Reality TV star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has called on the organisers of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) to take a break and rethink the show’s format, arguing that the growing influence of social media has changed how Nigerians consume entertainment.
Tacha, a former housemate on the reality show, said that its organisers needed to come up with fresh ideas and more engaging concepts to sustain viewers’ interest in an increasingly competitive entertainment space.
Speaking on Arise 360 on Arise News, she noted that BBNaija rose to prominence at a time when social media did not command the level of attention it enjoys today.
“I think they need to take a break, restrategise and just come up with something because we are really at an era where everything happens on social media,” she said.
According to the former housemate, social media has become a major source of entertainment, with celebrity controversies and online discussions often competing with reality television for public attention.
She cited the ongoing public interest in the family dispute involving music duo P-Square as an example of how social media conversations can draw audiences away from traditional entertainment formats.
“You don’t want us watching housemates in the house, meanwhile P-Square is giving us part seven of his family issues… we have come to a point where everyone is so comfortable with social media right now,” she said.
Tacha suggested that if the show is suspended temporarily, it could help rebuild anticipation among viewers and create an opportunity for its organisers to develop a more compelling format.
“You also give Nigerians a chance to miss you,” she said.
She urged the show’s producers to explore innovative concepts that would distinguish BBNaija from the entertainment and celebrity content readily available on social media.
“They need to cook, like they need to try to do something different which will be much more mind-blowing and more interesting to Nigerians because Nigerians are hard to please,” she added.
Tacha became widely known following her participation in the 2019 edition of BBNaija, tagged Pepper Dem. Her time in the house ended after she was disqualified following a physical altercation with fellow housemate Mercy Eke.
Having left the show, she pursued her dream in entertainment and fashion, including working as a radio host at 96.9 Cool FM. She also launched Tacha FC in 2024.
Her comments add to the ongoing conversation about how reality television programmes can remain relevant as social media continues to reshape audience engagement and the consumption of celebrity content.
