An Open Letter to the new Big Brother Naija Housemates.

First, congratulations on your golden ticket to becoming famous in Nigeria.

I thought to share a short note from my experience working with public figures that may help you navigate your newfound life.

1. Build something that will outlive that moment. You have everyone’s attention — that’s gold. Don’t blow it.
2. Don’t lose touch with reality. Yeah, it’s a reality show but the rules of the game don't exactly apply in real life.
3. Don’t inflate your value unnecessarily. You may get away with naming big figures when you’re hot, but you won’t always be hot. Steady growth is better than having to take pay cuts when you’re no longer popping.
4. Managers will line up to represent you. It’s business, not love.
5. There’s a thing called contracts and you will receive a lot of those. Read them and get a lawyer to interpret them.
6. Some housemates will be more successful than you. When that happens, don’t fake endorsement deals or house purchases.
7. You’re popular, not rich. Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. A good way to start is by saying no to things you can’t afford. I promise nobody will beat you.
8. Keep your old friends. You’re going to need them.
9. People will ask for photos even when you’re shopping at Ebeano. There’s nothing wrong with saying no.
10. You may deal with perception issues. Some brands will not work with you because BBNaija values don’t align with theirs. Make peace with that.
11. Followers ≠ Influence.
12. You might not get a brand new car from your fans on your birthday and that’s okay. Things are tough.
13. If you can, get some form of media training when you leave Big Brother’s house. Soft skills like communication are the icing on your cake.
14. Nollywood is not a dumping ground. You don’t have to be an actor if you don’t have real talent.
15. Finally, pay attention to your mental health and don’t be afraid to speak to professionals for help if you need to.

I wish you a fruitful and long-lasting career ahead.

Sincerely,

Taiwo Adeyemi — Founder, BoxxCulture | Creator, Road2Blow