Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Adekunle Olapade, has voiced concern over the fate of many participants, saying most BBNaija stars struggle after the show despite the platform’s massive popularity across Africa.
Adekunle noted that while Big Brother Naija remains the continent’s biggest reality TV franchise, the lack of a proper reality TV culture in Nigeria leaves many ex-housemates without clear career paths once the cameras stop rolling.
Taking to his social media handle, Adekunle wrote: “Let me double down and say that BBN is the biggest reality TV show in Africa, but somehow, Nigeria does not have a reality TV culture. There’s almost no guaranteed success path after the show, and most of the BBNaija stars struggle after the show because of this.”
His comments sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some agreeing that the entertainment industry provides little structure for long-term success, while others argued that former housemates should focus on rebuilding their personal and professional lives after leaving the house.
Responding to a fan who suggested that ex-contestants should simply return to their previous jobs, Adekunle clarified that many participants had no stable income before entering the show.
“A lot of the cast didn’t have 9-to-5 jobs to begin with — that’s why they joined Big Brother Naija, hoping to change their stories. Only a few had businesses or stable careers before the show. Still, returning to work if things don’t go as planned isn’t a bad idea,” he explained.
His remarks echo similar concerns recently raised by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who questioned whether winners of the reality show actually receive their promised prizes. According to him, several past winners have reportedly faced financial hardship not long after leaving the show.
As discussions continue, Adekunle’s statement has reignited debates about the sustainability of fame from Big Brother Naija and the need for stronger support systems to help BBNaija stars struggling after the show transition into lasting success.
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