Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tolanibaj has shared valuable tips for aspiring contestants ahead of the show’s 10th edition.
Based on her experience, she offered key tips to help hopefuls navigate the show and its aftermath.
Tolanibaj, in a TikTok video, emphasised the importance of being genuine and true to oneself, stating that trying to be someone you’re not will likely backfire and advised contestants to embrace their unique personalities.
She also stressed the significance of appearance, suggesting that contestants treat the house like a stage by dressing stylishly and bringing their own outfits, they can attract attention from fashion brands and potentially create new opportunities.
Tolanibaj cautioned the bonds formed in the house may not last outside and contestants should be prepared for shifts in energy and relationships after the show and lean on their real friends and family for support.
According to Tolanibaj, contestants should have a clear plan for after the show, as the organisers won’t provide support.
She reminded aspirants that the real test of their resilience and determination comes after the show, stating that whether they win or get evicted, they’ll face new challenges, including mental strain and potential changes in their personal relationships.
She said: “Things to know before you go into the Big Brother House: Number one, be yourself. Don’t go in there and be boring. Nigerians are going to hate it. You will be surprised that it will not work in your favour.
“Secondly, dress up every day. While you are going to be in the Big Brother house, it is going to seem just like a house. But no, it’s not just a house. Sometimes, you might even question, Why do I have to dress up? It’s just a house. No, baby. Remember, it is a show and also a way for you to sell yourself to fashion brands.
“Do your makeup every day, girls. Guys, as well, drip every day. Even though they are going to give you clothes for the Saturday night parties, still bring your clothes; in case you don’t like them, you can put on your own outfit.
“The third thing on my list is that your housemates are not your friends. Understand that just because you guys are living in a house for a month, two or three months does not make you guys friends. You guys are teammates and colleagues. They are not your friends.
“If you do come out of the Big Brother house and there is still a friendship there, then cool, you are lucky. You are blessed to be one of the few persons that found real friends in the house.
“But when you come out and you realise that there has been a change in energy, don’t question it, you guys were not friends. Go back to your real friends and family who really know you. Your housemates are not your real friends.
“Fourthly, make sure you have what you want to do after the show. After the show, the organisers are not going to care about you, and you just have to keep it 100. You are going to come out and you will be going to the world and you have to figure out life.
“If you are thinking about using the money you won on the show to start your life, it will come, but it is not going to come immediately. If you win 10, 6 or 20 million, every week they can send you N200,000 to N500,000. So plan, don’t depend on that money.
“Fifthly, the real show starts after the show. Once you get evicted or when the show is over, if you win the show, it is even better. But if you don’t win the show, life is not over. It is not about how far you go in the game, it is what you do after the show.
“Once you go on the show, you will not come back the same. You might even be mentally tapped when you come out. You can’t even understand what you are going through until you come out. When you come out of the house, you will lose friends”.
