Oluwabamike Adebuniyan, popularly known as BamBam, a former contestant on the Big Brother Naija reality show, has shared the motivations behind her decision to participate in the competition. In an interview with Saturday Beats, she explained that her primary goal was to gain more visibility as a professionally trained actress, a field she felt was difficult to break into without significant exposure.
“One of the major reasons I went into the Big Brother show was because I needed more visibility as a professionally trained actor,” BamBam revealed. She further elaborated on the struggles she faced in her acting career, including the fierce competition and often limited opportunities for roles that could truly showcase her talent.
BamBam, a graduate of the Royal Arts Academy, acknowledged the challenges many aspiring actors face in the entertainment industry. “It’s not easy to stand out in this industry as a filmmaker because it is very saturated. So, yes, going for a show like Big Brother gives you an unfair advantage over other people,” she admitted. Her words reflect the reality many actors face in a highly competitive and saturated industry.
The conversation also touched on the misconception that reality TV stars are often more focused on fame than skill. BamBam took the opportunity to clarify this, stating, “What makes brands come to you is because you are famous. Brands will not want to identify with anybody who does not have great engagement on their social media platforms.” She emphasized the role of social media as a powerful tool for building a personal brand and attracting endorsements.
Continuing on the topic of fame and financial rewards, BamBam discussed the economic challenges in Nigeria and how her career has shifted from her initial role as a microbiologist to becoming an influencer and brand ambassador. “With what I get from endorsements, if I had a regular paying job, that money would not sustain my lifestyle monthly,” she pointed out. “How much are they paying microbiologists in general hospitals today? Even if it is a private hospital, what is the highest that they can pay?”
