Tobi Bakre’s low points were when he felt misunderstood, especially on his stint with fellow housemate Cee-C, he told THE NATION during a visit of the show’s finalist on May 1. The 23-year-old, who is now an item with Alex is hopeful of a romantic relationship with the latter but wants the media to allow them discover more about each other outside the house.
What next for now?
For me, in the immediate, I am planning with my team my photo exhibition. I want to showcase my photography and then auction and sell them. And then, from the proceeds, build up on my brand and also donate a part of it to a cause I believe in. So, it’s going to be that and more stuff on photography and definitely entertainment – acting, hosting. I’m going to launch fully in that. I want to remain in TV. I want to remain in everybody’s face.
So, you’re leaving the corporate world finally?
I’m leaving the corporate world but, of course, I’m a business person, so when I’m a little more financially established, I’m still going to be doing some business stuff and probably even FX trading. It’s something I’ll like to do.
People keep doubting your age; so, clear that doubt. How old are you?
I’m 23.
And so, why do people not believe you?
I have four years’ working experience. I graduated at the age of 18. For a lot of people, that’s unattainable. Or not a lot of people have been lucky to achieve that. And I think, I don’t know why. Maybe they sense a level of maturity and they can’t relate it with the age. Like all through life, I’ve been having very older friends. Most of my real friends are in their thirties and older twenties. And it’s been like that since when I was in university, even from my first year. So, I think you’re a result or you kind of reflect the people around you. So, reflecting the maturity doesn’t mean I’m older than I am. It’s the vibe of people around me I’m exhibiting.
So, for the record, please don’t get it twisted, he is 23.
My brother is just a year older than I am. At least, he looks young if I look old.
Should we expect something from the Tolex brand?
The society will not rush us. We are building more on what we’ve learnt. We were friends in the house and we are friends now. We are learning to be friends. And there is still a lot we have to accomplish before we have to accomplish before we can now think on a relationship. But we are going to support each other in every way possible, and then when we get to that point where we’ve achieved the intermediate dreams, we are financially stable. There is no love when there’s no money, so we have to focus on our priorities which is making money and finding our hustle right now. When that is defined, we can now sit down and talk about it.
But some people have bought Asoebi already?
They should keep it. It is valid. Cockroach brown with burgundy yellow (laughs).
What are the top three values you want to see in a woman?
For me, she has to be real. When I say real, I mean down to earth. In your home, you want that person you can always relate to you on a very normal and clean level.
Two, you want to have an opinionated woman. And being opinionated, you people may have different stand on an issue but you know she’s coming from a reasonable point of view, but she’s ready to listen to you and also accept your views. So when you have two different views and you are able to marry them together you eventually have a stronger relationship. And then, for me, someone who’s patient; because a lot of things in life get better when you’re patient. No matter the challenges, no matter the difficulties, once you’re someone who has patience; time solves everything, so you need a woman who is patient. For me, those are the three things.
Fake was the most used word in the house. Can you define what real and fake is to you?
First of all, it was just my opinion in the house. And I stood to be corrected. For me, when I’m around people, there is vibes, there is body language, there is reaction and all sorts. So for me, in the house, some people weren’t being natural, like they were probably doing extra. In my opinion, that was what I was noticing and seeing.
And I was in the house, I wasn’t scared at any point. Like i told the society, if Tobi says it and it’s not there, you won’t see it. But then, if Tobi says it and you see it, that means I’m correct. So it was just all my opinion and i aired my opinion and I stood to be corrected like this is what I’m saying, and it’s Tobi that is saying it. I’m not saying that’s what it is. But then, if it’s not there, nobody else will see it. But that’s just me.
There is this perception that big brother house is all about immorality.
In my opinion, the society should not judge the show like that. This was a show that brought a lot of values to the youth, and engaged a lot of people. A lot of things that happen in the house are things are things that happen outside of the house as human beings. Because it’s televised, why should they make it look like a sin? I don’t think the society should go that route.
And the show was consistently passing messages to the youths, be it unwanted pregnancies and how the youths should conduct themselves, body odour, value of education and all that. We were made to talk to Africa about things that really matter like malaria. So, there was a lot of value adding to the youth, knowledge-wise. And then, the people in the house generally, a lot of conversations we had in the house are things someone listening would learn from. We had very intelligent people in the house. Even Alex, everybody calls her Shaku Shaku queen. Alex is an amazing writer. When I started hanging out with Alex, my writing skills did improve.
I started to write poems. I became more creative. I’m just saying that when you see the different individuals, you learn from them. Miracle’s story is inspirational. He wanted to fly, the means was not there. Family support initially was not there, but he went for it. These are messages we passed across to the society and that child listening will be like, this my dream, dem no believe but I will die there. So big brother should not be perceived in that light.
What would be your advice for those who would like to go for big brother next year?
If you want to go, when you wake up in the morning, look for orita meta junction. Stand with boxers. Put palm oil on your head, turn around to the left. Turn around to the right three times and then go for the audition. Say Tobi said it. (Laughs). It must work.
Do you still eat the way you did in the house?
Sometimes, we even forget to eat. So far it’s been work all the way. It’s good because we are positively engaged. We are all working on our brands outside of the house. For me particularly, I’m trying to establish Tobi Bakre outside of the Big Brother house, so a lot of work is going to come with that. So far, the media tour and everything we sometimes forget to eat; and account balance never really dey smile.
If you happen to be in a position to repackage the Big Brother programme, what would you like to change?
Well, for me, I really wouldn’t change anything. Like for the participants or if you’re lucky enough to get into the Big Brother house, one of the things you enjoy is the spontaneity. Every day brings something new when you’re on the show. Every day is different. It’s really not easy. Eighty five days and every day is different.
So, the team is very strong. Big Brother did amazingly well. So, I wouldn’t change a thing because they’ve evolved. If you look at last year, compare it to this year, you’ll see a lot of improvements. So, definitely, this is a brand or a company that would definitely improve in subsequent years to come. So, for me, I wouldn’t say I would change anything. Looking for something to change would be very difficult.
Talking about changing things, you saw what happened in Jo Burg, the way they organised, the team and everything. Do you think it’s something that can’t be replicated here in Nigeria?
Well, it’s not a question for me to answer. Such questions shouldn’t be directed at participants.
So, you’re okay with it wherever they want to do it?
I’m not giving any opinion concerning your question. Direct it to the organisers.
What were your low and high points back in the house?
For me, the low points were the times when I felt misunderstood because I felt outside of the house, I’m really that jolly good fellow. Not like I meet people every day but at least my friends understand me. So, getting into the house, for quite a bit, I was natural and free with everybody but some people didn’t take it too well. Some people thought maybe I had insensitive jokes or played too much, me, on the other end, I’m like, but that’s not how I see it in my heart, that’s not how it was meant to be. But then, the highpoint of it is, now I have learnt that people can always be misinterpreted in their interactions though you have to understand them and interpret yourself better so you don’t come off as being something you’re not or something you don’t plan to be.
