The Big Brother Naija reality TV show which started in 2006 has been the launch pad for many celebrities, including its current host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. Currently in its ninth season, the show has attracted contestants from different segments and parts of society, including the north, despite its controversial nature.This article chronicles contestants of northern extraction who have been on the show, reports Saturday PUNCH.
Katung Aduwak
Katung Aduwak hails from Zonkwa in Kaduna State, and is a graduate of Political Science. Aduwak was the winner of the inaugural season the show, and he took home a cash prize of $100,000.
Katung’s victory marked a significant turning point in his life. His strategic game play and authenticity helped him outshine all 14 participants, including Gideon Okeke and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
Following his win, Katung pursued further education at the Digital Film Academy in New York, United States of America, earning a degree in cinematography. He returned to Nigeria and quickly established himself in the media industry. Notable roles he has held include been the Chief Marketing Officer at Chocolate City, Senior Channel Manager at MTV Base, and CEO of One Eight Media.
His documentary series titled, ‘Perception: A Nigerian Narrative’, on October 1.
Diane Russet
Diane Yashim, widely known as Diane Russet, has grown from a reality TV star to being a filmmaker, actor, producer and entrepreneur.
She gained fame as a housemate on Big Brother Naija Season 4 in 2019. Since then, she has made remarkable strides in the film industry, particularly with her drama series, ‘Ricordi’, which won Best Original Drama Series at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In addition to her filmmaking endeavours, she is also a co-founder of Kaduna Food Bank.
Russet was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, but moved to Kaduna State at just two years old.
After the show, she has produced and starred in several short films and series, including ‘Therapist’, ‘Bayi’, ‘Storm’, and ‘Mo and Mel’.
Her series, ‘Ricordi’ featured controversial politician, Senator Dino Melaye, and it raised awareness about social issues and health concerns.
In 2022, she received nominations for her film, ‘Bayi’ at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, while ‘Mo x Mel’ was nominated for the Nxt Awards.
Prior to that, she had appeared as a video vixen in Chike’s 2020 music video titled, ‘If You No Love’.
She also premiered a new web series titled, ‘Dear Diane’ in January 2024.
Beauty Tukura
Beauty Tukura is a former beauty queen, lawyer and former BBN contestant from Taraba State.
The youngest of four children, she represented Taraba State in the 43rd Miss Nigeria pageant held at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos in 2019 and eventually became the 43rd Miss Nigeria. Before this, she held the title of Most Beautiful Girl in Taraba State.
In 2022, she participated in BBN’s seventh season. Unfortunately, her time in the house was cut short after just two weeks due to disqualification for breaking the show’s rules after she was engaged in an altercation with another housemate.
Tukura, who is also an entrepreneur, runs an online business called StylishBeauty, through which she sells branded designer items.
She is also a humanitarian, and in 2020, she founded the Girls Lead Club, an initiative aimed at empowering teenagers and young girls from underprivileged backgrounds to achieve their dreams.
Known to be a good dresser, she won the award for ‘Best Dressed Female’ at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for two years in a row in 2023 and 2024.
Aisha Umaru (Kaisha)
Aisha Umaru, popularly known as Kaisha, was a contestant in the fifth season of the show in 2020 christened, ‘Lockdown Edition’. During her time in the house, she was the fifth housemate to be evicted and her departure ignited discussions online, leading to the hashtag #JusticeForKaisha, as many fans disagreed with the show’s eviction twist.
Umaru, who is from Sokoto State, comes from a diverse family. Her father is a notable figure in Sokoto, while her mother hails from Imo State.
While in the house, Kaisha developed friendships, particularly with Dorathy, but also had conflicts, notably with Nengi. As a matter of fact, their arguments included personal jabs that almost turned physical, revealing a fiercer side of Kaisha. She also expressed feelings for fellow contestant Neo.
As the only female Hausa contestant in the house at the time, Kaisha faced scrutiny from members of the Muslim community regarding her participation in a show viewed by many as promoting nudity and suggestive behaviour. Despite the criticism, she continued to move forward with her brand.
Since leaving the show, she has focused on her entrepreneurial side. She currently runs a skincare brand called Kaisha Luxury Skincare. She also expresses her philanthropic side with the League of Hope Initiative.
Kiddwaya
Teerseer Waya, aka Kiddwaya, is the son of billionaire, Terry Waya. He was a contestant on BBN Season 5, ‘Lockdown Edition.’
His time on the show was not without drama. He had a romantic connection with fellow housemate, Erica Nlewedim, which drew attention and sparked controversy. Their relationship was highlighted during playful moments and was a hot topic even after Erica’s eviction.
Returning to the BBNaija stage for Season 8: All Stars edition, Kiddwaya made headlines again by offering his colleague, Cee-C, the equivalent of the grand prize to leave the house. He later became the second Head of House in two different seasons, showcasing his popularity.
As an entrepreneur, he is the CEO of Valley Agricultural and Foods Company, and co-founder of AK Exports. He has also never hidden his passion for health and fitness, which he considers one of his greatest achievements.
In a bid to explore his creative side, he attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, United Kingdom.
Bally B
Bobai Balat, aka Bally B, is a disc jockey and music producer, who gained fame as a contestant on Big Brother Naija season 2 in 2017.
Born in Kaduna, Bally holds a degree in Computer Information Technology from Purdue University and a BA in Economics from the American University of Nigeria, as well as a Master’s degree in International Economics from the University of Nottingham.
Growing up in a music-loving family with three elder siblings inspired his passion for music.
His time on BBN propelled him into the spotlight, and finished as the fifth runner-up.
In addition to his music career, Bally pursued acting, enrolling in the Royal Arts Academy in Nigeria for formal training. He went on to participate in several short films, and made guest appearances on TV shows.
After BBN, Bally launched the Bally Rally Movement, which focuses on youth empowerment and community outreach through music. The initiative entails charity excursions to support orphanages and internally displaced persons, along with music events featuring local artistes.
Jackie B
Jackie Bent, known as Jackie B, is an interior designer and event planner from Adamawa State. She gained fame as a housemate on the sixth season of the show in 2021.
In addition to her role as a designer, Jackie is a certified event and wedding planner. She started her own business, Lureino Bent Hair and Beauty Salon in 2014 and has built a significant presence on Instagram, where she shares fashion trends and beauty tips.
Jackie is the daughter of Folashade Bent, a former senator representing Adamawa South.
She also touches lives through the Jackie Bent Hope Foundation.
Yousef Adamu
Yousef Adamu captured the attention of many as a housemate in the 2021 edition of the reality TV show. Born to a Nigerian father and an Arabian mother, his mixed ethnicity generated significant interest among viewers.
The University of Jos graduate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering worked as a teacher, and is also a model, fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. His hobbies include hiking, reading and travelling.
Though his participation in the show sparked controversy among conservative Muslims, Yousef maintained that being a Muslim contestant on the show was not wrong.
Saskay
Saskay, born Tsakute Jonah, is a model, fine artist, and actress, who gained fame in 2021 after participating in Big Brother Naija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition.
She studied Fine Arts at Veritas University, and while in school, she won awards such as ‘Model of the Year’ and ‘Female Personality of the Year’.
She has since established herself as a model and fine artist, focusing primarily on canvas painting. Her artwork, which she often showcases on her Instagram page, has gained significant attention.
Saskay is an entrepreneur as well, with her products featured on platforms such as African Designers Mall.
Additionally, she made her acting debut in the romance-comedy film, ‘Cake’, where she played the role of Ifeoma.
While in BBN, she won the Supa Komando challenge, earning her N2m and a one-year ambassadorship deal with the brand. Her personality and talent also stood her out during the show.
Khalid
Ismail Ahalu, popularly known as Khalid, was a contestant in the Season 7, ‘Level Up Edition’ of the show.
During his time in the Big Brother house, he earned a reputation for his honesty, sincerity, and love for art.
Since leaving the house, Khalid has continued to pursue his passion for art and entrepreneurship. His love for art is unwavering, and he uses it as a platform to express himself and connect with others. As a freelancer, he has worked on various mural and graphic design projects.
As an entrepreneur, he is the CEO of Khalid Autos, a car dealership company he founded in 2012. He is also a basketball player, and his other hobbies include archery, skateboarding and motor-track racing. He also has a passion for filmmaking, photography and boxing, and is fluent in Japanese and Spanish.
