In less than two days, Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), will premiere its ninth season. 

With the theme for this season centred around pairing and creating dynamic duos, the season is already gearing to bring unparalleled twists and turns. 

For 71 days, housemates are expected to entertain Africa. Before the show premieres, here are five twists, turns and prizes to expect as BBNaija premieres;

Season 9’s Theme Is Centred Around Duos

It was recently disclosed at the BBNaija media briefing that the criteria for selecting contestants for the season was based on the mindset ‘better as pairs.’

“What Biggie has asked for this year is for pairs to audition, which is the first time this is happening. This year we asked for people to come with their friends, besties, family members, wives, husbands, and partners, to enter the show together as a pair. That was the selection criteria,” said Dr. Busola Tejumola, the Executive Head, Content & Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice.

The Grand Prize Is N100 Million Worth of Prizes

Although the season’s theme is yet to be revealed, Dr. Tejumola revealed that the prize to be won this season is valued at N100 million which includes a cash prize and an SUV. 

Though there are a number of sponsors already on board for the 9th season, it is not yet clear if there would be any additional sponsored prizes given recent controversies.

Head of House Challenge Will See Major Twist

Unlike previous seasons, the Head of House challenge will see a major twist with new activities set for primetime.  

Dr. Tejumola said, “Right after the launch show on Sunday, a new activity will start. This season has high stakes. It’s going to move fast, and it will unravel right from Sunday night when we launch the show.”

Immediately after we meet the housemates, the main business starts as the Custodian Challenge will start at 9 pm on Sunday. 

Now restyled as the HoH Ballot, the process to select the first HoH will hold at 10 am on Monday, July 29, 2024. This will be followed by the Custodian Lock-In then the Immunity Challenge and nominations.

The twists and turns coming this season are the organisers’ way of upping the game’s innovative format and it promises to deliver fresh dynamics and unforgettable entertainment.

Fave Lock-In Is Making A Comeback

Contestants do not only get to win, but fans can also participate with the Fave Lock-In. With the Fave Lock-In, viewers can make their predictions of the pairs the think will win the Immunity Challenge and some lucky fans get rewarded with N1million weekly.

Guinness Is This Season’s Gold Sponsor

Guinness is returning as a sponsor of Big Brother Naija, but this time as a gold sponsor. 

Other sponsors include Smirnoff, Pepsi, Supakomando, Aquafina, Mirinda, Indomie Noodles, Power Oil, Lush Hair, Munch IT, Colgate, Airtel Smart Cash, Tecno Mobile, Golden Penny Semovita & Garri, Dano Milk, Amatem Softgel, Rexona, Innoson Motors, Bang Bet and many more.

The season premiere is set for Sunday, July 28, 2024, across all Africa Magic channels, after which viewers can follow all the drama and excitement on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. You can also join the conversation using the hashtag #BBNaijaS9 on social media.

To vote for your favourite contestants as the new BBNaija season premieres, fans need to download the new MyDStv app before Sunday, July 28, 2024, as the old application will be phased out.

For more information about Big Brother Naija season 9, visit https://www.dstv.com/africamagic/en-ng/show/big-brother-naija