Nigerian Celebs Who Rose To Fame Through Reality TV Show, No.1 Split His Prize With His Brother (Pictures)

It’s throwback Thursday and in honour of this time-testing tradition, we recount the journey of some of the hottest celebrities around now.

So, prepare to see these celebs in ways you haven’t seen them in a while!

Reality TV shows have enjoyed massive follower-ship in Nigeria and the impact cannot be overemphasized. Some Nigerian celebrities gained recognition by having to attend auditions which they battled out with fellow contestants before realizing their dreams.

We presents you a list of 12 Nigerian celebrities who gained prominence through reality shows.

12) Iyanya

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk is a Nigerian recording artist and performer who rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa and is best known for his hit single “Kukere”.

11) Omawumi

Omawumi Megbele who is a graduate of Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma came second at the first edition of West African Idols music competition after which she released her first single ‘In The Music’, which became an instant hit and has won several accolades over the course of her music career.

10) O.C. Ukeje

Okechukwu Ukeje, known as OC Ukeje is Nigerian actor, model and musician. He came into prominence after winning the Amstel Malta Box Office reality show. His first screen appearance was in White Waters in 2008 alongside star actresses Joke Silva and Rita Dominic.

9) Chidinma

Chidinma Ekile is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist and stage performer who she rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2010.Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart.

8) Darey

Dare Art Alade is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, and Idol series judge. Darey is probably the first Nigerian celebrity to rise to fame on the back of a reality TV show after he participated at the 2004 edition of Project Fame Academy, a renowned reality TV show and emerged third in the contest.

7) Tonto Dikeh

Tonto Dikeh competed against other contestants on a reality TV show called The Next Movie Star in 2005; she was the first runner-up. Tonto’s start in the Nigerian movie industry began after the maiden edition of the movie reality show.

6) Uti Nwachukwu

Uti first participated at the celebrated Next Movie Star before contesting at the Big Brother Africa reality TV show. In 2010, he was a contestant in Big Brother Africa 5 All-Stars in which he lasted 91 days and ultimately won.

5) Yemi Alade

Yemi’s music career started with an all-girl group called ‘Noty Spices’ in 2005 but she gained prominence after she won the Peak Talent Show in 2009 and is best known for her hit single “Johnny”.

4 ) Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer who emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. With his victory, he got a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes.

3)  Praiz

Praise Ugbede Adejo is a Nigerian R&B songwriter and singer. Praiz’s music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for singles like “Rich and Famous.”

2) Niniola

Niniola wanted the world to hear her voice and to also harness her singing skills at the same time so she applied for the MTN Project Fame West Africa Competition Season 6 edition in 2013 in which she placed 4th position.

1) Kcee 

Long before we were dancing to ‘Limpopo’, K.C was a contestant on the Star sponsored music reality show, Star Quest alongside former group mate, Presh. Although the duo had been together for 12 years, they  split and K.C has since taken the music scene by storm following the release of his hit single ‘Limpopo’.

What people are not aware is that, Kcee reportedly shared the money he made from the Reality TV show with his younger brother, E-Money which was the beginning of the success story of the Five Star Music boss who is now a billionaire. That is the reason why E-Money is always grateful to his brother and are always spotted together at all times. Brotherly Love, you call it