10 June 2021
BBN S5 Reunion: What has the Lockdown gang been up to?
Big Brother Naija fans love the show for its relatable entertainment, but for the contestants, it has evolved from a bit of fun on reality TV to a platform to position your personal brand and launch into fame. Contestants go from obscurity to superstardom, establishing businesses and working with companies they could only dream of!
Ahead of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown reunion show, let’s take a closer look at how Big Brother Naija has changed the lives of the Lockdown contestants and what they have been up to.
Watch the trailer for the Big Brother Naija Lockdown Reunion
Laycon
Arguably the busiest of the housemates, Laycon has lived up to the hype of being a BBNaija winner. It’s been all about the music for him. After leaving Biggie’s House, he wasted no time, jumping on DJ Neptune’s already-sizzling track Nobody for a superb remix. He didn’t allow his newfound fame to distract him from the music. He dropped videos from his EP, Who is Laycon (released during his time in the house), and worked on more music.
Laycon’s triumphs include merging his reality star status with his music career. He worked on his debut album while shooting Nigeria’s first Showmax Original, I Am LAYCON. He worked with brands like Multichoice’s GOtv, Fire condoms and jumped on the hottest songs in the country because everybody – singers and brands – wanted him.
Dorathy
Dorathy kicked off her post-BBNaija life the celebrity way. She attended events such as Mercy Eke’s birthday and the 6th PAN African Fashion Runaway; appeared on NdaniTV with on-and-off BFF Prince; did theme photoshoots for Independence Day and Christmas and landing on the cover of a few magazines.
However, Dorathy isn’t just celebrity-ing. She is securing the bag via endorsement deals with Mapia Tea, VSP Botanic and Lucious virgin hair, as well as a lingerie line.
But she isn’t focusing on her money and partying only; she’s used her platform to raised awareness for autism.
Nengi
A few weeks after the show, Nengi signed a management deal with PlayNetwork, the Charles Okpaleke company known for its many involvements in the entertainment scene, especially its recent dabbling into the film industry. Through her deal, she secured a cameo on the almost completed remake of Amaka Igwe’s Rattlesnake, a signal that she might be dabbling into Nollywood. (She shot her first film some months later.)
She also performed alongside Broda Shaggi and Mr Macaroni on an AY live comedy show and bought a house. Away from entertainment, Nengi was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Neo
Before Big Brother, Neo Akpofure was a ride-hailing app driver whose “biggest achievement” was winning N500,000 from a talent competition. These days, he is an in-demand model and fashion influencer.
Neo was one of the most fashionable contestants in the Big Brother house, so it is no surprise that fashion brands want him.
Vee
Vee has worked to elevate her music career with more ears listening, and there have been glimpses of her brilliance. There is the single, Show, and the remix of MI’s Action Film with rapper Ycee for the Budweiser Smooth King remix, but we are still awaiting her EP.
Also, look forward to her cohosting the Trophy Extra Special Band show alongside Bolanle.
Ozo
Ozo positioned himself as a football lover during his time at the house and sports brands noticed. While distractingly hot pictures for the gram marked his first few weeks outside the house, it didn’t take long before he appeared on SuperSport’s Africa Sports On show. He followed that with Budweiser’s King of Football, then got appointed as the brand manager of Juventus Academy in Nigeria.
Ozo also has a show on the popular sports radio station Brilla FM. He has visited prominent politicians, including Edward David Onoja, the Deputy Governor of Kogi, and Nigeria’s youth and sports development minister, Mr Sunday Dare.
Trikytee
Trikytee has been quiet. Two months after his eviction, he was appointed special assistant to Bayelsa’s governor. He also has a vlog where he jumps on different trending topics and makes funny skits.
Brighto
Another quiet one. He had his Nollywood debut some months back and featured alongside Wathoni in a Reekado Banks’ music video, but has generally been lowkey. Maybe Brighto is scheming as he did in the house and something big is coming. We are looking to that. Apply pressure.
Wathoni
Wathoni’s path is educating and informing people on parenting. The single mother has a talk show, Baby Talk Show, where she invites celebrities to discuss the journey of parenthood. She also released a book on parenting last November.
In recent months, her show focused on teenage pregnancy, child labour and being a single father.
Prince
Prince has maintained a regal presence outside the house, and one of his most majestic post-BBNaija moments was the Nwakaibeya Guinness ambassador unveiling. It confirms Prince’s brand; he is not famous for being famous, but notable for being a class act.
Kiddwaya
Kiddwaya has shown levels since he left the house, embracing his billionaire kid status in every way.
He’s peppering us with photos from his travels to different luxury locations when he isn’t working with international brands such as Ciroc or hanging with his rich political uncles.
Lucy
Lucy wasted no time diving back to her business, Luciana Grills, which she ran before Big Brother, and it’s not surprising that the company has grown tremendously.
Erica
The Queen of the internet, Erica has been doing the most. From Nollywood and sending subs to other contestants to signing huge ambassadorship deals. There’s always something from Erica.
Erica started her post-BBNaija life with a bang: her fans donated over 60,000 dollars after her disqualification. Why? A queen deserves all the support she can get. She’s returned the favour by giving them content to pepper other fanbases.
Tolani Baj
Tolani returned to her pre-BBNaija hustle. She was a YouTuber giving IJGB content; she discussed moving back to Naija and reviewed luxury apartments in Lagos on her page. If you wondered how she’s always a vibe, it’s because she is comfortable around a camera.
She’s also launched her foundation, Project TBaj, through which she “feeds people and helps the less privileged.”
Praise
In an interview, Praise said he went on BBNaija because he wanted to use the platform to promote his creative art, dance and fitness, and become a household name. And he’s been doing that. Check out one of his dance routines below.
Kaisha
Kaisha has not gone to Nollywood, music or sport, but she hasn’t been quiet. She’s served hot pics, sent subs and been a sweet girl for the gram! Some babes just want to relax and be taken care of, and we can’t fault that.
Eric
Eric was one of the contestants whose post-BBNaija path was always evident. He loved the gym and spoke about building a fitness-related business. Check out some of his gym routines on his YouTube page.
Tochi
Tochi spent a short time in the house, but it was enough to increase his visibility as a real estate developer and attract construction and real estate brands.
But when he isn’t a celebrity realtor, he is showing off his acting skills. Maybe Nollywood will call soon.
Lilo
Lilo has been quiet on the entertainment scene, and maybe she does not enjoy the spotlight, but the dietician has channeled her energy towards her businesses, Cafe23bylilo and Lilo’s Closet.
The BBNaija Lockdown Reunion Show kicks off on Thursday 17 June at 10 pm WAT. It’s available to watch on on DStv’s Africa Magic Urban and Africa Magic Family channels, as well as online or on your phone with Showmax. Episodes air Mondays through to Fridays.
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