Key Takeaways for Aspiring Housemates
In a video message posted on her TikTok page, Tolanibaj offered five core pieces of advice, emphasizing a blend of authenticity, strategic self-presentation, and realistic expectations.
- Be Yourself (But Not Boring): Tolanibaj stressed the importance of authenticity, cautioning against being "boring." She advised aspirants not to try to be someone they're not, as Nigerians "will hate it" and it "will not work in your favour." The key, she implied, is to showcase genuine personality in an engaging way.
- Dress to Impress Daily: Despite the house feeling like a casual living space, Tolanibaj highlighted that it is, first and foremost, a show. She urged both male and female housemates to "dress up every day" and do their "makeup every day, girls. Guys, as well, drip every day." She pointed out that this is a prime opportunity to "sell yourself to fashion brands" and even suggested bringing personal outfits for Saturday night parties in case the provided attire isn't to their liking.
- Housemates Are Colleagues, Not Friends: This piece of advice was particularly emphatic. Tolanibaj firmly stated, "Your housemates are not your friends." She explained that sharing a living space for a few months doesn't automatically forge deep friendships. Instead, she advised viewing them as "teammates and colleagues." She acknowledged that genuine friendships can form, but emphasized that if energies change after the show, it's normal and shouldn't be questioned; contestants should instead return to their "real friends and family."
- Plan for Life Post-Show: Tolanibaj delivered a dose of reality regarding life after Big Brother. She cautioned against depending solely on potential prize money to start life, noting that "the organizers are not going to care about you" once the show ends. While winnings may come, they might not be immediate or in lump sums. She advised, "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." This underscores the need for a clear personal or career strategy beyond the show's confines.
- The Real Show Begins After Eviction: Finally, Tolanibaj stressed that a contestant's journey doesn't end with eviction or even winning the show. "It is not about how far you go in the game, it is what you do after the show," she affirmed. She encouraged housemates to remember that "life is not over" if they don't win, as the period after the show is where their real career and brand-building efforts truly begin.
Tolanibaj's comprehensive advice provides a valuable behind-the-scenes perspective for aspiring Big Brother Naija stars, emphasizing resilience, strategic thinking, and self-awareness in the competitive world of reality television.