As anticipation builds for the 10th edition of the Big Brother Naija reality show, former housemate Tolanibaj has offered a set of candid and practical tips for those hoping to enter the house.
In a video shared via her TikTok page, the media personality urged prospective contestants to enter the game with self-awareness, strategy, and realistic expectations.
She began by advising aspirants to be authentic, warning that trying to play safe or dull on screen may backfire.
“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,” she said.
On physical appearance, she stressed the importance of showing up stylishly every day as part of building one’s brand.
“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… It is a show and also a way for you to sell yourself to fashion brands.”
Tolanibaj also reminded housemates not to mistake proximity for friendship.
She noted, “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… If you do come out of the Big Brother house and there is still a friendship there, then cool, you are lucky… 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.”
She further encouraged contestants to have a post-show plan in place, as life after the show can be more challenging than expected.
“After the show, the organisers are not going to care about you… So plan, don’t depend on that money,” she said, pointing out that even prize money is often released in bits.
Tolanibaj concluded by reminding them that the true test of success comes after their time on screen:
“The real show starts after the show… It is not about how far you go in the game, it is what you do after the show.”
