I had been a fan of the multichoice franchise reality show Big Brother Naija but had lost interest in it over the recent years majorly because of society and life. But before that, I had followed closely it’s foreign counterpart Big Brother Canada where I found myself hooked on the mechanism of the human mind. A real Game of Thrones scenario, although excluding the literal death toll, I would argue that there was some cold surgical/assassin type of approach with which some housemates schemed and threw others under the bus.
Now back to the point, safe to say I’m gradually getting my mojo back for the show. I started to develop an interest in this year’s Big Brother season five themed ‘Lock Down’, because of the similarity it shares with the BB Canada counterpart, one being the housemates get to evict their fellow housemate. An ultimate twist no one saw coming. In such a heated competitive environment like that, many will wonder how easy it is for a housemate to chum up a fellow housemate and maintain their con knowing fully well that they could be next. Well, this is Big Brother, anything can happen.
Read: The sinister origins of Big Brother that you might not have known about
I appreciate the genius in which Multichoice incorporated this year’s voting and eviction system as it gets the viewers more invested. But getting more acquainted with the show, I am starting to feel somewhat irritated as to how a Game of Thrones type of script flipped into a high school romance. I found myself asking questions like; “do these people even remember the prize at stake?” But the more I ponder on this question, the more I am reminded that the show in its true essence is a social experiment, a window into the mind and heart of society. Point being that people’s behavior and character can be unpredictable or predictable given the situation.
This season (BB Naija Lock Down) gives a unique opportunity to look into some constants that seem never to change in the society we live in. It mirrors vividly the society in the following areas;
DATING IN NIGERIA
If you are attentive to the show, you would have noticed the shift in relationships which is no different from how we the viewers live, even though we are quick to judge. The means of picking a partner, the chase, the interaction between lovers (using the Laycon, Erica and Kiddwaya’s triangle) Laycon; a bright young artist, described by his peers and a tangible sum of the housemates as an intellectual and sharp mind, Erica; a beautiful actress, with a beautiful smile, and Kiddwaya; son of a billionaire, smooth, flirtatious and physically appealing.
If you follow the show, you already know the plot of this story. So I will spare the boring details and ask you, “given the position of Erica, which would be your pick between the two young men?” This question is to cut through the superficial pretense and self-righteousness. But it gets better, having made your choice, how would you carry on especially when it seems the person you have chosen seems to state not to be looking for something serious.
Read: Stop the Deceit! Whoever You Are Dating Owes You!
This situation succeeds in mirroring a deep human behavior of this era; You’ve probably heard people talk of leaving options open in relationships. It’s as common as breathing now, (this is my opinion and subject to criticism and debate) but I find this a result of fear. Whether of not being heartbroken, wasting time, or waiting for a better option when they eventually walk into our lives. But this is the way of the times. Everyone has their eyes open for something better, whether it is wrong or right.
POLITICKING
This has been existing since the history of the show. There seems to be a subconscious matchup of seemingly good versus evil; one housemate against another, for example, one of the previous seasons ( themed Double Wahala) which had two female housemates, Cee-C versus Alex, and the most recently concluded (Pepper Dem) had Tacha Vs Mercy. While this might strike as a normal human character, even healthy in some cases but the environment reveals a dark truth. You begin to see, blind devotion,(even to behaviors you know you can’t honestly stomach personally if faced with it) character assassination, twisting obvious truths or facts and interpreting them in ways that are at least ludicrous and at most fantastic and mind-blowing, to favor your favorite in the house.
Donate For Muttering Minds
But this is us, it’s our reality, we want what we want, be it good or evil. To those who complain that some fans are toxic, blame not! I’ve sat down to reflect on these things and realized that for any housemate a fan supports, he or she is a reflection of who they are and what appeals to them, consciously or unconsciously. Hence the saying, “We attract our kind”. That fan might appear cool personally and you wonder why they passionately support the villain of the show right? Maybe if you can gain access to the blueprint of their mind, you’ll know why. Sometimes it takes another character to tell our true character or some things we never knew about us.
Read: The Long Wait, The Lessons, and My Identity Crisis
The Big Brother Nigeria show indeed mirrors society’s behavior in several ways. Take this challenge, pick two housemates, and do a case study on their characters, I guarantee the outcome will be you finding much more characters in them that complement society. So do you watch the show? If yes, then you’ll most definitely agree with my points.
So let’s discuss, in what way(s) would you say the show relates to society for you? Also, be it with this current season or the past ones, has there been any housemate(s) that resonates with your psychological makeup?
For me, it’s Laycon of course. The intellectual that’s nice with the flow. Yeah, I rap too. I’ll like to know that housemates and why you feel connected to their character. And to those who do not watch the show or used to but stopped, maybe you can tell us why too… that’s if you read the post up until this part.
BRIEF BIO- Sometimes a writer, sometimes a poet, every other time a daydreamer. All my different personas. Find me in a studio near you as Grenade. IG- @renegadevandy49 TWITTER- @renegadevandy49 Kindly leave me your thoughts on this post in the comment section 😄👇
Wowww, interesting
Funny how I have never looked at Bjg brother from this angle. I like the fact that the writer gives us a positive side to look from unlike other people who make you feel like God is angry because you watch the show…hian
Thank you for this insight 😊😊
Exactly! The show actually has its intellectual bits too. Check out the arena games and task presentations, it goes to show that the organizers mean well for mental growth. Kudos to Vandy for this eye-opening piece.💥💥
Thank you for the feedback cupid😁
Back in the university days, I found myself in an entanglement with a beautiful lady that was in love with me because of my academic and social intellectuals and a rich dude of a colleague that also want the same girl. This led to a lot of psychological effects on my part. Just as it’s affecting Laycon in the current season of BBN. The difference was I was able to draw the line early for the lady, rather than trying to cope with the situations while I was enduring some emotions. For me, Laycon left it too late before he… Read more »
I actually smiled all through reading your comment😃. Sometimes I wish I could just get inside my TV and whisper something to Laycon, he just needs to man up. But at the same time, his situationship made me realise that we all have different ways of dealing with our emotions. Too bad this is his 😒.
Thank you for taking time out to read Yusjet, I hope you keep in touch with our interesting articles going forward. You are welcome 🤗
Thank you for this point. A lot of us at one point have being in an entanglement, cause “Who no like better thing?” *In Zlatan voice* but it’s somewhat more complicated for Laycon cause they are in thesame space amd he can not leave to check himself like normal outside conditions would allow. So while i even vex small for am,i can understand him trying to see where it would lead or if he could still win her
I don’t want to say he’s foolish. That kind of entanglement should have been dealt with intelligently, not emotionally.
Lol
You know what they say about when a man is in love… the person will have to atleast glimpse that M-button small
My opinion on why he couldn’t move on on time was because he’s never been close to a beautiful lady like Erica before. He’d almost allowed the beauty to kill the beast of talent in him.
We are happy it didn’t kill it at all. The love he gets is still solid, hopefully he does not forget his game and keep killing like that 444 presentation
But for me, I don’t see him winning. Lol. I wish him a good luck though. He’s fucked up with that kind of emotions. It’s a reality check that some men behave stupid in the presence of beautiful girl.
The game was to never get carried away no matter the emotional challenges. The focus should always be on the primary target.
Alright, i get you. So, who do you see taking the prize??
No one. Since the voting process are determined by the housemates, it’s very hard to predict. Let’s just enjoy the show while it last.
Do you have any idea that it’s from that same emotion what his talent flows?
This is a very deep and awesome question though
Hahahaha.. “If you read the post till this part” got me laughing. This is beautiful. I might just take time and watch a few hours of the show because of this. You made a lot of sense about something I consider a nonsense. Now I am curious to know which of the characters speaks to me. It might just be big brother himself…lol. I still think that anyone who follows the show 24hours has some issues sha. My opinion. I woke up by 2am and heard noises from my downstairs neighbors, came out to the balcony and found out they… Read more »
😂😂 said watching people sleep. Thank you for reading it that part 😂😂
Ps who says you can’t relate to Big brother. He has a personality too (as oga boss). His savagery and sharp witt will give anybody joy. Although this year’s Big brother just be giving out more warnings than caution signs😑 but he has his moments
Abiiii? Lol. You made me pick interest, seriously. You should write reviews.
Thank you😁 will consider that in my plans moving forward
A reality TV show isn’t on script like movies. It reveals to us some of our realities. That’s why some of us watch the show at our leisures.
Everyone has their reasons. But I get yours. 👊👊
Perhaps Big Brother 😄😄😄. You should watch the show, who knows, you might end up ditching your late night movies just to watch them sleep.😏
I seriously doubt that. But we’ll just keep our fingers crossed. A very important client just sent me links to vote, that her son is a contestant. I guess I really have to follow the show now.
Interesting read indeed. I have always fancied reality t.v shows, and I find Big Brother quite fascinating. The previous seasons I watched, I never had anyone housemate who resonated with my character, but this year has presented two house mates who I feel I connect with character wise, which are Praise & KiddWaya. This two actually mirror different aspects of my personality, & it’s such a delight to see.
2 wildcards and polar opposite. Hope it’s not too upfront or rude to say, it would be intriguing entering your mind 😂
Like the way you described that
Thank you😌
Praise and Kidd, what a combination!😄😄😄 Your personality must be hard to ignore. Welcome here, I hope to see more of your feedbacks 🤗
Erica!!! I’ve never been into Big Brother of any sort till this season. I’ve never been into Twitter before till I started watching BBN5 towards the end of the 1st week, and it’s not as “EVIL” as people made it seem. I see bits of myself in Erica and she alone kept me fixed on BBN, I got more addicted when #kiddrica started. The two things I cannot relate with Erica that I’ll love to learn is how open she is with her emotions and how she always wants to talk things out, clear the air. Unlike me, I bottle… Read more »
Oh again, with the recurrent villains amongst the women, people expected to see between Nengi and Erica or Nengi and Dorathy but nothing as such except the fans sha trying so hard 😑
Very true comment. There are always new things you can learn, especially how this mirrors real situations. Especially because it is not scripted, so you get to see the raw essence and the unexpected reactions also adds part of the fun. For example Nengi fight with Kaisha; what i thought was just banter escalated real quick🌚
Ericaaaa!!!! The first time I watched her in a movie, I fell in love and also looked forward to more of her on my screen. I had to google her up and then linked up through her Instagram handle. For some reason, I felt she needed to be more out there.And boom!! She made it into the house 😄😄 I was excited at first but on the short run found it challenging reconciling her personal life with her career life. She’s still a star in my eyes though just exploring my options with the other housemates. I bet every helpless… Read more »
I love this writeup! Nice one Seyi.
I knew you were a laycon fan even before I got to the end of the writeup 🙄. Awon rappers😒.
Please Kidwaya is more than that description you wrote there “son of a billionaire, smooth, flirtatious and physically appealing” he’s also attentive, caring, holds great conversations plus the additional benefits 🤑🤑.
I’m not consistent with this year’s BBN, and so I can’t tell whom I’m more connected to, although few people have mentioned that I share similar traits with Dorathy, I’m yet to notice though.
😂😂 we gats stick together. Represent✊🏽
Yes o!!! Kidd is all that and more. You and Dorathy, ohhh yeeesssss
Hmmmm not consistent yet you do very well in spotting Kiddwaya, it shows he’s pulling some pretty good weight😄😄. And about Dora, I think you should watch her closely, she might just be your spirit animal 🤓
Dorathy might not really be a reader
Your assertion of the housemate a fan supports is a reflection of who s/he is may not be correct. Nigerians are majorly sympathetic towards issues, that’s why reality shows always try to project a human angle story telling which draws affinity for the brand and the participants. I watch the show, being a project manager and having worked on major talent/reality shows in Nigeria, I see that (the sympathy card) being played out. Generally, I think people choose who to support just to act as some sort of ‘protector’ and ‘defender’ to someone they see as being unjustly perceived as… Read more »
*Clears throat* Thank you for your detailed observation, i took time to slowly go through it. Almost wished this was face to face or vn, would have been so much fun. But none the less You are very right, but that still buttressed the point; people side with what they can connect with. We live in a survival of the fittest and class society of Rich vs Poor. Majority of the masses can understand being oppressed or bullied by that superior or boss in the office, hence the trigger of outrage or sympathy. Sympathy has a far more pull because… Read more »
Hmmmm very well said Kokomma. I enjoyed reading your enlightening view😄. Please keep in touch with our stories. Cheers 🍻
Aptly written. Broadened view.
Thank you for taking time out to read Smart🙏
Prince, is the housemate, I feel we have similarities. Some of the decisions he makes are most likely, what I will make. As outspoken, as I am, I can be surprisingly quite too. And I am the type, who doesn’t make hasty decisions, I like to take my time. I really love, how he handled the triangle situation, he was wise to let go of Nengi, respectfully refused Wathoni and embraced Tolanibaj. Unlike most men, he didn’t ridicule Tolanibaj for being outspoken with her feelings (I really love that, cos, I’ve always advocate for women to be outspoken with their… Read more »
Awwww Prince!! You’ve portrayed his characteristics in a way that I like😄. One thing I admire about him too was moving away from the triangle without looking back or gossiping after he’s let go. And so far he’s had a good relationship with Ozo. That’s maturity.
I really enjoyed the last reunion too, it was like a mini show on it’s own which had ample screen time that lasted for a month or so. Thank you Bambi 😄
Yes, he moved away without gossiping, and he still has a good relationship with everyone involve.
He is more calm than I am tho.
😄😄😄 so if you were in his shoes, is there anything you would have done differently?
This is an interesting write up. I was never a fan of BBN. But I’m watching this season and I have seen the dynamics of human behaviour. Everyone is good and bad. It all depends on the percentage of good and bad that each person possesses. The show has made me more objective and forgiving of the basic human nature. I have no single HM that i totally relate with. For Erica, i like that she doesn’t keep things inside, shows that she’s a woman of peace. Kidd is just a simple guy if not that he mentioned it, who… Read more »
You are right, everyone of them is good and bad it all depends on what’s calling. Your analysis on the housemates too is apt🤞. I think the major problem with the fans is that because they are aware these guys are under camera surveillance 24/7, they automatically believe that there gotta be some acting going on. A fan despite supporting their favourite believes the others are acting. Only their favourite is the saint. Well I guess that’s what makes us human. I pray the housemates have the sanity to deal with the different narratives about them after the show. Thank… Read more »
It is crazy how infact, we support what we basically are… For me it has always been Dorathy, I haven’t flipped to any other housemate, maybe Brighto and Prince… So on analysis, it looks to be, that I am into the intelligence,ability to stock emotions away from the public and being mysterious while keeping in mind emotional intelligence ( they haven’t been involved in any behaviour that could directly influence the feelings of other housemates, it is just as though they are neutral), because as we can see, it ain’t as clear to us the personalities of these three housemates,… Read more »
😄😄😄 you have done quiet a study yo! I had vivid images of the three housemates while reading your comment. Hmmmmmm Brighto!!😂😂😂 I am still in awe of how he picked up his game when no one expected. Since we love mystery, he’s been dishing it hot hot! Kudos to Dorathy and Prince too 😄
Thank you Chiomie 🥰
For the part where you said ” we attract our kind” coming to think of it brighto is my favourite. I dont know if I am cunning as he is. I just love how he plays the game. I think we might relate in some ways. Then after him I love laycon. I really love this piece. What I gain every one favourite has something that attract people or that people can relate with or connect with. So it not good insulting any one favourite or assuming what you will do if you were in the favourite shoe. You never… Read more »
Thank you so much and welcome Nosa; You are right, no two persons are the same not even identical twins. Hehehehehe perhaps you should search yourself, there might just be a bit of cunny like Brighto. Lol😃
Please keep in touch 🙏
The purpose of the franchise is the society mirroring; hence social experimentation!. Your submissions are apt with regards to behavioural pattern. For every season I have watched,I gravitate towards the HMs with the most balance in terms of socialising and mental capability. We see what we see through the subconscious of our mind by leaning towards a choice that we can support and defend cause it is what we could be albeit not the one to be judged. I watch it keenly for the mental side of it. I’m fascinated by the human mind. Brighto of these season is impressionable… Read more »
Well said Adeniran, I agree with all you said. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the outcome of this season. Also, good to know you are fascinated by the human mind, I am certain you’ll love our other stories. Feel free to explore 🤗
Your view was a fun read. In truth i loved Brighto cause he was a breath of fresh air, able and willing to stand out. Wasn’t following the crowd mentality of shipping and booing up + the added mischief. Just like Ike in the former season being streetsmart and rouge-ish when everyone else was acting all honest in an environment that actually supported and needed the cunning. Not to be sound judgy (because i know i might do thesame as them in their shoes) but I’ve noticed that if you are willing to standout and consciously go against the “status… Read more »
Thank you for your perspective… I posted this on my Facebook page in 2017 during the season 2 (Efe and Bisola Season). I hope find it relatable. I’ve always liked the saying, “In every nonsense, there’s some sense”. I say this in reference to the on going reality show, Big Brother Naija. It’s my first time of seeing any of the Big Brother series and even though so many people have petitioned against airing it cos of its immoralities, I think there’s a great lesson to be learnt from it. It all depends on the way you view it, after… Read more »
Very very interesting perspective. I like the immortal analogy but i like to think of it as more of the Greek pantheon gods. As there are different gods in ranks so are the different fanbases that have the ultimate power to save housemates or leave them on the chopping block. Because of the way the game is set… i have seen BigBrother to be a little lower than the viewers and voters cause if the outcry from the public is loud enough and legit? BigBrother has to yield to please the public as seen in the last season Tacha eviction.… Read more »
Wawu! I love how you analyzed it. And true… Everything in the BB house is a mirror of what happens to us outside every day. Except that we don’t have cameras monitoring us… At least not physical cameras that we can see.
Money is essential and will make us take some decisions we would have otherwise not taken. All in all… Nobody holy pass.
Thank you Adekunle, hope you continue following up on posts and articles here. You can read some of the older posts, I’m sure you’d find something you like. Feel free to follow me on any of my social media to keep in touch. Have a nice evening😁
Guess this settles it, well done Vandy. 😁
Hi Adekunle, you write so well and also possess a diverse and deep way of thinking. Going forward, I will like to feature your articles here if you dont mind. Please keep in touch.🙏
You’ve said it all. Exactly the way it’s in my mind. You expanded it much more than I do. I’m not a good writer but you nailed all my expression. I love it when I see people who reason like me. Nice write up bro.
Awwww Glad he was able to mirror your mind. Welcome Leemah😃😃
Thank you so much. I’m happy someone else shares that perspective.
I love this article alot. I see big brother in another angle. It’s a lesson to us all if only we can think deeply. I see big brother show as the earth, the housemates are human in there. Biggie is not God but represents the supreme being who sees everything. As he would always say, “Big brother is always watching”. This is our everyday life. Eviction/disqualification of each housemate is like death. Gone to see no more. I just feel no one is pretending. That is everyone’s character. As you rightly said, each housemate is a reflection of who their… Read more »
Thank you for your crisp take on this Leemah 💫💫
Exactly how i see it. We viewers are like angles kind of because even though we see more than what the actual housemates see… we only see what Biggie (supreme being in the house) wants us to see.