BBNaija Season 7: How the double-house format has restored unpredictability

There was excitement in the air as the BBNaija Level Up housemates stepped into the arena on Monday evening for the Head of House game, hugging their friends from across levels and engaging in small talk. Then the camera cut to Doyin, searching for Beauty and Cyph, her best friends in Level 2. Her smile faded as she realised what had happened. The tears came a few minutes later.

Watch the moment Adekunle was announced as Week 3 Head of House

For viewers at home, we knew this was coming, but still, it was sad. We knew Beauty had been disqualified and Cyph evicted, but Doyin was just looking forward to her gossip partner and love interest. She enjoyed those small talks with Beauty – they caused trouble in their different houses, but what’s the fun without little sprinkles of chaos in Big Brother’s house?

She also definitely enjoyed locking lips with Cyph every Saturday.

https://twitter.com/drwadlor/status/1556688742903062528

Social media cried with her as we all felt her heartbreak, but we couldn’t help but marvel at how the double-house format is bringing new and unique elements to BBNaija.

Typically, housemates bond quickly because they are in the same house 24/7, and relationships spring up within a few days. Introducing two houses changes the dynamic; we are seeing contestants engage in long-distance relationships, which seem more exciting. Doyin looks forward to meeting Beauty; Phyna begs Biggie for a few minutes with EloSwag; Amaka talks about GiddyFia all the time.

Amaka is talking about rocking GiddyFia on Saturday in front of Pharmsavi who is declaring feelings for her.

This life tough. 😔😔

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Scarcity has entered BBNaija relationships, and absence makes the heart grow fonder. We are seeing for the first time the feelings and longing that occupy body and soul when loved ones aren’t within reach in Biggie’s house.

But perhaps the most crucial dynamic introduced by the double-house feature is unpredictability.

Nigerians know how to guy a guy-man, and this has been evident in recent seasons of BBNaija. Contestants with thorough game plans, or those who look and act in a certain way, cruise into the final stages, making the game predictable. From launch day, you could tell the show’s winner by how they talk, look, or were perceived. After the first week, you had your confirmation.

All that changes this year.

Toke and guests chat about relationships across the Level Up houses on The Buzz

No one can predict a winner because the route to the final stage isn’t clear to anyone. This is partly because BBNaija is as much a group game as it is an individual game this year. Personal strategies, while still relevant, won’t be the ultimate route to the prize money, and whoever wins this year will bring fresh gravitas to the show.

It’s more exciting as we are only a few weeks in; we are yet to witness all the twists that will come with the double-house system. Will Big Brother shuffle the housemates? What happens when one level loses almost all their housemates? What roles will the recently announced Riders, aka Biggie’s agents, play?

All will be revealed in due time, and as viewers at home, we’re in for a ride – and so are the housemates.

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