As anticipation builds for the 10th edition of Big Brother Naija, former housemate Tolanibaj is offering a dose of reality to aspiring contestants, sharing hard-earned wisdom from her time in the spotlight
In a TikTok video, the media personality — born Tolani Shobajo — outlined five practical tips she believes could shape a housemate’s success, both in and beyond the house.
Her first rule is simple: authenticity wins.
“Be yourself. Don’t be boring. Nigerians can tell, and it’ll work against you,” she said, warning against trying too hard to impress.
Next, she emphasized the importance of personal style.
“Look good every day. Even if it feels like you’re just at home, remember — you’re on a national stage. Brands are watching,” she advised. She encouraged contestants to bring their own outfits, especially for special events, in case they’re unimpressed with the show’s wardrobe options.
In her third point, Tolanibaj cautioned against forming emotional attachments too quickly.
“Your housemates are not your friends,” she stated. “You’re all there for the same goal. If real friendships come out of it, that’s great. But don’t count on it.”
She also stressed the need for preparation beyond the Big Brother house.
“Have a game plan for after the show,” she said bluntly. “No one is going to hold your hand. Whether you win or not, life goes on and you need to be ready. Don’t bank on prize money arriving right away either — payments may be staggered.”
Her final tip? Understand that the spotlight doesn’t end with eviction.
“The real work begins after the show ends. That’s when you either fade out or build something bigger from the platform.”
Tolanibaj first entered the Big Brother Naija scene during the 2020 Lockdown season, where her chemistry with fellow housemate Prince generated buzz before her eviction on Day 43. Despite leaving early, she leveraged the exposure to launch her career as a DJ and entrepreneur.
She returned in 2023 for the All Stars edition, bringing a more calculated approach. This time, she shared a brief connection with Neo Akpofure and exited the show alongside Frodd after 36 days. Her second appearance, she later revealed, was partly inspired by her late father.
Reflecting on her journey, Tolanibaj described her experience as “adventurous” and said she took pride in staying true to herself.
“I avoided the pity strategy,” she said in a post-show interview, referring to tactics often used by housemates to win votes. “I wanted to be remembered for my strength.”
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