What BBNaija Means To Different People

So BBNaija is almost here again. Right about now, event organizers MultiChoice would be putting in the final preparations with the headline sponsor, vendors etc.

So, What Does BBNaija mean?

It depends on who you ask. To MultiChoice, it’s arguably their biggest product. A product so addictive that many consumers -who abandon television watching because of YouTube and Netflix – suddenly decide to subscribe for DSTV.

To many Nigerian youths, it’s an opportunity to excercise their voting rights by voting for their favourite housemates – I wish the process of getting PVC was as easy as (or even easier than) voting in BBNaija.

To Nigerian housemates, it’s an opportunity to make it. And for those of them who have already seen money, an opportunity to make more by adding a layer or two of fame. Many housemates dream of the money they would make from tasks, the grand prize and the gifts and endorsement deals probably waiting for them outside the house.

To some people in government and politics, it is an avenue to distract the youths. Like the way Julius Caesar used the gladiator events to distract Roman youth. Leaders have always used entertainment as one of the tools to distract their youth in times of difficulty… But the reality of EndSars which came after a BBNaija ‘distraction’ shows that for the youth, a psychologist or strategist cannot always predict them.

To the bored housewife at home, it’s an opportunity to switch from ZeeWorld channel to BBNaija channel for a couple of months.

To fans it’s an opportunity to gain relevance. Some gain relevance simply by backing their faves on WhatsApp fan groups or on Instagram or Twitter. Think of fan groups like Whitemoney’s MoneyGeng or Pere’s Patriots.  Other fans become shippers, ‘bribing’ a combination of housemates to try to get them to get married. These shippers are ready to combine their financial power to sponsor their faves’ wedding if only the faves would play ball. 🏀

What of the Instagram account handlers and photographers?

BBNaija means a different things to different folks. To critics, it’s yet another season of railing against the show on online forums (even when some (not all) secretly go back to watch it. LoL).

To viewers on television and on Twitter, it’s often a combination of everything.

What are some things viewers would be looking out for?

They’d be looking out for the new Head of House lounge. BBNaija organizers have formed a habit of surprising viewers with the luxurious design of the Head of House lounge, which is like an Aso Rock for housemates.

Mystery: Last time it was the ‘fake housemates’ who were planted into the show among the real ones. Or Nino’s fake disappearance where Biggie played with the mind of housemates. Who knows what mystery Biggie will stir this time around?

Romance: viewers look out for new love triangles and situationships that may emerge and this leads to fierce debate even on the tv screens. Some even want to see what happens under the duvet (wink). These types would be happy if BBNaija organizers can somehow install cameras under each duvet.

Gbas gbos: some viewers just love ‘vawulence‘ and want to see controversy in the house. Not real physical fights perhaps, but shouting matches perhaps. Think of Pere and Maria fans. But sometimes Kayode disappoints by pointing the camera elsewhere while action is happening somewhere.

Others want to give out sympathy votes for their ‘maltreated’ faves.

Viewers would want to see the different varieties of food in the house, and see which housemate eats like they’ve not seen such food before (with the way Nigeria’s economy currently is, can you blame them)?

And some viewers will want to see Ebuka’s table shaking questions on eviction night, while Ebuka’s tailors would want viewers to see there fashion creations. LoL.

Why the show is SO addictive

Nigerians and Africans just love a story, good or bad. What BBNaija organizers do with the show is to put some Nigerians in front of the camera in a ‘golden cage’ and then let them alone while giving them directions from time to time. The actors are now expected to entertain, just like the ancient Romans expected the gladiators to fight. Like the gladiator fights, as the show progresses some contestants are forced to leave on the eviction night show.

A blank canvass is provided to the housemates, and then they are expected to paint on it with their words and actions.

Let’s see what they paint this year.