His comments appeared to challenge the notion that merely earning money is an indication of success, emphasizing instead the importance of staying in the public eye.
As part of his critique, DeeOne highlighted the career trajectory of some ex-housemates, including Erica Nlewedim, who had established herself as an actress before her Big Brother Naija appearance. According to DeeOne, Erica’s career stagnated following her time in the house. He also cited Teddy A, a musician who was touring African countries before the show, but who allegedly saw his career falter afterward.
In addition to Erica and Teddy A, DeeOne mentioned rapper Laycon, who rose to fame after winning the 2020 season of Big Brother Naija. Despite his success on the show, DeeOne argued that Laycon’s career had slowed down after his victory. These examples, according to DeeOne, are reflective of a broader trend in which many ex-housemates struggle to capitalize on their newfound fame.
“Most of us went into the Big Brother Naija house in pursuit of fame, not even the prize money,” DeeOne concluded. “But when you come out, it’s ten times more difficult.” His statement painted a picture of the harsh realities many reality TV stars face, particularly the pressure to maintain relevance once the show is over.
