Since its debut in 2006, Big Brother Naija has evolved from a quirky social experiment to Nigeria’s most-watched reality TV show. It produces instant stars, pop culture moments, and fierce online fandoms, and it doles out millions to winners in cash prizes.
But while every winner has walked out of the house with a fat cheque and national fame, not all have held the spotlight equally. Some have faded into the background once the confetti settled. Others? They turned their 90 days on reality TV into businesses, movie roles, and brand deals.
From pioneers like Katung Aduwak, to queens like Mercy Eke this is a ranking of all the Big Brother Naija champs by how loudly they’ve shaken the culture since they left the show.
9. Miracle Igbokwe
Winner: Season 3
Theme: Double Wahala
Year: 2018
Since Miracle Ikechukwu soared from the Big Brother Naija: Double Wahala season as a winner in 2018, he has graduated from a U.S. aviation school and served as Imo State’s Education Ambassador during former governor Rochas Okorocha’s tenure.
Though after he won, he left the spotlight, social media and the country, he has since become a licensed pilot, and most recently YouTuber.
8. Efe Money
Winner: Season 2
Theme: See Gobe
Year: 2017
After Efe Money was crowned the Big Brother Naija Season 2 champ in 2017, he stayed in the creative lane, pursuing music. He produced EPs like Am Sorry Am Winning (2018), Against All Odds (2021) and Stubborn Boy (2022), and built his media profile. Though none of his songs have started to top the charts, he hasn’t stopped pushing his music yet.
He’s also served as an Entertainment Ambassador for Plateau State.
7. Katung Aduwak
Winner: Season 1
Year: 2006
Katung made history as the inaugural winner of BBNaija in 2006. After winning the show, he pivoted into filmmaking, studying in New York, and started a media company and directed movies like When Love Happens (2014), Heaven’s Hell (2019) and Not Supposed to Be Here (2020).
6. Kellyrae
Winner: Season 9
Theme: “No Loose Guard”
Year: 2024
As the first married man to win the Big Brother Naija show, and one-half of the much-talked-about “Double Kay,” Kellyrae pivoted into music after leaving the show in 2024.
With an EP in the works, multiple performances under his self-owned music band, Raenation Band, and a steadily growing fanbase, he’s building himself as a full-fledged artist with a distinct Warri soul influenced by Lagos.
In 2024, the Olu of Warri made him the ambassador of Warri South. With a loyal following and a love story that still has people talking, Kellyrae is slowly building a lasting celebrity brand.
5. Ilebaye
Winner: Season 8
Theme: BBNaija All Stars
Year: 2023
Ilebaye, AKA Gen Z Baddie, claimed victory in the fierce All-Stars edition in 2023 after competing against past champions like Mercy Eke and CeeC. Her journey from early eviction in the “Level Up” season to triumphant All-Stars winner is a story of resilience and redemption. Since then, she has signed multiple endorsement deals, including with skincare brand Beautiful Body, and founded a charity Ilebaye Foundation.
4. Phyna
Winner: Season 7
Theme: Level Up
Year: 2022
Phyna’s win in 2022’s “Level Up” season made her the second female winner of the show. Known for her authentic street charm, Phyna, born Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, built a cult fanbase (Phynation), became a Twitch streamer, built Phynix Studio, and entered the entertainment world with acting credits in Nollywood movies like Osato and Ada Omo Daddy. Though her public feuds at times distracted her, Phyna continues to grow as an influencer, creative, and entrepreneur.
READ NEXT: Everything that Happened at “Big Brother Naija: No Loose Guard” Reunion
3. Laycon
Winner: Season 5
Theme: Lockdown
Year: 2020
Laycon won Big Brother Naija Season 5 in 2020 and has been on a journey to success since then. After he left Big Brother’s house, he toured the UK, released three albums (Shall We Begin… (2021), I Am Laycon (2021), and Bioba (2023), and held his iCONs FEST concert in Uyo, Enugu, Abuja, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
He has also joined the Grammys voting committee, launched his reality docu-series, I am LAYCON, on Showmax and began his acting career, appearing in YouTube series like Aiyetoro Town.
2. Whitemoney
Winner: Season 6
Theme: Shine Ya Eye
Year: 2021
Whitemoney emerged victorious in the 2021 “Shine Ya Eye” season, walking away with endorsement deals from GOtv Nigeria, Get Fit and Hero Lager. Now a creative and businessman to watch, Whitemoney releases music, working with artists like Duncan Mighty, Masterkraft and Bisa Kdei. He also owns a food company, White Money Party Jollof, branding himself as the street-born success story Nigeria cheered for.
1. Mercy Eke
Winner: Season 4
Theme: Pepper Dem
Year: 2019
Mercy Eke became the first female winner of Big Brother Naija in 2019, walking away with millions in prizes. She parlayed the win into other successes, launching MNM Luxury clothing, a charity foundation, and a real estate firm, Lambo Homes. She also signed an influencer deal with Cîroc and Mr Taxi.
Mercy has appeared as a vixen in music videos like MC Galaxy’s “Ije Ego” and Rudeboy’s “Take It” and starred in Nollywood movies and series like Fate of Alakada (2020) and Shanty Town (2023). She also won the Best Dressed Female award at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), proving she’s more than a reality star.
