Kevin Chuwang Pam was the first Nigerian to win the television reality show, Big Brother Africa, dubbed Revolution in 2009. With his millions he became the Chief Executive Officer, Down2Earth Entertainment. The Jos, Plateau State-born graduate of University of Jos also married his fellow Tanzania’s housemate, Elizabeth Gupta and they have been blessed with a baby girl. He shared with Adetutu Audu his journey into stardom and life after BBA.
HOW is life after BBA Revolution?
Life is fun;being a family man, the baby and then more responsibilities. The experience is great. Just a few challenges which revolves around balancing the new lifestyle with principles that have always governed my life. I’m a family man now so it means more responsibilities and demands. As most people know we were blessed with a baby girl (Malaika) so the necessary adjustments are important to us so as to give her (and the ones to come) the best while pursuing our careers.
What is happening to your music career now?
For now I have put a hold on it. I am doing a talent reality show in Jos to sign on and discover new artistes on my label. I am leaving my dreams for now through other artistes, though my music is still on, but not in the forefront.
You went into the BBA house and made Nigerians proud, not only that you got a wife. How would you describe the experience?
Wonderful. I would say I am the most favoured housemate that BBA ever produced. I did not only win, I found fame, fortune and life partner. What more can I ask for?
So what stood Elizabeth out among the housemates?
Well you see qualities. When you are living with people you get to understand them and see who can fit into your own life. I just found a perfect pair for my kind of person.
What would say is the challenge of marrying outside Nigeria?
There are cultural differences that you need to understand and deal with. Basically, that is what you will learn to adjust. I won’t say it is a challenge really. One just needs to learn how to balance it. We are all Africans.
Apart from the reality show, what other things are you doing?
I run a NGO and of course business. I do entertainment consultancy. But so far, we have been working on our NGO (Naija Pikin) where we have been trying to see that the basic needs of the Nigerian/African child is met. We have done stuff like celebrating Malaika’s first year birthday with the refugees in Riyom, handing out relief materials to affected communities in the Jos crisis, celebrating Valentine’s Day with orphans etc. Besides all these, Elizabeth has made her debut in Nollywood as an actress.
What is your view on reality shows?
Reality show is a good platform, but I think there should be more mentorship for people who are going into the show. Most people go into the show and they don’t understand what life means after the show. They fall back and find it difficult. Reality shows generally is a great platform for people with great talents.
What does it take to be the winner?
Believe in yourself, hope, prayer, favour. One minute of favour can take you where 10 years of hard work cannot.
Before Big Brother Africa Show, who were you?
When I completed my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2006, I pushed my CV out but did not bother to follow-up actively. I relocated to Abuja trying to do music shows like I used to do when I was a student at the University of Jos. We did different shows. We got support from some people, some of which we never paid back completely. From Abuja, I ran to Lagos where I met Ice-Prince, then M.I. Ice-Prince had contacts with all those big people in. So I did my first music job in Lagos and a jingle. The job got me busy for a while, then I heard about the Big Brother Africa audition, and went.
You have attended several auditions and failed, what kept you pressing on even after being rejected several times?
I wanted to be famous, so Big Brother was the show for me. I was determined and bent on going there. It was like ‘get rich or die trying’. I knew that a show like Big Brother would put me on the list. I couldn’t see myself working in an office. It was not a good option for me. It’s boring for me and I don’t like sitting in one place for too long.
Was money your driving force?
No! I just went to show my talent and I went there praying for a garment of favour, and believe me, it was not the money that sustained me. It was favour. The money was small, though it sounds big. The money was given in front of the whole world, everybody knows and sees you. The more money you see, the more problem you see.
