Big Brother Naija S5 FAQs

1. When is BBNaija season 5 starting?

BBNaija season 5 will premiere Sunday, 19 July 2020.

2. Why has BBNaija returned for the 5^th season?

Following the huge success of the fourth season of Big Brother Naija, not just in Nigeria but across Africa; we’ve recognized that this shows resonates with our customers and as part of our aim to provide viewers with exciting local content that they love, we decided to bring back the show for a fifth season for our customers.

3. What’s new about this fifth season?

BBNaija season 5 has Betway as the new headline sponsor and Guinness as Gold sponsor.

4. When and where did the auditions for this season happen?

Auditions for this season’s Big Brother Naija held online only via the Africa Magic website on Wednesday, May 20 till Saturday, May 30th, 2020. The auditions were open to interested male and female participants who are of Nigerian nationality, 21 years or older by June 1, 2020, with a valid Nigerian passport.

5. What’s the grand prize for this season’s winner?

This season’s winner will walk away with a whopping N85m grand prize which includes a N30m cash prize; a two-bedroom apartment courtesy RevolutionPlus Property; a top of the range SUV from Nigerian automaker, Innoson Motors; a trip to Dublin courtesy Guinness; home appliances courtesy Scanfrost; a trip to Dubai packaged by Travelbeta; a year’s supply of Indomie noodles, Munch it and Colgate toothpaste; a year’s supply of Pepsi, a branded chiller and a trip to watch the UEFA Champions League finale; and a brand new Oppo mobile smartphone.

6. Who is this season’s presenter? Will it be Ebuka Obi-Uchendu again?

Yes. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a former housemate in Big Brother Nigeria show back in 2006 and host of the last three seasons of BBNaija – See Gobbe, Double Wahala and Pepper Dem – will return as this season’s host. The lawyer turned media personality has risen to become one of the most loved and admired media personalities in Nigeria for his versatility, wittiness and impeccable style. Besides being the host of BBNaija, he is also the host of one of Africa Magic’s latest legal reality TV series, Judging Matters and the long running talk show, Rubbin' Minds on Channels TV.

7. What will be the theme of this year’s season?

As it is the norm, we do not reveal the theme of each season until the live launch show when Ebuka, the show’s host, announces it so keep watching DStv & GOtv for the big reveal!

8 Who will be Big Brother in this season of the show?

A mystery Big Brother has been selected. As in all Big Brother shows around the world, the identity of Big Brother is a mystery and will remain so before, during and after the show.

9 The nature of some of the content on the BBNaija channel is against my beliefs and values. How can I avoid seeing this content on the platform?

We put the power in the hands of our customers by enabling them to take control of their own viewing. DStv and GOtv viewers can easily avoid unwanted content by simply opting out of the channel or simply activating the relevant parental control functions to block selected shows or entire channels.

Our DStv and GOtv offering also includes over 200 other channels to choose from, offering a good mix of local and international content across all genres including general entertainment, sports, kids, religious, novellas, documentaries, news and lifestyle.

 

Questions About COVID-19

10. Why is MultiChoice staging the 5th season of BBNaija considering the COVID-19 pandemic?

Many Nigerians are at home due to the restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our decision to stage the fifth season of BBNaija is borne out of the need to provide compelling content that will keep them entertained and at the same time, help achieve Government’s objective of social distancing to help curb the spread of the virus.

BBNaija ranks as the most viewed non-sporting event on African television and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest entertainment exports outside of Nollywood. We are optimistic that this show will fulfil this need even as we guarantee that global best practice, precautions and preventative measures will be followed.

11. What measures have been put in place to ensure that this season adheres to the guidelines of the NCDC?

Managing the concerns and safety of the housemates and production crew is vital. The Big Brother format follows end-to-end production best practices and with the prevailing COVID-19, we have developed a COVID-19 preparedness action plan and will implement the necessary safety measures, including but not limited to:

• All shortlisted Housemates will be tested and placed in quarantine for 14 days, and only when the all-clear has been given will they be permitted to enter the house.
• No guests will be allowed to enter the BBNaija house or have physical contact with housemates and the number of “ninjas” will also be reduced.
• All audiences for live shows and evictions have been cancelled, and the presenter will host the Sunday Live Eviction Shows in an empty studio, crossing live into the Big Brother House.
• A dedicated crewmember assigned to each workspace/department will be responsible for ensuring COVID compliance of the production 
• Psychologists and Medical Dr. on standby to support housemates and crew
• Compulsory daily temperature checks for all production crew and guests to the House.
• Provide handwashing facilities and or alcohol-based sanitizers at all entry points for use by the production crew.
• Make arrangement for the transportation of production crew to the House to minimise the risk of infection.
• Encourage non-essential members of the production crew to work remotely, maintain only essential skeletal crew on set and ensure that production crew members who physically work in the House run shifts.
• Ensure that the physical distancing guideline of 2 metres is maintained by the production crew working in the House.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of the House and production facilities especially commonly used surfaces/objects.
• All staff entering the house with supplies must wear masks, gloves, and shoe covers.
• Strict observance of the daily curfew imposed by the government.

12. How were the final housemates selected after the online auditions?

Entries received from the online auditions were screened for eligibility and suitability. Successful entries were further screened, and the final shortlist selected after our standard psych evaluations, interviews and medicals were organized in a controlled and sanitized environment where social distancing was observed. The shortlisted housemates were quarantined individually for 14 days as required by the NCDC before entering the house.

13. With auditions moved online and an absence of physical verification, how did you ensure the quality of housemates matches or even surpasses that of previous seasons?

The same rules apply for any type of Big Brother audition, and our selectors applied the same experience from the previous seasons. We will always follow the same guidelines in terms of selecting housemates based on character and personality amongst other things.

14. Will the housemates observe social distancing when in the house?

Housemates will live and interact normally in the house as they would have been cleared of any medical conditions including COVID-19.

 

Questions About Broadcast Details

15. What is MultiChoice’s role in Big Brother Naija?

MultiChoice provides subscription services to the multi-channel, digital, pay-TV products DStv and GOtv which screen Big Brother Naija.

16. On what channels will BBNaija Season 5 air on DStv and GOtv?

Big Brother Naija season 5 will air live on channel 198 on DStv and channel 29 on GOtv (Channel 129 in Ghana and Channel 329 in Uganda). The live Sunday eviction show will be broadcast weekly at 7pm (8pm CAT) on:

Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151)

Africa Magic Urban (DStv Channel 153)

Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv channel 2)

17. On which packages will Big Brother Naija be available on DStv or GOtv in Nigeria?

Big Brother Naija will be available to subscribers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga packages and only to subscribers on GOtv Max and Jolli packages

18. Will I automatically have the BBNaija channel?

Yes. With an active subscription on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga or GOtv Max and Jolli, the BBNaija will automatically be available

19. Will I be able to watch Big Brother Naija on DStv Padi or GOtv Jinja/Lite?

No. The 24-hour channel will only be available to subscribers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga packages and only to subscribers on GOtv Max and Jolli packages

20. How many hours/days will the Big Brother Naija channel broadcast?

The channels will broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

21. What should I do if I want to watch Big Brother Naija?

To watch Big Brother Naija, you need to be a DStv of GOtv customer. If you’re not, please visit www.dstvafrica.com or www.gotvafrica.com or contact your nearest MultiChoice office or branch and subscribe to DStv or GOtv Max or Jolli. You can also download the MyDStv app and MyGOtv app from your app store to reconnect, upgrade your package and for other self-service options.

22. Will the show be available on DStv Now?

Yes. The BBNaija channel will be available on DStv Now. Download the DStv Now app on the App Store and Google Play store. Make sure you have an active subscription to stream live content

23. Can I watch the daily highlights on DStv Catch Up?

Yes. The daily highlights and eviction shows will be available on Catch Up and available to active DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact subscribers.

24. How do I opt-out of BBNaija channel?

DStv customers who would like to opt-out of viewing the show can do so by sending "Smart card number [space] BBOUT" to 30333, while GOtv customers can do same by sending "IUC Number [space] BBOUT" to 4688.

25. How many countries in Africa will watch Big Brother Naija?

49 countries across the African continent will get to enjoy Big Brother Naija via the DStv and GOtv platforms. These countries are: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

26. Will I be able to watch it on Showmax?

Yes. BBNaija Season 5 will be available on Showmax. Please visit www.showmax.com to sign up.

27. How do fans of BBNaija outside Africa watch the show?

MultiChoice’s rights to the Big Brother format allows only for the production and broadcast in Africa. Fans outside Africa can catch daily, weekly reviews and other exciting updates on the BBNaija official social media pages
 

Questions About Voting Process

28. There are now four ways to vote: SMS (Nigeria only), Mobile site, Desktop website, MyDStv or MyGOtv App (Active Nigerian DStv or GOtv subscribers only)

SMS (Nigeria Only)
How to Vote

You may vote for your favourite housemate by sending VOTE and the Housemate name to 32052 on *participating Nigerian networks only. Votes via SMS are limited to 100 votes per user. Costs are N30 per SMS. VAS rates apply. *Participating networks are MTN, AIRTEL & 9Mobile

Mobile Site

How to Register

• You can register to vote on the Africa Magic mobile site– africamagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 903 1230 456 and your preferred password.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote after the show.
• Mobile site votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

How to Vote

• You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Africa Magic mobile site– africamagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Sign in and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 903 1230 456
• Enter your chosen password
• Select your favourite housemate.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the mobile site are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Mobile site votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Desktop Site

How to Register
You can register to vote on the Africa Magic website– africamagic.tv/bigbrother.

• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 903 1230 456 and your preferred password
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to Vote after the show.
• Website Votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

How to Vote

• You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Africa Magic website– africamagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Sign in and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 903 1230 456.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite housemate.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the website are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

MyDStv App or MyGOtv App (Active subscriber in Nigeria only)

Now you can upgrade to get more votes on the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps to save your favourite housemates this season.

How does it work?

Every customer based on their subscription package has a number of votes for each voting round. Customers are free to cast their votes in any amount across the days the vote round is active, until they reach their limit. 

Download the MyDStv or MyGOtv App

• Download the MyDStv or MyGOtv App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
• No registration is required; log into the app selecting Nigeria; your surname or mobile number and your smartcard number.
• Once you’ve logged into your MyDStv or MyGOtv app account page, look for the “Vote Now” button.
• You must be an active DStv or GOtv subscriber in Nigeria to receive your free app votes for the package you are on
• Click on “Vote Now” follow the instructions to cast your vote.

How to Register

• You can register to vote by clicking on the vote now button inside the MyDStv or MyGOtv App.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 903 1230 456 and your preferred password.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote after the show.
• MyDStv and MyGOtv App votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

29. If I want to comment about Big Brother Naija, where can I do this?

Our social community pages are ready for you. Send your messages to TV, read the daily stories, watch videos of the House and the Housemates on the official website www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother.

Send Your Messages to TV:

• Twitter: Follow our official Twitter account @BBNaija and share your moments and comments with Biggie using the #BBNaija.
• Facebook and Instagram: Like our official page www.facebook.com/bigbrothernaija and do not miss an instant of Biggie’s House thrills on Instagram by following account @BigBroNaija and comment using #BBNaija.
   

Questions About Housemates

30. How many housemates will be in the Big Brother Naija house?

Big Brother thrives on mystery, intrigue and the element of surprise. As such, the housemates’ identities are never revealed prior to the beginning of the show. This undoubtedly ensures a keen interest in who these individuals are and what they will bring into the house. Audiences can, however, rest assured, knowing that the housemates were selected after a rigorous screening process to bring to life Africa’s biggest reality TV show.

31. Did you have to be a DStv/GOtv subscriber to enter Big Brother Naija?

No, you do not need to be a current DStv/GOtv subscriber to enter Big Brother Naija.

32. Did you need any special qualifications to enter Big Brother Naija?

No, you do not need any special qualifications to audition for Big Brother Naija.

33. What are the rules of Big Brother Naija?

A rule-book is distributed to contestants before the commencement of the show. General rules will include - no contact with the world outside the Big Brother house, strictly no violence and an obligation to nominate fellow housemates for eviction. For more information about the rules, visit www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother.

34. What can housemates bring into the house?

Housemates are given a rulebook stating exactly what kind of items they can bring into the house. However, no electronic equipment can be taken into the house. Big Brother will go through what housemates are taking into the house with them and reserves the right to remove any item/s that has been excluded as per the rulebook.

35. How much stuff can a housemate bring to the house?

Two suitcases. No clothing with prominent logos or labels will be allowed.

36. Are housemates allowed any contact at all with their families’ e.g. written correspondence?

No verbal or written communication is allowed with anyone outside the house unless a housemate has an urgent family crisis and this is still subject to Big Brother’s discretion.

37. What happens if a housemate falls ill while in the house?

In the event of a housemate becoming ill, they will be given first aid or may have a nurse or doctor called in to attend to them. If their condition is serious, they will be admitted to a hospital accompanied by a member of the production staff and security personnel as it is strictly within the conditions of Big Brother to maintain minimal contact with the outside world. However, should their illness mean that they have to be away from the house for a long period it may mean leaving the show indefinitely as the housemates’ health and safety is paramount.

38. What happens if there is violence in or around the house? How will Big Brother handle this?

There is 24-hour monitoring of the house and there are strict security measures in place to ensure an immediate response. Further serious violent action carries with it the penalty of immediate eviction from the house.

39. How do you address complaints that the show breeds immorality and eradicates Nigerian culture?

We are in the business of entertainment, this means we invest across a variety of content that different people find interesting. What appeals to one person may not appeal to the other, that’s why we make everything available so that there is something for everyone to enjoy on our platform.

40. What kind of tasks will be assigned to the housemates?

All tasks are reasonable and involve team play. They are for Big Brother to know, and for housemates to find out, but housemates will never be asked to perform anything outside acceptable ethical and moral standards.

41. How do the housemates get food provisions in the house?

Housemates are given a healthy daily allowance of basic food items. This diet includes vegetables, carbohydrates such as rice and maize meal, meat, poultry and fruit. Anything outside these is regarded as a luxury item and may be ordered from a special shopping list provided by Big Brother. All meals in the house will have to be negotiated and agreed with by the other housemates.

42. Are housemates allowed to leave the Big Brother house if it gets too much?

Housemates are free to leave at any stage during the process, on the understanding that they cannot return and may be replaced by someone else. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is normally requested by Big Brother to make departure arrangements. Housemates will be obliged to provide a reason for their exit to Big Brother in the diary room.

43. Are housemates locked into the BIG BROTHER house?

All doors to the outside are locked, yes, but housemates are free to leave at any stage as long as they explain why and understand that once out of the house they cannot return. Big Brother can open the doors at a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency.

44. Will Big Brother keep housemates’ families updated while they are in the house?

Big Brother will have contact with their family should it be necessary due to illness or other arrangements, but housemates may not request anything from their family nor request any messages to be passed on to their family.

45. How are housemates expected to behave in the house?

The Big Brother house is their home for the duration of their stay. Therefore, they are expected to behave as naturally as they would in their own environment.

46. Will the cameras expose housemates when they are using the toilet facility?

Housemates will not be shown using the toilet facility. However, should this facility be used for any other purpose other than that what it is designed (e.g. conversations); it’s at Big Brother’s discretion to use the footage.

47. Will there be ‘Shower Hour’?

MultiChoice recognises the importance of respecting the regulatory environments within which its service operates therefore, there will be no ‘Shower Hour’ in this season of Big Brother Naija.

48. Will housemates be allowed to practice their religion?

It is one of the prerequisites of joining the house that all members are tolerant, and any practices housemates wish to follow will be tolerated.

49. Will the housemates be permitted to discuss global, continental and local politics?

The housemates can discuss matters of a political nature but these discussions cannot advocate hatred. Any housemate inciting violence through hate speech may face expulsion from the Big Brother house.

50. Will housemates see no one for 10 weeks except their fellow housemates?

This is correct, except for a psychologist, doctor or dentist should they request or require one. In certain instances, housemates may be asked to entertain or host a special guest.

51. Where can we find more information about Big Brother Naija?

For more information on Big Brother Naija please visit www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother. You can also follow the official Big Brother Naija handle on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.