FAQs for Big Brother Naija Season 9

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is BBNaija season 9 starting and how long will it run for?

BBNaija season 9 will premiere on Sunday 28, 2024. The season will run for 10 weeks, with the finale on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

2. Why has BBNaija returned for the 9th season?

Following the huge success of the eight seasons not just in Nigeria but across Africa, we’ve recognized that this show 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 9th season.

3. What’s new about this 9th season?

In an exciting twist, the 9th season will be a showcase of pairs, duos – celebrating and testing the ties that bind and stretching the trust that hold friendships and relationships together to create an electrifying blend of uniquely interesting characters and faces in the house. Other new elements this season are:

● The grand prize of a NGN65 million cash prize and a car gift.
● The return of the Ninjas who are an integral part of housemates’ experience in the house.
● Headline sponsor now goes by the brand name Guinness.

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

The call for auditions opened on Wednesday 27th March 2024.

5. 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 seven seasons of BBNaija – See Gobbe, Double Wahala, Pepper Dem, Lockdown, Shine Ya Eye, Level Up and BBNAll-Stars – 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 legal reality TV series, Judging Matters and the long running talk show, Rubbin’ Minds on Channels TV.

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

This season’s theme is centered around “Dynamic Duos”. Big Brother will be bringing into Biggieverse, dualities of partners, characters, and big personalities to compete for the grand prize value of a whopping 100 million naira – NGN65 million cash and other prizes. This season is looking for Duos who will deliver the premium content that audiences across Africa have come to love and enjoy. As usual, Biggie will not be revealing who the housemates will be until the launch day. So, keep watching DStv & GOtv for the big reveal!

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

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.

8. 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?

As always, the power to choose remains in the hands of our customers by enabling them take control of their own viewing. DStv and GOtv viewers can easily avoid unwanted content by 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.

9. Will there be Fave Lock-in this season?

Yes. This has become a keenly contested feature of the BBNaija franchise, and it will be back this season!

How will the Fave Lock-In work this season?

• BBNS9 Fave Lock In competition is different from what you know – fans will no longer Lock-In the winner of the season.
• Fans are to lock-in pairs they think will WIN the immunity challenge (a weekly house activity)
• The new Fave Lock-In allows for a more strategic support of your favourite BBNaija S9 pairs.
• The competition is available to new and existing subscribers on DStv Yanga, Confam, Compact, Compact+. Premium or Prestige packages, and GOtv Supa+, Supa, Max, and Jolli subscribers in Nigeria.
• Go to the MyGOtv app or download the brand new/enhanced MyDStv App.
• Lock In the PAIRS you think will win the Immunity Challenge each week.
• Fave Lock In (Immunity Challenge) will run weekly for 4 ROUNDS between the 1st of August to 26th August 2024.
• Customer’s subscription must be active during the promotion period. A disconnected subscriber who becomes active during the ‘Lock-in’ window is eligible to participate.
• Customer’s entry into the promotion by participating in the “Lock-in” exercise and/or your acceptance of a prize (if you win a prize) constitutes your binding acceptance of the terms and conditions on behalf of yourself.
• Entrants must be aged 18 (Eighteen) and above at the time of the electronic draw (e-draw).
• You are required to “Lock- in” your weekly prediction of which housemate pairs will win the Immunity Challenge in Big Brother Naija Show Season 9 using the Lock-in button on the ‘MyDStv’ and/or ‘MyGOtv’ Apps.
• The subscribers with the most correct Lock In qualify for an e-draw to pick the 30 millionaire fans.
• 30 subscribers will win N1m (One Million Naira) each in Fave Lock In (Immunity Challenge)
• Prizes are not transferable and may not be deferred, changed, or exchanged for any other item.
• The winners will be announced on the official DStv & GOtv social media pages and winners will be contacted. If we or our affiliates are unable to contact a winner within 180 (One Hundred and Eighty) days from the announcement, the winner will forfeit the prize.

Questions About Broadcast Details
10. 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 air Big Brother Naija.

11. On what channels will BBNaija Season 9 air on DStv and GOtv?

Big Brother Naija will air 24/7 on

● DStv CH 198 and GOtv CH 49. These channels will carry the main stories of the show
● The live eviction show will broadcast every Sunday at 7pm (8pm CAT) on
• Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) repeat on Tuesdays at 12pm (1pm CAT)
Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv CH 2) repeat on Thursdays at 12pm (1pm CAT)

12. 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 (Family) and Yanga (Access) packages and only to subscribers on GOtv Supa, Max and Jolli (Plus) packages for GOtv

13. Will I automatically have the BBNaija channel?

Yes. With an active subscription on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam (Family) and Yanga (Access) or GOtv Supa+, Supa, Max and Jolli (Plus), BBNaija will automatically be available.

14. Will I be able to watch Big Brother Naija on DStv Padi (Lite) or GOtv Jinja (Value) /Lite?
No, you will not have access to BBNaija on those packages.

15. How many hours/days/weeks will the Big Brother Naija channel broadcast?
The channel will broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 weeks.

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

17. Will the show be available on the DStv app?
Yes. The BBNaija channel will be available on the DStv app. Download the DStv app on App store and Google Play store. Make sure you have an active subscription to stream live TV or Catch Up.

18. 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 DStv customers with an active PVR access or on the DStv app.

19. 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, 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

20. 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 33033, while GOtv customers can do same by sending “IUC Number [space] BBOUT” to 4688

21. Will I be able to watch it on Showmax?
BBNaija S9 will be live 24/7 on Showmax for customers across Africa. DStv Premium customers enjoy a Showmax subscription at no extra cost while customers on other packages get Showmax at half the price. Visit www.showmax.com to sign up!

Why is BBNaija S9 not available on Showmax outside Africa?
With the relaunch of Showmax earlier in the year, we are now 100% focused on Africa, prioritising our core markets on the continent and making sure we give our customers the best possible experience.

22. 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 via DStv,GOtv and Showmax. Fans outside Africa can catch daily, weekly reviews and other exciting updates on BBNaija’s official social media account.
Questions About Voting Process

23. How do I vote for my favourite housemate on Big Brother Naija?
Voting is free and only through the Africa Magic website/mobile site, MyDStv app and MyGOtv app. The number of votes each subscriber has will be determined by their subscription packages, with DStv Premium subscribers receiving the most votes.
For Website / Mobile site – Please vote for your favourite housemate via the Africa Magic website or mobile site on www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother
For MyDStv/MyGOtv App – Vote for your favourite housemate via the MyDStv/MyGOtv App if you are an active subscriber with an eligible package.

24. When will voting open and close?
Voting will open every Monday night after the nomination show at 8pm (9pm CAT) and will close every Thursday at 9pm (10pm CAT)

25. How many times can I vote on each platform?
You can vote as many times as there is a call to vote on the mobile site, Africa Magic website and the MyDStv and MyGotv apps. If you are a DStv/GOtv subscriber customer with an eligible package, with the MyDStv/MyGOtv App, you can vote based on your package. Below are eligible packages and the votes attached to each package:

29. I want to vote with both of my DStv packages, what can I do?
You can register each smartcard number/ package separately with a unique mobile number, on the Africa Magic vote page www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother which will be verified via OTP.

30. Can I vote for multiple housemates?
You can vote for anyone you like each week and use your votes as you wish.

31. Which platforms are free?
Voting on all the websites, mobile sites and on the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps are absolutely free.

32. Will I get a notification when my vote has been received?
On the website, mobile site and on the MyDStv or MyGOtv App, you will see a little countdown which indicates that your vote has been received.

33. How do you ensure that voting is fair?
All voting is verified by the Deloitte, auditing firm. Please also have a look at the Terms and Conditions for voting as published on africamagic.tv/bigbrother

34. I have registered on the website, mobile site or MyDStv/ MyGOtv App, but I haven’t received an OTP SMS, what can I do?
If you are not receiving OTP messages, your phone number could be on DND (Do Not Disturb) list, which means you do not receive notifications from any service. You will need to unsubscribe from the DND by:
(1) texting STOP to 2442
(2) text ALLOW to 2442 to start receiving bulk SMS.
If after texting ALLOW to 2442, you are still not receiving third-party SMS, you might have to contact your telecommunication provider.
How to opt out of various networks if you are in Nigeria:

● For MTN lines, text STOP to 2442 and after 5 Minutes, text ALLOW to 2442. https://mtnonline.com/dnd
● For AIRTEL lines, text STOP to 2442 and after 5 Minutes, text OUT to 2442. http://www.africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/Nigeria/Home/personal/ voiceandtext/vas/do-not-disturb/
● For GLO lines, text STOP to 2442 and after 5 Minutes, text CANCEL to 2442.
https://www.plafomia.com/1567/how-enable-disable-glo-do-not-disturb-dnd
● For ETISALAT lines, text STOP to 2442 and after 5 Minutes, text START to 2442
https://www.plafomia.com/1561/how-enable-disable-etisalat-do-not-disturb-dnd
● For 9Mobile, follow this handy guide: http://9mobile.com.ng/do-not-disturb/

*If you are in another country, check with your network provider for steps on how to remove your mobile number from the DND list.

35. I have checked if my number is on the DND (Do Not Disturb) list but it’s not, and I’m still not getting my OTP messages.
If you are still having OTP issues, please contact the DStv call Centre in your Country, they will advise you on what you can do next.
You can also perform the following troubleshooting steps on your mobile phone:

● Reboot the phone to refresh the network signal
● Clear phone inbox to ensure the memory is not full (for old phones with limited SMS capacity).
● Check if any phone applications/settings are filtering SMS.
● Alternatively, you may switch the SIM to another mobile network to verify if the delivery issue is phone related.\

How to vote on Big Brother Nigeria Season 9

• Voting takes place on
• Mobile Site
• Website
• MyDStv app (DStv subscribers) and MyGOtv App (GOtv subscribers), only.
• Voting on the MyDStv and MyGOtv App is open to active DStv subscribers in selected countries with eligible packages only.
• To vote on the website, mobile site and the app, viewers will register with their names, surnames, year of birth, gender, location, and phone number before or during the voting round.

Registering on the Big Brother Nigeria website:

● You can register to vote on the Africa Magic website – www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother
● Click on the Vote menu item.
● Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, location and phone number in the international format e.g. +234 731 2345 672 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
● Select your favourite Housemate.
● Website votes are free.
● Data costs apply.

Voting on the Big Brother Nigeria website if you’re a registered voter:

● You can vote for your favourite housemate via the Africa Magic website –www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother
● Click on the Vote menu item.
● Click on Login and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 731 2345 672.
● 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.

Registering on the Big Brother Nigeria mobile site:

● 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, location, cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 731 2345 672 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.

Voting on the Big Brother Nigeria mobile site if you’re a registered voter:

● You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Africa Magic mobile site– africamagic.tv/bigbrother
● Click on the Vote menu item.
● Click on Login and enter your phone number in the international format e.g. +234 731 2345 672.
● 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

Registering on the MyDStv or MyGOtv App (DStv subscribers with eligible packages only):

● 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, location, and cell phone number in the international format e.g., +234731234567, confirm your smartcard number 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

How to vote via the MyDStv or MyGOtv App (DStv subscribers with eligible packages only):**

● Get additional votes with the MyDStv or MyGOtv App.
● **Additional votes are awarded based on your subscription package or tier
● Download the MyDStv or MyGOtv App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
● Log into the app by selecting your default country, use 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 MyDStv or MyGOtv subscriber on one of the eligible packages to receive your additional votes
● Click on “Vote Now” and follow the instructions to cast your vote.
Voting on the MyDStv or MyGOtv App if you’re a registered voter (DStv subscribers with eligible packages only):

● You may vote for your favourite housemate by clicking on the “Vote now” button inside the MyDStv or MyGOtv App.
● Confirm your smartcard number and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g. +234 731 2345 672.
● Enter your chosen password.
● Select your favourite housemate.
● Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
● MyDStv app or MyGOtv app votes are allocated based on your subscription package/tier (active DStv/GOtv subscribers in selected countries with eligible packages only)**
● MyDStv and MyGOtv App votes are free.
● Data costs apply.

 

VOTING LIMITS & COST

Each user may cast 100 votes per voting platform/round i.e.:

• Web – 100 votes
• Mobi – 100 votes
• Network data costs will apply for the use of the internet on web and mobile
• Terms and conditions apply.
• MyDStv app or MyGOtv app – votes are allocated based on your subscription package/tier (active DStv subscribers in selected countries with eligible packages only)**

**Vote limits based on DStv packages

 

Questions About Housemates

36. 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 number of housemates and their identities are never revealed prior to the beginning of the show. This undoubtedly ensures a keen interest on 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.

37. 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

38. 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.

39. How much stuff can a housemate bring to the house?
Two suitcases. No clothing with prominent logos or labels will be allowed.

40. 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.

41. 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, if their illness requires them to be away from the house for a long period, it may mean leaving the show indefinitely as housemates’ health and safety are paramount.

42. 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 immediate response. Further serious violent action carries with it the penalty of immediate eviction from the house.

43. 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 and that’s why we make everything available so that there is something for everyone to enjoy on our platform.

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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 if 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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 for e.g. conversations, it’s at Big Brother’s discretion to use the footage.

51. Will there be ‘Shower Hour’?
MultiChoice recognizes 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.

52. 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 practice housemates wish to follow will be tolerated.

53. Will the housemates be permitted to discuss global, continental and local politics?
Housemates can discuss matters of a political nature, but these discussions cannot promote, suggest or amplify hatred. Any housemate inciting violence through hate speech may face expulsion from the Big Brother house.

54. 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.

55. 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 Twitter @bbnaija, Instagram @bigbronaija, Facebook: facebook.com/bigbrothernaija and all verified social media handles of DStv, GOtv and Africa Magic on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Source: DSTV