The ever-thriving Nigerian entertainment industry is blessed with a host of talents willing to showcase their craft given the slightest chance. The industry has played host to a number of exciting creatives who have gone on to make a name for themselves in Nigeria and beyond.
However, some of these creative talents had to go through the rites of featuring in reality TV shows before carving a desired niche for themselves in the industry.
Highlighted below are 20 screen divas who gained significant fame and started their careers through reality TV shows, using them as a platform to fully launch their acting careers.
1.) Bisola Aiyeola: Talented thespian, Bisola Aiyeola was one of the female housemates of the 2017 Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality TV show ‘See Gobe’ edition.
She became a fan favorite due to her talent and charisma and is a successful actress, singer, and TV host who has been featured in films like “Sugar Rush” and “This Lady Called Life.”
2.) Tonto Dikeh: Port Harcourt-born and raised Tonto Dikeh first hugged the limelight as a female housemate of The Next Movie Star reality TV show in the year 2005.
After emerging as a finalist on the show, which helped kick-start her acting career, Tonto became a Nollywood A-list actress, known for roles in films like “Dirty Secret” and many other blockbuster movies.
3.) Ebube Nwagbo: Talented thespian Ebube Nwagbo cut her teeth as a budding movie act when she partook in the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show.
Though she featured in minor roles before, her AMBO appearance brought her into the limelight. Ebube has not looked back ever since, as she has now established herself as a well-known actress with a strong Nollywood presence.
4.) Erica Nlewedim: Reality TV star Erica Nlewedim first caught national attention when she featured as a housemate of the 2020 Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality TV show, ‘Lockdown’ edition.
Though she was suspended from the show for breaking ‘house rules,’ Erica did not rest on her oars; she later gained fame from her BBNaija stint despite early eviction.
The talented act has starred in a host of blockbuster and big-budget Nollywood movies like “Devil in Agbada” and “Hire a Woman” and many other exciting flicks.
5.) Alex Asogwa (Alex Unusual): She had a cult-like following as a female housemate of the 2018 Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) 2018, ‘Double Wahala’ edition.
Her unique personality made her a standout contestant during the reality TV show, and she has now plunged headlong into professional acting with appearances in films like “Nucleus” and “Merry Men 2.”
6.) Beverly Osu: Eccentric entertainer Beverly Osu became a household name when she took part in the 2013 edition of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) reality TV show, tagged ‘The Chase.’
Beverly gained continental recognition from the reality TV show, which served as a launchpad for her eventual venture into Nollywood, which has seen her feature in a handful of movies, including “Chief Daddy” and “Your Excellency,” among many others.
7.) Chidinma Ekile—The sensational singer won Project Fame West Africa (PFWA) Season 3 in 2010 and became a music sensation after the reality TV show.
Chidinma, a native of Imo State, is well-known for her famous song “Emi Ni Baller.” She has subsequently switched to the gospel genre and wrote “Jehovah Overdo.”
8.) Omawumi Megbele—The Delta State-born singer rose to prominence as runner-up in West African Idols (2007), which also featured fellow male singer Timi Dakolo.
In addition to co-producing the 2019 film “She Is,” which reflected her principles and addressed cultural expectations for successful Nigerian women, she has appeared in films such as “Inale” and “House of Gold.”
9.) Niniola Apata—Sensational singer Niniola Apata made a name for herself in Afro-House after Project Fame Season 6.
She received a nomination for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards following the release of her debut single, “Ibadi.”
Her contribution as a composer on The Lion King: The Gift earned her a second Grammy nomination certificate in June 2021. Niniola was inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy Class of 2021 that same month.
10.) Yemi Alade—Talented and Energetic Nigerian singer Yemi Alade shot to national fame after emerging as the winner of the Peak Talent Show in the year 2009.
She then released three songs, “Johnny,” “Tangerine,” and “Kissing,” from the King of Queens album. In numerous nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, and the United Kingdom, Johnny was a global sensation.
11). Munachi Abii – The Nigerian rapper, model, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant in 2007 and went on to become a famed star.
Before winning MBGN, Muna had worked with Terry da Rapman on the critically acclaimed My PH Girl and performed with the Port Harcourt-based rap duo The Specimen A.
12.) Venita Akpofure—Delta State native Venita Akpofure gained national attention as a female housemate on the Big Brother Naija reality TV show ‘Pepper Dem’ edition in 2019.
In the 2020 television series Unmarried, the British-Nigerian actress also portrays the title character, Nengi. On her veezeebaybeh Instagram feed, where she has amassed over 1.4 million followers, she advertises her ongoing initiatives.
13.) Cee-C (Cynthia Nwadiora)—Nigerian lawyer, actress, model, and reality television personality rose to stardom as a female housemate of the 2018 Big Brother Naija (BBN) ‘Double Wahala’ edition.
She represents the fitness brand GetFit, the international alcoholic beverage firm and television program Amstel Malta, the eyewear company House of Lunettes, and the real RealTech firm OxfordBuildBay.
Alongside Broda Shaggi, the reality TV personality made her Nollywood acting debut in the popular film Fake Liars, among other films.
14.) Tacha (Anita Natacha Akide)—Media Personality, Entrepreneur, Actress, Reality TV Star, Activist, Web3 Influencer, and Content Creator—Tacha Akide became a household name from Big Brother Naija’s ‘Pepper Dem’ edition.
Tacha, who has gone on to build a strong personal brand, has additionally made appearances on The Challenge: Spies, Lies & Allies on MTV. She has received numerous honors, including Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year, Female Personality of the Year, and Net Honor’s Most Popular Person.
15.) Liquorose (Roseline Afije) – The sensational dancer became a reality TV star after she took part in the 2012 Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality TV show, ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition.
In addition to being an actress who has appeared in television shows, BBNaija Liquorose has a busy career as a dancer, video vixen, and content creator.
She appeared in the popular miniseries “The Johnson’s” in 2012 and starred in films such as “Hex” and “The OAP.”
16) Mercy Eke—Nigerian media personality, actress, video vixen, and entrepreneur from Imo State, emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBN) ‘Pepper Dem’ edition in 2019.
Eke became an influencer and spokesperson for several organizations following his victory in season four of Big Brother Naija. She debuted as an actress in the Nollywood movie Fate of Alakada in 2020.
Alongside certain Nigerian comedians, she has also made appearances in brief comedic acts. In July 2023, she also competed in Big Brother Naija All Stars, placing first runner-up.
17) Diane Russet—Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, and relocated to Kaduna State at the age of 2, Diane Russet rose from BBNaija Pepper Dem to become a filmmaker and actress.
In order to raise awareness of social issues and illnesses, Diane Russet has directed and starred in three short films and a television series, including Therapist, Servants, Storm, Mo and Mel, There’s Something Wrong with Bamideles, and “Ricordi,” in which she costarred with former Senator Dino Melaye, a Nigerian politician.
18.) Nengi Hampson—A two-time beauty pageant winner, Nengi Hampson won the Nigerian Queen Pageant (2013) and Miss Peace Bayelsa Pageant (2014) and gained further stardom as a female housemate of the 2020 BBNaija, ‘Lockdown’ edition.
Nengi made her acting debut in 2020, starring in the popular film “Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story.” Her performance in the film has received praise on occasion, and she has stated that she plans to attend acting school to hone this talent. As a female lead, she has also appeared in music videos. ‘Ride or die’ in 2018 and ‘Jowo’ in 2020.
19.) BamBam (Oluwabamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan)—BamBam, –who is the eldest in the family of a retired nurse and a diplomat, found fame on BBNaija Double Wahala and pursued acting and presenting.
While still enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy, Bambam began her acting career in 2017. Since then, she has acted in a number of films, such as Foreigner’s God, Inspector K, and Backup Wife.
Bambam got a huge break in 2025 when she played Chioma in Omoni Oboli’s film “Love in Every Word.” The role was well-reviewed and quickly went viral on social media.
20.) Maria Chike Benjamin—She is of mixed race, with her mother being White from Britain and her father being Igbo from Imo state, Nigeria.
Maria emerged from BBNaija Shine Ya Eye (2021), later gained attention in modeling and brand partnerships.
Maria’s professional endeavors have extended beyond her business and entrepreneurial endeavors. She has also entered the entertainment sector, where she has established herself as a social media influencer and reality TV star.