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Reality television star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has urged the organisers of Big Brother Naija to take a break and re-strategise, saying the reality show needs fresh ideas to remain relevant in an entertainment industry increasingly influenced by social media.
Tacha made the call while speaking on Arise 360, a programme on Arise News, where she argued that changing audience habits and the growing popularity of online conversations had created a need for the show to rethink its format.
The former housemate noted that BBNaija achieved much of its earlier success at a time when social media did not play the same dominant role in entertainment and public conversations as it does today.
“I think they need to take a break, re-strategise and just come up with something because we are really at an era where everything happens on social media,” she said.
Social media competing for viewers’ attention
Tacha argued that social media had become a major source of entertainment for Nigerians, with online discussions and celebrity controversies increasingly competing with reality television for public attention.
Using the ongoing public interest in the family dispute involving music duo P-Square as an example, she suggested that social media developments could attract audiences even while reality television programmes were running.
“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.
According to her, the changing entertainment landscape means the BBNaija organisers must find ways to make the programme more engaging and appealing to audiences who now have access to a wide range of entertainment content online.
Tacha advocates fresh concepts
The reality star also suggested that taking a break from broadcasting the show could help rebuild public anticipation before its eventual return.
“You also give Nigerians a chance to miss you,” she said.
She urged the organisers to develop innovative concepts capable of generating renewed excitement and sustaining viewers’ interest, stressing that the programme needed to offer something different from previous editions.
“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.
From BBNaija housemate to entrepreneur
Tacha rose to prominence during the 2019 edition of Big Brother Naija, tagged Pepper Dem, but was disqualified following a physical altercation with fellow housemate Mercy Eke.
Since leaving the reality show, she has pursued several ventures in entertainment and fashion, including working as a radio host on 96.9 Cool FM. She also launched Tacha FC in 2024.
Her comments add to ongoing discussions about the future of reality television in Nigeria, as entertainment brands seek to maintain audience engagement amid the growing influence of social media and digital content.
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