Reality shows can sometimes be a career-launching pad. In Nigeria, these shows have enjoyed massive followership and the impact cannot be overemphasized.
Although not everyone who went through reality shows were able to sustain the fame, we have celebrities who used these shows as a stepping stone to actualizing their dreams and have over time remained recognized for what they do.
Here are 10 celebrities who got their start on reality TV.
1. Ebuka Obi Uchendu
Ebuka known for his trendy styles and fashion was a housemate on the first season of Big Brother Naija reality show. Although he finished in the eight positions, he is one of the most successful products of this reality show. He is a media personality from Anambra State. He is popularly known for hosting the reality show Big Brother Naija, the long-running Rubbin’ Minds talk show on Channels TV as well as co-hosting The Spot and Men’s Corner on Ebonylife Television.
2. Timi Dakolo
Timi DakoloTimi is a Nigerian soul singer who rose to fame after emerging winner of West African Idol 2007.
With his victory, he got a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes. No doubt, Timi is now an award-winning singer.
3. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter who came into limelight in 2009 after winning the Peak Talent Show. She is best known for her hit single “Johnny” and trusts me, there has been a lot of hit songs afterward.
4. Uti Nwachukwu
36-yr-old Uti Nwachukwu rose to limelight after emerging winner of Big Brother Africa season 5 in 2010.
In 2011, Uti began his acting career and has so far featured in several movies since then.
5. Praiz
Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian R&B songwriter, producer, and singer. His music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. Trust me, he was my favorite contestant that year maybe because his style was different or because of the name (Praise).
6. Tonto Dikeh
You may not know this but the popular Tonto Dikeh is a product of a reality show. She was a contestant on a show called “The Next Movie Star” in 2005. Tonto was the first runner-up and this however made her Movie career hit the limelight.
7. Darey
Dare Art Alade as he is popularly known is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter. Darey rose to fame after he participated in the 2004 edition of Project Fame Academy. He emerged third in the contest.
8. Omawumi
The beautiful Omawumi Megbele is another celebrity who rose to limelight after contesting in the first edition of West African Idols music competition. Omawumi, a graduate of Law from Ambrose Alli University came second on the show. Her first single ‘In The Music’, became an instant hit which won several accolades over the course of her music career.
9. Iyanya
Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, is a Nigerian recording artist and performer. He rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa, and is best known for his hit single “Kukere”.
10. Chidinma
Beautiful star singer Chidinma Ekile is another Nigerian celebrity who rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2010. Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart.
