In the history of Nigerian entertainment, we have had remarkable people who rose to stardom through reality TV shows. These Nigerian reality TV stars are guys and gals who probably did not emerge as finalists or winners in the said shows. But they showed up consistently thereafter, not afraid of the limelight or taking up new challenges in front of the camera. And surprisingly enough, some of these Nigerian reality TV stars shine brighter in the aftermath of the event. They are even more successful than the winners of the shows ever did.
Nigerian Reality TV Stars of Late: What Are They Up To?
Now we know some of them to be ‘talk specialists’. These Nigerian reality TV stars are great MCs, so cool at injecting otherwise boring or controversial media events with magnetic energy. And getting just enough curiosity from viewers to capture their attention and keep them glued. While some others veered into successful acting careers.
Some of these Nigerian reality TV stars have launched their music careers and are excelling. Some of them earned juicy endorsement deals with reputable companies. While some went into media collaborations, TV and radio broadcasting, live show hosting, or set up their own businesses. Wait up – did I see one of them going into POLITICS? They are even going international, getting global awards, breaking barriers. Publicity can be a gold mine indeed.
Top 10 Most Successful Nigerian Reality TV stars – A Brief Intro
You probably know a couple of these Nigerian reality TV stars already, if you stick close to TV and social media. Or perhaps you follow happenings in the Nigerian entertainment industry very closely. We present to you a fairly comprehensive (but not exhaustive) list of their names, just to refresh your memory:
P-Square
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Timi Dakolo
Yemi Alade
Praiz
Uti Nwachukwu
Tonto Dikeh
Omawunmi
Darey
Niniola
Iyanya
Chidinma
Bryan Okwara
OC Ukeje
Kenneth Okolie
Chike
KCee
Munachi Abii
Gideon Okeke
Tunde Remi
Alex Ekubo
Bayra McNWizu
Bisola Aiyeola
Tobi Bakre
Alexandra Asogwa
Moyo Lawal
Ayoola Ayobami
CeeC (Cynthia Nwadiora)
Tacha (Natacha Akide)
Mercy Eke
DJ Switch
Beverly Osu
Erica Nlewedim
Liquorose
Phew. The list goes on and on. So we have to stop right here.
Get ready to meet ten of these amazing and successful Nigerian reality TV stars once again. We probably can’t get enough of them.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Now who would not know the famous anchor of Big Brother Naija – who himself was a housemate in the famous live show? Ebuka is now larger than life in popularity. He got dropped at the eighth position in the first edition of the show (2006). But from 2017 till date (2022), he has been hosting the Big Brother Naija show with such finesse and mastery. Let’s not forget to mention that Ebuka is a fashion geek.
The graduate of the American University, Washington D.C. and a trained lawyer is so good with words, and at hosting shows. He has anchored TV shows such as Friend or Foe & The Glo Show (NTA station). Other TV shows he anchored include Guinness Greatness TV; Rubbing minds; Men’s Corner; and The Spot. He anchored the first ever presidential debate in the run up to 2011 presidential elections in Nigeria.
P-Square
Peter and Paul Okoye – the wildly popular twin brothers dazed Nigerian music lovers with back-to-back hit songs between 2003 and 2017. They started out as break dancers in 2007, progressed into music school, then later graduated from University of Abuja.
The graduates of Business Administration rose to fame in 2001, when they won the ‘Grab the Mic’ competition. That led to a sponsorship deal with the Benson & Hedges brand, who helped them to launch their first album titled ‘Last Nite’.
They separated in 2017 but reconciled in 2021, then went ahead to produce two new singles – ‘Jaiye (Ihe Geme)’ and ‘Find Somebody’. They are now signed up under the label of Square Records (now Square Root Entertainment).
Niniola
Niniola Apata is an award-winning singer and songwriter. The graduate of Education from the University of Lagos finished as the third runner-up in Project Fame West Africa (6th Edition). She became famous following her debut single ‘Ibadi’ in 2014, and the song Maradona (2021) further shot her into international fame. She has released at least four successful collaborative albums.
Niniola also received two Grammy nomination certificates in 2020 and 2021 for her contribution to music star Beyonce’s soundtrack, ‘Lion King: The Gift’.
Timi Dakolo
Timi Dakolo rose to stardom following his emergence as winner of the debut edition of Idols West Africa (2007). The successful singer won a recording deal with Sony BMG, and has remained active in the Nigerian music industry.
The graduate of the University of Port Harcourt released his first single in October 2009. So far, he has released two successful albums and 10 popular songs between 2011 and 2019. He has also served as a judge in Airtel’s Voice of Nigeria (2016).
Yemi Alade
Actress and singer, Yemi Alade has earned herself the nickname ‘Mama Africa’ for her versatile music. She is known for creating songs in several languages (including some Non-Nigerian languages across Africa, such as Swahili). And choosing diverse African dressing in her music videos.
Yemi emerged the winner of the 2009 Peak Talent show. She thereafter released her debut song ‘Johnny’ on the label of Effyzie Music in 2014. She has won two MTV African Music Awards (2015, 2016); two Headies Awards (2018, 2019) and received a Grammy certificate in 2022. Yemi also released 5 notable albums between 2015 and 2020. And with a strong of collaborations with popular international song artists, she truly is an achiever.
Bisola Aiyeola
Bisola, a graduate of Open University of Nigeria, was the first runner-up of Big Brother Naija (2017 edition). She was also fortunate to have won the ONE Campaign reality show, right on the set of Big Brother Naija. However, the singer and actress actually started her journey to stardom at the MTN Project Fame West Africa (2008 edition). Bisola emerged in the 5th position, while singer Iyanya took the trophy.
Subsequently, she has hosted major TV shows, including Billboard Nigeria (Silverbird station) and Family Feud. She has also featured as an actress in at least 26 Nigerian films, and won international awards.
Chidinma
Actress and singer, Chidinma Ekileis a graduate of Sociology from the University of Lagos. Chidinma attained celebrity status after she won Project fame West Africa (Season 3) in 2010. She has released two major studio albums, and two extended playlists ever since then. Chidinma has also released at least 19 popular singles, both secular and gospel songs – including the famous ‘Kedike’ and ‘Emi ni Baller’.
She has also collaborated with many local and international song artists (including graduates of Project fame West Africa).
Tonto Dikeh
Singer, actress and philanthropist, Tonto Dikeh graduated in Petrochemical Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. A fiery and controversial figure, she has nonetheless made a name for herself in the Nigerian film industry, in philanthropy, and politics.
Tonto has featured in at least 35 Nigerian films. She went into music between 2012 and 2015, and released 7 songs . She also bagged up to seven endorsement deals with reputable brands between 2016 and 2019. They included Zikel Cosmetics, Sapphire Scents, and Amstel Malta. ‘King Tonto’ as she is popularly called, is also the owner of the NGO, Tonto Dikeh Foundation and a generous giver.
Tonto has been fairly prominent on the political scene. She was a contestant for deputy governorship in the 2023 Rivers State governorship election (under the umbrella of African Democratic Congress).
Omawunmi
Omawunmi Megbele-Yussuf is a singer and actress with a captivating, energy-filled voice that announces itself far and wide. The Law graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma was the first runner-up on West African Idols (2007 edition). She has released four successful studio albums, and one Extended Playlist between 2009 and 2021.
Omawunmi has also featured in four Nigerian films between 2010 and 2014. Not surprising as well, she signed major endorsement deals with Konga, Globacom and Malta Guinness.
Praiz
Praise Adejo is an award-winning producer, singer and songwriter. He emerged the second runner-up in the first edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa (2008). The graduate of Computer Science from the Kaduna Polytechnic, however, had launched into his music career before Project Fame. So the live show only boosted his followership and popularity.
He released two popular albums – Rich and Famous (2014) and 2 Minutes EP (2018), in addition to at least 20 singles between 2010 and 2020. Praiz has worked with several local and international music artists till date. He is also a brand ambassador of telecom giant, MTN Nigeria.
Uti Nwachukwu
Actor and TV host, Uti Nwachukwu is a graduate of Benson Idahosa University. He was the Nigerian housemate in Big Brother Africa – Season 3 (2008) and Season 5 All Stars (2010). He was the third to be evicted in Season 3; however, Uti won the Season 5 edition.
Ever since then, Uti has played host to major TV shows and events for several seasons. They include magazine show Jara (African Magic); reunion of The Real Housewives of Lagos (Showmax); and African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Uti has earned a number of national and international awards. The actor has also featured prominently in at least 13 Nigerian movies – including the well-known films Aki and Pawpaw, and Chief Daddy.
