The Big Brother Show now in its fifth season is one show that apparently has consistently locked down the attention of Nigerians second only to probably football in recent times.
Interestingly and quite unlike me, this time around, I happen to have somewhat paid a little bit of attention to it.
This actually sounds weird to even me myself but I guess it is what it is, things change.
Before now, I have never as much as given a thought to the Big Brother Naija show given my strong disdain and perception of the show for what I feel is it’s promotion of values which are quite un-African such as the initial idea of the live view of house mates’ time in the bathroom.
Those who know me closely know my principles on such a subject. But then like I said, it is what it is. Our decisions are a function of the information at our disposal per time.
So I was more or less ‘forced’ to pay some attention during the Coronavirus pandemic given the good time having to work from home. And it appears I might have been won over, just a little.
During this time, I was privy to witness some of the Head of House games as it is called, wager task and various other tasks the house mates are engaged in week in-week out.
Here below are my 5 quick submissions about the show:
First I think the show promotes to an extent some right values needed among Nigerian youths such as team spirit, collective home keeping, togetherness and discipline. The show actually reminds me of times when I participate in camping exercises.
Next, I like the fact that the show appears in some ways to reflect the cultural diversity in the nation. The show organizers have to an extent selected a good number of housemates from the various ethnic diversities that make up the nation Nigeria. That said, much more can still be done in this regard on the show.
Thirdly, I love the fact that it brings together individuals from the different social strata of the Nigerian society, that is the haves and have nots, the rich and the struggling. This provides a good mix of mental and psychological approach to the race in the quest to clinch the ultimate prize money of N85 million.
Next, while the games are great and spot on, I realized these contests rather more physical than intellectual. This I think the organizers can better adjust to incorporate more intellectually stimulating and demanding games.
Lastly, the Big Brother show in its own way is a good rallying point for Nigeria’s teeming TV viewers. As such I would advocate and suggest that more unifying themes be drawn up and incorporated into the show.
