Nigerian singer Portable has declared that he could breathe new life into the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show. Following the conclusion of BBNaija season 9 on October 9, 2024, which saw Kellyrae crowned as the winner, Portable took to Instagram to express his dissatisfaction with the show’s entertainment value and offered his services for a hefty price tag of ₦100 million.
The atmosphere on Nigerian social media platforms was electric as Portable’s comments began to circulate. In his Instagram story, the outspoken artist didn’t mince words: “Big Brother no sweet again like before. All those people no blow, make them pay me ₦100M, and I go use cruise finish them. Dr. Zeh.”
This statement immediately caught the attention of fans and critics alike, prompting a flurry of responses across various social media platforms.
As news of Portable’s comments spread, fans and followers were quick to weigh in. Outside a popular Lagos viewing center, where the BBNaija finale had been screened, opinions were divided.
Portable’s right, you know,” said 28-year-old Chioma Eze. “This season didn’t have the same spark as before. Maybe we do need someone like him to shake things up.”
However, not everyone shared this sentiment. BBNaija superfan Oluwaseun Adebayo, 35, offered a different perspective: “A season with arguably the least amount of toxicity and maybe mature people that know how to do conflict resolution in peace, so it’s understandable when a country that likes violence will see the season as not interesting.
Interestingly, Portable’s comments seem to have reignited discussions about a potential celebrity edition of the show. Many fans took to social media to express their enthusiasm for this idea.
One user suggested, “But where’s the lie? I want them to do celebrity big brother next year. Portable, bobrisky and Akpi should be housemates please. Thank you biggie.”
This sentiment was echoed by others, with another commenter adding, “Big brother should bring people like Bobrisky, Papaya Ex, Diana Eneje, Dj Chicken, Akpi etc.. it will be m@d asf.”
Reflecting on BBNaija’s Cultural Impact
The debate sparked by Portable’s comments has led to broader discussions about the show’s cultural impact and its evolution over the years. Entertainment analyst Funmi Adeosun offered her insights:
“BBNaija has been a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria for years. While some may argue that this season lacked the drama of previous editions, it’s important to remember that the show’s format allows for different dynamics each season. Portable’s comments, while controversial, do highlight the ongoing public interest in the show’s direction.”
As the dust settles on season 9 and discussions about Portable’s comments continue, all eyes are now on the show’s producers. Will they take note of these public reactions? Could we see a celebrity edition in the future?
A source close to the production, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted at potential changes: “We’re always listening to our audience. While it’s too early to confirm anything, I can say that some exciting discussions are happening about the show’s future direction.”
For now, BBNaija remains a cornerstone of Nigerian pop culture, with its ability to generate discussion and debate seemingly undiminished. Whether or not we’ll see Portable bringing his unique brand of “cruise” to the BBNaija house remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation around the show is far from over.
