Elo Paul Ebuka aka Eloswag, BBNaija housemate of Season 7, is multi-talented. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he talks about life as a dancer, DJ, music artiste, digital marketing expert and some of the memorable moments in the house.
BEFORE going to the house, I was working as a presenter with Views channel. I basically came back from work on the day the portal opened and I said let me just register. I registered and got the first email. I was happy, then I got the remaining emails and I was still happy until I got to the physical audition and also got to lockdown. I didn’t get to go on the first day; instead I went on the second day.
On the second day, it was scary and I didn’t even know that I was in the house, I was thinking am I here or I am not here. I was actually happy and pleased to be a part of the house. Also, I didn’t get to see my housemates. I spent one week with my roommate in the house, then I saw different people. I didn’t know they were upstairs, level one and level two. It was actually really nice, a very nice experience. I had fun, ate a lot, dance and sang.
What do you think made you different from others?
I was basically being myself on a normal day. I don’t necessarily care about who likes or hate me. Don’t really care about the opinions of people because sometimes they tend to bring you down with their opinion.
Tell us about your experience in the house after 72 days?
I didn’t feel different; it was more like a fun time for me. I like going on adventures, experiencing new stuff and I think that was a different adventure. It was more like relating with new people in a space that you had never been before.
I put in my all for the tasks being the head of house, knowing that if I don’t win I might go home or people may carry your name and say this guy, we don’t want him to go home because he is actually a very strong opponent. And coming out the media rounds were very nice. It’s a different lifestyle, I cannot go on the road now and go and buy ewa aganyin or something. Before the house my You tube had a lot of views and I have experienced the bashing, people just tend to talk. So, coming out of the house, I didn’t mind the comments. The experience so far is stressful; you have to go from one party to another party, wait till late in the night. But I must say it is an enjoyable task because this is what I actually want. I am still waiting for things to fall in place and it is actually getting to that point.
Let’s talk about your relationship with female fans?
Settling for Chiomzy was quite easy for me. That is actually who I resonate with and who I like. Meanwhile Phyna is my friend, my close pal. I didn’t see myself trying to play a woman in the house, all because it was a game. I have a mum, so I know what it feels like. I know my mum’s pain and I was not going to try to do that on live television or do that to another woman in the House.
Were the other females jealous that you settled for Chiomzy?
If they were, I never really noticed. They didn’t know if I and Chiomzy were fighting or if we were at peace. They just kept wondering what is wrong with this two.
Now that you are out of the house what plans do you have?
We are still on that route. Love does not happen in a day, so we are taking it step by step, baby steps basically. It gave me more recognition. Now, people know about my brand. They know what I am known for basically, so coming out of the house people started saying so he could dance and I was wondering if they didn’t see me dancing before. He could sing and I was like what is happening. I still see videos of me singing and dancing, so why are people saying this. So, the recognition and knowing the brand is good. It is actually a great cap on my opportunity; people would know the brand more and resonate with.
Which of the talents do you think would make more money for you?
All of them. Everything is in my body. I am multi talented but I would say singing basically. For me, dancing is a hobby. I actually dancing and posting on You Tube. That is a plus but you have to boost the music for people to actually get it, distribute, promote it and more.
What were the challenges for BBN level 7 wasn’t as popular as the previous editions?
I think it was one of the most stressful Season, the season that had the most content because by the first and second week we were already making waves, people had a lot to talk about, fights, arguments, parties, dance and others. There was plenty content but not sure of how far it will go. But it went far; it was actually a bulky Season.
Tell us about the things you share in common with your mum and what she means to you?
My mum is my best friend. She is my whole life basically and I have family. There is this special connection you have with mothers and she is my confidante. I can cry with my mum, consult with her, we fight and the next seconds we are already happy together. My mum gives me food, makes me happy, clothes me and always pushing me to do more. Even before I got a job last year, she pushes me to do stuff. I did four years in Ghana, Wisconsin University and it was my mum’s doing. We are not poor but my mum still had to push because she is a single mum.
What makes today’s event significant?
We are at Park Inn by Radisson and today is my All White Pool party. 80 per cent of the House mates are coming and it is going to be a loving night. It is going to be exciting and I can’t wait to see Phyna and everyone.
Tell us about the next steps, what should we expect from you?
I am ready to work. I have started pushing and pitching to brands. I am here to push my brands also with a lot of content coming from me. I was a digital marketer before going to the house, before I started presenting. Again, I am multi talented and I have so many things that I am working on. If one fails, then I move to the next and to other exploring different possibilities. In terms of my talent, I am a DJ, dancer, musician, presenter, videographer and more.
Were you surprised when you were evicted from the house?
No. I actually saw it coming. When it was time for the eviction, before coming to the house I did my research. I watched Angel and Pere last year was also fake evicted and were going home. I actually already knew but wanted to flow with them. They had these conspiracy theories and while reading it out, I said we are going home. I couldn’t tell them directly, so they won’t say he is being negative but I already knew.
What was the strategy you used in the house that didn’t work out for you?
I don’t think I had a strategy per say. I just wanted to be real and win HOH (Head of House). Once I win HOH, I stand a chance to stay till the next week and also save somebody. So, that was it for me basically.
Tell us about the people you admire or look up to?
I look up to Ebuka, Whizkid and videographers like Unlimited Early. There is a whole lot more.
Are you thinking of marriage soon?
I actually want to get married and have kids. At some point, I felt marriage is scary but for sure I want to have kids.
Tell us about your most challenging time in the house?
The merger. When we were merged, it was difficult to understand how the game play was going to be now. At some point, we felt like we were level one and given HOH, we had the power to evict people but then when we merge we were like what is going to happen. As we merged people now started relating more with level two people. I was the only one that was HOH in the house twice.
Was there a particular moment in the house?
When we had the last act that I played. I haven’t won a single task in a long while and I felt like I had to win this particular one. That particular task was very memorable, other events like having the parties on Thursday and Saturday. Also winning a particular hedger under Chiomzy’s activity. During my own reign, they didn’t interest and I had to really shout. I was losing my voice a lot in the house. So, when we won that particular one I was really happy.
Did it occur to you that Phyna would win?
Yes, I actually saw it coming; either Phyna or Bryan would win. I said it in the house .I just had to leave the room .Basically, it turned out that I was right.
Also Cheesy and Rachel were fake housemates. I said it on the dining table and I looked them in the eyes and they were just quiet.
Tell us about your sense of style?
I like Urbane dressing, corporate dressing too. I Iike to look good basically, clothes, shoes, glasses, wrist watch and rings. I just like to look good and classy.