"Your Housemates Are Not Your Friends" – Alumni Tolanibaj Drops Candid Advice to BBNaija Season 10 Hopefuls

 

As the buzz builds for the tenth season of Big Brother Naija, former housemate Tolanibaj has taken to social media to offer a reality check for aspiring contestants. Known for her strong personality and style during her time in the house, the reality star and influencer delivered a no-holds-barred message filled with wisdom, warning, and tough love.

Through a candid video posted on her TikTok page, Tolanibaj, who rose to fame during her own season on the hit reality show, urged incoming housemates to approach the experience with both authenticity and strategy. She didn't mince words as she laid out a series of lessons she believes are essential for navigating the complex world of BBNaija, both during the competition and in the months that follow.

"Be yourself," she began, stressing that viewers can see through forced personas. According to her, the Nigerian audience has little patience for housemates who fail to stand out or show a genuine personality. “Don’t go in there and be boring. Nigerians are going to hate it. You will be surprised that it will not work in your favour,” she warned.

Beyond personality, presentation matters. Tolanibaj emphasized the importance of daily self-care and fashion sense, reminding contestants that while the BBNaija house may feel like a casual environment, it is, above all, a stage. Contestants should see the experience as a personal brand-building opportunity, especially when it comes to attracting fashion endorsements and media attention.

“Dress up every day,” she advised. “Girls, do your makeup. Guys, drip every day. Even though they will give you clothes for the Saturday night parties, bring your own outfits. You’re selling yourself to brands.”

But perhaps the most jarring piece of advice was her take on relationships inside the house. She dismissed the assumption that bonds formed in the house automatically translate to true friendship. “Your housemates are not your friends,” she declared, clarifying that cohabitation for two or three months doesn’t guarantee loyalty or emotional connection. She urged contestants to manage expectations and avoid the disillusionment that often comes when house relationships fizzle after the cameras stop rolling.

“If you do come out of the Big Brother house and there is still a friendship there, then cool, you are lucky. But when you come out and realise that there has been a change in energy, don’t question it,” she said. “Go back to your real friends and family who really know you.”

Tolanibaj’s message also included practical financial advice. She highlighted a common misconception about post-show success—that the prize money or fame alone will secure one's future. According to her, financial rewards don’t come all at once, and without a clear plan, ex-housemates risk squandering their moment in the spotlight.

“If you’re thinking about using the money you won on the show to start your life, it will come, but it is not going to come immediately,” she explained. She noted that even if a contestant wins the grand prize, the payout often arrives in tranches, which may not be enough to immediately launch a business or sustain a lifestyle. “Plan. Don’t depend on that money.”

In perhaps the most poignant part of her message, she stressed that the BBNaija platform is only the beginning. “The real show starts after the show,” she said. Whether a contestant wins or exits early, their post-show journey is what truly determines long-term success. For many, it's what they do with the exposure—brand deals, media appearances, and career moves—that separates fleeting fame from lasting relevance.

Tolanibaj's message resonated not only for its brutal honesty but also because it touched on a recurring theme in reality television—the illusion of instant success. Her tips reflect a deeper understanding of how the entertainment industry works and a desire to see future housemates use the platform wisely.

As BBNaija Season 10 prepares to unveil its new batch of contestants, Tolanibaj’s advice serves as a sobering reminder: fame is fleeting, strategy is essential, and the true challenge begins once the cameras turn off.