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BBNaija: When A Social Experiment Becomes Youth Empowerment

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By Bennett OghifoThe Nigerian social media space was buzzing on the evening of July 28 with the premiere of the ninth edition of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija). Conversations spilled into the early hours of Monday as audiences dissected everything, from the outfits to the demeanours of the 28 new housemates in the “No Loose Guard” season. This buzz is a familiar occurrence whenever the show launches, which is unsurprising. Each premiere marks the beginning of another season filled with shared values, passion, and a sense of identity, as millions of Nigerian youths see reflections of themselves in the diverse characters selected for the show. Critics might argue that the show is a yearly distraction for the youth, but if it is indeed a distraction, it’s one with significant value. After all, what other entertainment platform has empowered Nigerian youth as much as BBNaija in the last decade?This season, one of the housemates (the big sister of the Ndi Nne pair) finally secured a spot on the show after eight attempts. Several others share similar stories of persistence, finally hitting the jackpot after multiple tries. Such is the belief in the show that actors, singers, and other talented individuals view it as a guaranteed platform for career exposure and growth.As the Executive Head of Content and Channels: West Africa at MultiChoice,, Busola Tejumola, reckoned, what started as a content creation initiative has evolved into a significant empowerment phenomenon. “In the short term, we create great content for our customers, showcasing real people with real-life issues that resonate across the continent. In the long term, Big Brother enables us to impact the continent’s economy on a large scale. From providing jobs for over 2,000 people per season to contributing billions of naira to the Gross Domestic Product, we continue to be Africa’s most loved storyteller by holding a mirror to society through the housemates,” Tejumola explained.Since the show’s revival after an eleven-year hiatus between its first and second editions, BBNaija has consistently produced success stories. By the end of this current season, over 200 Nigerian youths will have earned the title of ex-Big Brother Naija housemate—a designation that carries significant weight in the entertainment and media industries. Although only eight individuals have won the star prize and become multi-millionaires directly through the show, many others have leveraged their exposure to build successful careers and achieve financial success.At the 2023 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, Tobi Bakre won the ‘Best Actor’ award. The star of ‘Slum King’, ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ is now one of Nollywood’s biggest names, and his foray into the movie industry is traceable to his participation in season three of Big Brother Nigeria.Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the BBNaija show host, is another testament to the show’s empowerment power. A product of the first edition in 2006, Ebuka has since become one of Africa’s most popular and sought-after show hosts.Likewise, Busola Aiyeola’s career in the entertainment industry received a significant boost after she participated in the 2017 ‘See Gobbe’ edition of the show. She has since won a Trailblazer Award at the AMVCAs and hosted international shows like ‘Shoot Your Shot’ and ‘Family Feud’ on Africa Magic. She has also starred in notable films like ‘Sugar Rush,’ ‘Meet the Kujus,’ ‘Gold Statue,’ ‘Picture Perfect,’ ‘Breaded Life,’ and ‘Dinner at My Place.’Thanks to their popularity, ex-housemates have become influential voices and faces for brands aiming to connect with Nigerian youth. For example, the new Supa Komando advert features four Big Brother Naija housemates (Neo, Sasskay, Erica, and Cross), who also serve as Supa Komando ambassadors. Other former housemates like Elozonam and Diane, who have the AMVCAs in their kitty, and others such as Tacha, Mercy Eke, Cee-C, Venita, and Ozo, Groovy, Kim Oprah, have become prominent brand ambassadors and influencers.In every corner you look in the entertainment industry, the impact of the show is evident. As the 2024 edition unfolds, another set of Nigerian youths will likely leverage their newfound fame to achieve success. The show’s influence is undeniable, and it has become more than just a social experiment for Nigerian youth— who have come to see the show as a platform for showcasing talent, securing industry recognition, and achieving career growth.

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Entertainment

6 Must-Watch Mysteries & True Crime Drama to Binge on Showmax this month

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Not everyone enjoys romantic movies. Some prefer mysteries, shocking scandals, and real-life crime stories that keep them on edge. If you’re looking for intense investigations, high-stakes deception, and compelling drama, these must-watch shows on Showmax deliver.

Mr. Robot S1-4 | Now Streaming

The battle isn’t always fought in the streets; sometimes, it’s online. Winner of two Golden Globes and three Emmys, Mr. Robot follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert with crippling anxiety who gets pulled into an underground hacker collective led by the enigmatic Mr. Robot (Christian Slater). But the deeper he goes, the blurrier the lines between reality and illusion become. 

Hailed as one of the best TV series of the decade, Mr. Robot keeps you questioning everything you think you know.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6HGuJC–rk

The Ringleader The Case of the Bling Ring | First on Showmax | Stream from Wednesday, 19 March

The Case of the Bling Ring. They weren’t just fans; they wanted to live like their idols. This real-life documentary tells the shocking story of the Hollywood teenagers who robbed A-list celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan, stealing millions in designer goods. Featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage, this deep dive into the infamous Bling Ring scandal explores how obsession with fame led to one of the most bizarre crime sprees in Hollywood history.

Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Erin Lee Carr (Britney vs Spears), this HBO documentary has an 83% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSBJLnTOTM

The Famous Five | Binge from Friday, 21 March

For decades, The Famous Five has been the ultimate adventure series for young detectives in the making. Now, the classic Enid Blyton stories get a fresh, modern twist, following Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog as they stumble into dangerous secrets, hidden treasures, and criminal plots.

Packed with nostalgia, action, and smart storytelling, this new adaptation captures the heart of the beloved series while introducing it to a new generation. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0pB65MSkWI

Brilliant Minds | Binge from Monday, 24 March

Not all doctors heal with medicine. In Brilliant Minds, we step inside the world of a neurologist unlike any other, one who can literally feel his patients’ emotions. Starring Hedda Stiernstedt and Charlie Gustafsson, this gripping medical drama combines groundbreaking science with intense personal battles, showing that sometimes, the mind holds more mysteries than we realise.

The critically acclaimed series holds a 94% overall critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognised for its fresh take on medical drama. Vox included it in its roundup of “21 TV Shows That Explained the 2010s,” calling it “one of the most prescient shows to emerge.”

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Vqeikrij4

The Righteous Gemstones S4 | First on Showmax | Mondays from 24 March

Faith, family, and fraud, it’s all part of the business when you’re running a megachurch. Created by Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones follows a family of televangelists whose extravagant lifestyles are funded by their devoted congregation. But as scandals unfold, secrets spill, and their empire teeters on collapse, the Gemstones must fight to keep their kingdom intact.

With multiple Emmy nominations and a cast that includes John Goodman, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson, this dark comedy delivers both laughs and shocking revelations.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnRa29-wjaM

Gangs of London S3 | First on Showmax | Binge from Tuesday, 25 March

The Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning series Gangs of London returns for its third season as chaos erupts in London after a spiked shipment of cocaine kills hundreds.

Returning cast includes Critics Choice Super nominee Sopẹ́ Dìrísù, BAFTA nominees Joe Cole and Lucian Msamati, and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones’ Catelyn Stark). Joining them this season are Irish Film and Television Award winner Richard Dormer (Blue Lights, Game of Thrones) and Critics Choice Super nominees Andrew Koji (Warrior) and T’Nia Miller (The Fall of the House of Usher).

Holding an 86% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 score on IMDb, Gangs of London has been praised for its gripping storytelling and intense action sequences. NME describes it as “Game of Thrones but without the dragons.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l2iYDb59Jc

Whether it’s daring adventures, digital warfare, or medical breakthroughs, Showmax has something for every mystery and true crime fan.

Now is the perfect time to start streaming with the Shikini Offer—get Showmax Mobile for just ₦1,000 instead of ₦1,600 or the multiple-device plan for ₦2,000 instead of ₦3,500. Visit www.showmax.com/deals to sign up and start watching today.

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GOtv Boxing Night 33 Holds 26 April

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The 33rd edition of Africa’s premier boxing show, GOtv Boxing Night, will hold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

This was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the organisers, Flykite Productions.

The event will feature household names on the boxing landscape like Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan, Nigeria’s first graduate boxer; Williams “Kaki” Amosu, Sodiq Adeleke, Sadiq Oyakojo, Lateef “Latest” Azeez and female boxing sensation, Ayisat Oriyomi.

The statement quoted Bamidele Johnson, Flykite Productions Chief Operating Officer, saying that arrangements are still being made to add more boxers to the bout line-up.

He noted that the boxers selected are some of the best in their weight divisions and are ready to give a good account of themselves on the event day.“Many of the boxers here are high on the local and continental rankings. They are young, hungry for glory, and have the talent to achieve their goals.

We are going to have really cracking fights that will delight the fans,” Johnson stated.The boxers signed their respective contracts on Wednesday at a brief but classy ceremony at Flykite Productions’ office in Lagos.

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Entertainment

GOtv Step Up: More Channels, Bigger Entertainment

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Since January, GOtv has been talking about the Step Up offer, but let’s be honest, most people just hear “Upgrade and get more channels” and keep it moving. Sounds nice, but what does it actually mean?

Here’s what you might not know. When you step up, you don’t just get extra channels, you also stand a chance to get Showmax for free. Yes, free. No extra cost, no hidden charges, just you, your screen, and an all-access pass to even more entertainment. But we’ll get to that in a second.

Let’s talk about Step Up first. You pay for one package, and for a limited time, GOtv bumps you up to a higher one. No extra charge, just an instant upgrade to more of the good things, like better movies, bigger football matches, and shows that make screen time actually worth it. It’s like booking an economy flight and somehow landing in business class.

And it’s not just any random channels. We’re talking Africa Magic Showcase and ROK for the Nollywood lovers, BET and MTV Base for music and pop culture lovers, and of course, SuperSport Football and SuperSport LaLiga for the die-hard football fans who don’t play about their games. Basically, the kind of lineup that makes you wonder how you ever survived without it.

Now, about standing a chance to get Showmax for free. If you’re lucky enough, stepping up could also give you access to some of the most talked-about shows right now, such as Gangs of London, It Ends With Us, Abigail, and many more.

So yes, Step Up isn’t just about “more channels.” It’s about getting the kind of entertainment that makes you forget what time it is. And if you’re lucky? You won’t just be watching on GOtv, you’ll have Showmax too. All it takes is a quick upgrade.

Simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, reconnect, or Step Up your package. And if you don’t want to miss a moment, the GOtv Stream App lets you catch your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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