Nigerians question Big Brother Naija hosting in SA as show begins

The reality TV series, Big Brother Nigeria, was on Sunday re-launched as “Big Brother Naija” with 12 contestants also known as “housemates”, after a 10-year hiatus of holding its first edition. The reality show returned with glitz and glamour, but not without some controversy as generated in quarters in Nigeria when it was discovered that the event was being staged in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Many had taken to social media to voice their displeasure, asking how patriotic it was that a Nigerian show was being held in another country. A particular respondent had particularly asked on Instagram, “Can AFCON be held in Europe?”

Many asked why the hugely publicised show would see contestants flown to another country to compete for the ₦25 million grand prize. Others also questioned the selection of housemates, saying that most were already known faces and not ordinary or randomly chosen candidates.

However, reasons have been given by promoters of the show on why it is economically wise to record the show from a long time purpose-built facility, given the poor infrastructures in Nigeria and the epileptic power supply that leaves organisers at the mercy of power generating sets and expensive diesel.

They gave 10 reasons why, despite odds, hosting the show from Johannesburg does not make it less a Nigerian event.

1. The twelve housemates are Nigerians selected from the six geo-political zones.
2. The popular Big Brother Voice is that of a Nigerian.
3. Series Director, Gbenga Kayode is a Nigerian and Nigeria-trained.
4. Head of content and about nine other members of his team are Nigerians.
5. Title sponsor, Payporte is a Nigerian online retail company.
6. Foods, drinks, fabrics, decors, props are largely from Nigeria.
7. English, pidgin, and other Nigerian languages are permitted in the show.
8. Nigeria’s major language interpreters have been engaged on the show
9. Winner’s monetary prize of 25 million is in Naira
10. Show is reaching more subscribers in Nigeria with the inclusion of GOtv channel.

Award-winning Nigerian singers, Yemi Alade, Flavour and ‘K9’, performed live during the launch. The winner of the 11-week contest will be given N25 million cash prize and a brand new Kia Sorento SUV. The series will run for 78 days and end on April 9.