Draft:Nigerian Reality Television Shows

Throughout the history of entertainment, there have been a variety of genres, ranging from sitcoms, romance, action, drama, comedy, dating shows, and game shows that have dominated television. Each genre has catered to a particular audience and has offered viewers amusement, conflict, and resolution in a fleeting time. With the advent of a new genre, known as reality television, the world’s view of television has changed. Reality Television is an across-the-board category that cannot be classified under one specific genre of information and entertainment. It encompasses a wide range of TV programs on a large scale, about different people from all levels of society. It is between the borders of different enclaves, where it provides information or entertainment, and sometimes both. It is also known as factual television because it involves real people. Reality TV blends elements of its two primary forms; documentary and drama.

History

Reality TV shows, first introduced in 1948 with Candid Camera gained prominence in the early 2000s, covering various life areas like real estate and dating, offering an escapist reality tailored to viewers' interests.

Over the years, reality TV has successfully emerged and developed in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with heavy influence from British and American Television. Before the introduction of reality TV shows in Nigeria, there was rarely any unscripted content in the entertainment scene. Educational programs, broadcast news, and soap operas dominated television.

Overview of the First Nigerian Reality TV Show

In 2003, Nigerian Breweries Plc sponsored the first Nigerian reality TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search, hosted by Chidi Mokeme. It was an outdoor survival show shot on “Snake Island,” in Lagos Nigeria. The show's inaugural winner, Ezeugo Egwuagwu, won a N3,000,000 cash prize. The first show's theme was “The Legend of Captain Kush.” Over the show's 12 seasons, the cash prizes have increased to over N30 million. The winner of the 12th season, Odudu Otu won over N20 million worth of prizes. The show found a golden balance in entertainment by combining the beautiful wildness of Nigeria’s landscapes with relatable characters from diverse backgrounds which struck a chord in the heart of the viewers.

The success of Gulder Ultimate Search sparked interest in Nigerian reality TV, leading to shows like The Voice Nigeria, The Real Housewives of Lagos, Nigerian Idol, and Big Brother Naija, a localized version of the international franchise. The show became a drama filled with controversial and entertaining conversation starters on topics about relationships, cultural norms, and social issues.

Influence of Global Reality TV Formats

The diverse subgenres of reality TV shows, including survival, dating, lifestyle, game shows, law and court shows, and sitcoms, have inspired Nigerian reality TV and influenced adaptations for the Nigerian audience.

Big Brother Nigeria is a popular reality TV show that follows the lives of young Nigerians who live in a remote house for ten weeks without internet, radio, or television, with weekly house evictions monitored by security cameras and personal audio mics.

Popular Reality TV Show Genres

Reality shows have various genres within the landscape of TV. These genres are expressed in multiple forms, highlighting a diverse range, from competition shows to talent shows, game shows, celebrity reality shows, dating shows, and cooking shows. This diversity cuts across all genres of TV in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Some major ones include the following:

Adventure & Survival Genre

Adventure and survival reality shows entail contestants facing challenging scenarios in foreign and often isolated environments while engaging in challenging obstacles and navigating tasks to win cash prizes and more. The first reality show in Nigeria falls under this genre. Known as Gulder Ultimate Search, it was sponsored by Nigerian Breweries PLC to promote Gulder Lager Beer on DSTV and GOTV . It first aired in 2003. It highlighted the struggle of contestants against the wild while maintaining tenacity in discovering the treasure that would tag them as the winner of the cash prize of 10 million naira and an SUV car. This broadened the landscape of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, paving the way for other reality shows.

Competition Genre

Big Brother, founded by Dutch media tycoon John de Mol Jr. in 1997, is a reality TV show in Nigeria. It features contestants living together for months, competing for cash prizes and bonuses. The show's success has shaped Nigerian entertainment culture, attracted viewers, and sustained active engagement, resulting in the eviction of contestants and the show's success.

Dating Genre

Ultimate Love, a 2020 show by MultiChoice, is a dating show where singles live together in isolation to find love. Hosted by Dakota Egbuson-Akande and Olwaseun Olaniyan, the ultimate prize is an all-expense-paid wedding, a well-furnished home, and a cash prize of 5 million naira after a year .

Talent Search Genre

This genre involves a competitive process in which individuals display their skill/talent in hopes of being selected for an opportunity. A popular show in Nigeria under this genre is Nigeria’s Got Talent. The original show was created by Simon Cowell and hosted by Andre Blaze. In Nigeria, the judges of the show include actor Kate Henshaw, Yibo KoKo, and Dan Foster. The auditions are held with the judges and a live audience. The approval or disapproval of a contestant is made known by the judges through a buzzer. If each judge presses the buzzer, the contestant's performance ends. The audience is responsible for picking a winner by their votes. This winner wins a cash prize of 10 million dollars.

The evolution of technology and the entertainment ecosystem fosters the possibility of creating new genres to maintain the cultural vibrancy and entertainment in Nigeria. From the iconic Gulder Ultimate Search to Big Brother Naija, Ultimate Love, Nigeria’s Got Talent, Deja Spirit, The Voice Nigeria, Project Fame West Africa, and many more, each has had an impact in shaping cultural trends, managing talents, and gratifying and engaging audiences across Nigeria.

Major Shows & Their Impact

Big Brother Naija

Format and Production

Big Brother Naija is a Nigerian reality TV show where contestants live in Lagos for 3 months, with weekly evictions and cash prizes, with the highest-voting housemate winning. The reality TV show is produced by Red Pepper Pictures, a South African company, and is hosted by Africa Magic, a division of Multichoice Nigeria which also partly owns the show. The 2020 edition of the show, costing an estimated 1 billion Naira, involved extensive capital expenditures for house construction, furnishings, security, and other necessary necessities.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The 2016 reality TV show, aired on MultiChoice's DStv and GOTV platforms in 49 African countries, has become a popular show in Africa, contributing 634 billion naira to Nigeria's economy and creating 12,000 jobs and revenue for brands.

Project Fame West Africa

History

Project Fame is a music talent reality show produced by Ultima Limited. Based on the Star Academy’s TV format licensed by Endemol, it premiered in 2008 on July 18^th. It is also known as MTN Project Fame West Africa due to its major sponsor being MTN Nigeria. The show features contestants from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The last two countries have been excluded since 2014 due to the Ebola epidemic. Aired on networks like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Africa Independent Television (AIT), and Soundcity TV, the show is broadcast across the West African subcontinent.

Being a music talent show, the format of airing includes the following: auditions, weekly recap shows, evictions on Saturdays, and weekly gala evenings with the remaining successful contestants on Sundays. It is also judged by a panel of three main judges: Praiz, Tee-Y Mix, and Bibie Brew. Lovette Otegbola and Joke Silva from the Academy’s staff provide training and mentorship to the contestants. At the end of each season, a winner emerges and receives monetary prizes, a recording contract, and significant career opportunities.

The current hosts of the show are Joseph Benjamin and Bolanle Olukanni. Bolanle Olukanni recently replaced Mr. Benjamin’s co-host for the last five years, Adora Oleh, in season seven. During the competition, various themes and musical genres are covered. The live shows are dedicated to an assortment of musical styles and guest mentors like Aṣa, Samini, and Onyeka Onwenu.

The impact of the show on the music industry in West Africa has been extremely significant. Providing a platform for young artists to develop their skills, fostering numerous musical talents, and enabling them with the resources needed to achieve national and international recognition has been the core of the show since its inception . It has remained an iconic fixture of West African television throughout its nine seasons. Multiple praises have been accredited to it for improving the African music scene and serving as a springboard for emerging artists.

Success Stories

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk

The winner of season one was Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk. He launched his music career with his debut album "My Story" in 2009 shortly after . He is famously known for his hit crooners "Kukere" and "Ur Waist." He has won numerous awards, including Artist of the Year in 2013 from the Headies (Hip Hop World Awards) award show

The winners of all other seasons include Mike Anyasodo in season 2 (2009), and Chidinma Ekile in season 3 (2010) . Monica Ogah in season 4 (2011), Ayobami Ayoola in season 5 (2012), Olawale Ayodele Ojo in season 6 (2013), Geoffrey Oji in season 7 (2014), Jeffrey Ufedo Akor in season 8 (2015), and Okiemute Ighorodje in season 9 (2016) .

Gulder Ultimate Search

Format and Challenges

Gulder Ultimate Search is a Nigerian survival show that has aired for a total of 12 seasons. Each season seeks the strongest and fittest Nigerian, by placing contestants in a jungle for weeks where they will embark on challenging quests to prove themselves the ultimate winner.

Every season, the show takes the viewers on a journey to seek a hidden treasure. There is a tale behind what the treasure is, and it is this treasure that a contestant battles and journeys to uncover to emerge as the winner, making them the ‘ultimate searcher’ and giving them instant fame and wealth. For example, season 12, which aired in 2021, was based on finding the iron chest of a wise craftsman named Akolo. The tale follows that the craftsman lived in a town that existed centuries ago.

The craftsman was known for his special brew with ingredients he never shared with the rest of the town. This resulted in his fame in the town, which also came with jealousy and enemies who sought to kill him. He fled the town, fearing for his life to a forest called the Mangrove Forest, with his secret brew recipe and knowledge, and was never seen again. 18 contestants were sent as brave warriors to go back to search for an iron chest containing Akolo’s secrets. The 18 contestants endured different challenges to find the iron chest of the wise craftsman Akolo.  

Production & Distribution of Nigerian Reality TV Shows

Key Production Companies

• M-Net Africa: Known as the Electronic Media Network, Africa, they have produced two major shows; Big Brother Naija and Nigerian Idol. M-Net Africa is known for producing high-quality reality content for Nigerian audiences ^.
• Ultima Studios: It is a full-service media and entertainment company, that is behind talent development and intellectual TV shows like Project Fame West Africa and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Nigeria .
• Endemol Shine Africa: Their main goal is to work with local producers to bring global reality TV shows to Nigeria. For example, Big Brother is an international powerhouse .  
• Baseline Entertainment: It is a production company focused on creating and sharing culturally based content for its Nigerian audience. For example, MTN Y’ello Star. MTN Y'ello Star displays young Nigerian musical talent, focusing on their singing abilities and appreciation of Nigerian culture and music.
• Nigeria Breweries: They are well-known for producing Gulder Ultimate Search, and they have successfully combined the concept of branding with entertainment by creating adventure-based reality TV shows that have become pillars of Nigerian television .  

Their Role in Shaping the Industry

These production companies have set the tone for reality TV shows and have expanded the scope of Nigerian reality TV. They have built an industry that supports local talents on screen and behind the scenes, with the technical crew and other crew members, and with the contestants of these shows. Due to the growth of these shows, they can compete globally. They have also impacted how reality TV is produced and consumed in Nigeria. They have found more creative ways to share the best quality audio-visuals for their viewers. The success of some of these shows has encouraged other upcoming producers to craft their shows and dynamic media environments .

Distribution Channels

To reach a wide range of audiences, traditional and modern channels are combined:

Traditional Distribution Channels

1. TV Networks

• Africa Magic: A subsidiary of MultiChoice, airing shows like Big Brother Naija and The Voice Nigeria.

• NTA (Nigerian Television Authority): A national broadcaster making reality TV accessible to a wider audience.

• AIT (African Independent Television): Similar to NTA, AIT broadcasts a variety of reality shows.
• Cable and Satellite TV: Services like DSTV and GOTV provide channels that broadcast reality TV shows . Modern Distribution Channels

2. Streaming Platforms  

Because digital media technology is constantly evolving, streaming platforms have become increasingly important for the distribution of reality TV shows. Some examples are:

• Showmax: An on-demand streaming service in Africa, that offers a wide range of Nigerian reality TV shows.

• Netflix: Primarily known for movies and series, Netflix's interest in Nigerian content is growing, with reality TV like Ultimate Love and Young, Famous, and African.

• YouTube: To reach a wider range of their target audience, some reality TV shows have YouTube channels dedicated to episodes. Some episodes may be full-length episodes and others are just for highlights where they do a recap of the aired episodes. For example, The Voice Nigeria and MTV Shuga.

3. Social Media Platforms

Facebook, Instagram, and the likes share short clips from different episodes or the full live streaming of each episode. For Twitter, live tweeting allows audience engagement and discussions through hashtags .

4. Mobile Apps  

Some TV shows have apps where their audience can watch shows wherever they are if they are downloaded on their device.  

5. OTT (Over-the-Top) Services

Amazon Prime Video provides access to Nigerian reality TV content. By staying updated with developments in technology, these distribution channels ensure that reality TV shows reach a wide range of viewers, locally and internationally.

Audience Reach & Demographics

Nigerian reality television shows reach a huge market and are popularly watched across various regions.

1. Urban vs. Rural

Most viewers are urban residents since they have better access to television and internet services, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt while the rest of the audience is drawn from the rural areas. National broadcasters such as NTA change their routine programs so that individuals in rural parts of the country watch their favorite shows .

2. Age and Gender

The programs popularly referred to as ‘reality shows’ are audience-friendly and attractive to each age bracket. Programs like Big Brother Naija and Nigerian Idol target young adults and teenagers using social media platforms. Gulder Ultimate Search is popular among the older generations as it is suited for families and their bonding sessions. There is a fair and equal distribution in the gender distribution of the audience, but certain programs might require and attract more female viewership based on the program's content and themes. For instance, drama and reality shows about relationships and day-to-day life, such as Ultimate Love are often watched more frequently by females .  

3. Social Media Influence

Social media helps expand reality TV shows’ popularity and viewership. Most TV shows use social media platforms for social discussions, the creation of fan pages, and trend-setting. The internet also helps garner more viewers as well as shape their interest and the value they attach to these TV shows, across diverse cultures.  

The presentation and exhibition of Nigerian reality television programs are a joint undertaking of innovative production houses, established television stations, and contemporary media streaming services. These shows are appealing to a larger audience, regardless of the age bracket or where they come from. Notably, Nigerian reality TV shows occupy a special place in the country’s entertainment sector as they diversify and evolve with Nigeria’s rich culture qualifying the notion of its dynamic and vibrant entertainment industry .

Cultural & Societal Impact

The Nigerian reality television show sector did not become famous until 2004 after the introduction of Gulder Ultimate Search.

Often, the stars from popular or successful reality shows turn out to be influential figures in society by building on their fame and exposure from their time on the reality show. They tend to present their ideals, beliefs, and values either shaped from their cultural standpoint or a current Western trend, to the viewers who try to keep up with their lifestyle following their success from the show they were on. This could then influence more people in how they view certain topics or interact with other people about entertainment matters.

Influence on Nigerian Pop Culture, Lifestyle Trends, and Fashion

Pop Culture

Pop Culture, also known as popular culture, is determined by people’s daily interactions on matters like the choice in the language spoken, food eaten, style of dressing, as well as the manner of greeting between different cliques in Nigeria. Reality television shows have come a long way in influencing people’s perception of pop culture, thereby influencing them heavily either through trends or the agenda a particular reality show pushes. Over time, certain popular cultures are overthrown and replaced with the latest trends which could revolve around a new slang or greeting ritual that may have been introduced by a reality television show .

There are cases where the influence of reality shows has encouraged the consumption of local content in various demographics contributing to a wide area acceptance and combining of different pop cultures into new ones. Sometimes, societal issues are debated on reality shows which help shape public discourse.

Lifestyle Trends

Reality TV shows stars’ relationship with brands and products shape the public’s perception of those brands and more importantly, the lifestyle trends that emerge from their promotion. Viewers further go on to emulate or completely adopt the lifestyle of those TV show personalities they have observed and fallen in love with. Companies selling beauty products or lifestyle products closely tie their brand identity in partnership with successful reality TV show personalities to influence people into thinking that the star got successful or looks good because of the product and then they go on to use the said product .

Fashion

In recent times, Fashion is closely tied to reality show personalities as in the hands of these personalities, it either becomes an object of scrutiny or admiration. Fashion brands see this as a good opportunity to sponsor TV stars, thereby influencing the public's perception of the brand depending on who wears the brand’s clothes and how highly rated the reality show star is in the public eye. Most stars also go into modeling to help promote local brands and styles by making them look more glamorous simply because they are associated with them .

Economic Contributions

Revenue Generation  

Successful reality television shows attract investment opportunities to the Nigerian entertainment sector. This further bolsters the country’s Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) and many other metrics that bring about profit and more funding opportunities for new shows and projects that would put the Nigerian entertainment industry on the world map.

Making famous filming sites into tourist spots where people would pay to share in the experiences they saw on their favorite TV show would help generate more revenue. An example of this is “Snake Island,” situated in Lagos state where Gulder Ultimate Search was filmed. The set could be recreated and marketed for people to pay up and get to experience it for themselves.

Job Creation

Numerous job opportunities are created and made available for qualified individuals on TV show sets. This goes from the production crew to the marketing crew and the numerous job roles that could pop up depending on the nature of the television show being produced. Success from a reality TV show would mean a sequel or a spinoff being made which would also mean more job vacancies to be created.

Criticism & Controversy

Representation And Diversity

A major problem in the Nigerian entertainment industry is accurate representation of various cultures. Current reality TV shows have found a way to properly integrate this in their shows. For example, in Big Brother Naija each housemate is from a diverse cultural background and many of these unique individuals get to live together for a while and get to learn how to cohabit and accommodate each other while also exploring and understanding their distinct cultural backgrounds. This gives the various ethnic tribes a sense of pride as a “member of their culture” is representing them on a show. It promotes inclusivity amongst the public and allows the TV show to promote national diversity. This is also a trendy way to help correct the public’s perception of a certain ethnic group or to correct stereotypes.  

Awards & Recognition

Some reality shows have gathered a lot of recognition and awards for their creativity in the entertainment industry. They include: - Big Brother Naija, Project Fame, The Voice Nigeria, Gulder Ultimate Search, Family Feud, Nigerian Idol, etc.  

• Big Brother Naija:  Some of the notable awards that the show has won locally are: “Best TV Show,” “Best Use of Social Media.” Big Brother has also been nominated a few times in the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice (AMVCA) .

• Gulder Ultimate Search: It has been recognized both locally and internationally but has not won any notable awards. It has also been recognized for promoting Nigerian tourism and has become a notable platform for many careers to be launched in the entertainment sector .

• The Voice Nigeria: The Voice has been credited for its creativity and has been recognized locally. It has also received an award for being the best TV Show at the Nigerian Entertainment Award .  

• Nigerian Idol: Nigerian Idol has been recognized locally at the AMVCA and has amassed recognition for its creativity and its countless discovery and nurturing of musical talents. It is also speculated to have bagged an award from the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award for “Best TV Program.”  

• Project Fame West Africa: A show that had many seasons and produced young musical talents from various parts of the world. It was sponsored by MTN and has been recognized as one of the most influential reality shows that paved the way for the growth of the music industry. It went ahead to bag the “Best Music Reality TV Show” by the City People Entertainment Award .

Types of Awards

• Nigerian Entertainment Awards: This award highlights the prestigious works of various shows in the entertainment industry and some reality shows that have been recognized here include Big Brother Naija and The Voice .

• City People Entertainment Award: This award honors outstanding achievements and reality shows such as Nigerian Idol, and Project Fame have equally been recognized, especially for their roles in nurturing musical talents.

• Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award: Reality shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Gulder Ultimate Search have won this award. The award honors excellence in broadcasting.

Many of these shows have not yet been awarded internationally but they have been recognized internationally and credited for their execution and creativity. Some have also not been recognized locally but are still significant. There are shows that have helped to shape the entertainment industry in retrospect to reality shows. As the industry grows and improves every day, more reality TV shows are being recognized and given their accolades within the country and with time and more improvement, would be recognized globally where the world would be introduced to a new era of creativity that surges beyond one’s imagination.  

Future of Nigerian Reality TV

Emerging Trends in Nigerian Reality Television

1. Diverse Formats and Themes

• Cultural and Lifestyle Shows: There has been a growing interest in shows that highlight Nigerian culture and lifestyle. An example is The Real Housewives of Lagos which allows viewers to have a glimpse into the lives of rich Nigerian women.  

• Social Experiments: Some TV shows like Ultimate Love help two individuals find love with each other by focusing on matchmaking and relationships. These shows highlight the trends towards formats that explore social dynamics and personal interactions.

• Cultural Representation and Localization Increase: Nowadays, Nigerian reality shows are striving to increase the rate at which they highlight the local cultures, languages, and traditions. For instance, Big Brother Naija has found diverse ways to incorporate Nigerian customs and languages by allowing the housemates speak their different native dialects, hosting shows where they can dress up in their different cultural attire thereby creating a connection that resonates with the local audiences .  

2. Technological Integration

Streaming Platforms: The presence of different platforms like Netflix, Showmax, Iroko TV, and HBO have provided viewers with more accessibility to Nigerian reality shows and allows for a broader audience reach. For instance, viewers can stream Big Brother Naija on either DSTV or Showmax and other online platforms. This way it attracts more viewers from across Africa and beyond. With these streaming services, it can help to track the rate at which audiences or viewers consume reality TV in general. An example is a famous show aired on Showmax by name Real Housewives of Lagos which airs specifically to viewers that which to choose on-demand content.

3. Viewers Participation

Thanks to many social media platforms, audiences can now participate actively and interact at intervals, in real time with the show as it is being aired. For example, the viewers of Big Brother Naija. They can contribute and participate in various segments of the show by voting for their various housemates with the help of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram for voting.  

Current Challenges

1. Regulatory and Censorship Issues

Restriction of Harmful & Explicit Content: It is the duty of some specific regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of the content of what is displayed on TV. Regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) have the duty of imposing content guidelines to ensure that what is displayed is safe for the viewers. Sometimes these rules contrast with the creative direction of reality shows. An example is Big Brother Naija which has faced several scrutinizes over the constant display of explicit content .

2.  Production Costs and Funding  

• High Costs: The cost of producing these reality shows is extremely expensive and reality shows like Gulder Ultimate Search need a huge amount of money to carry out different activities, ranging from logistics to production expenses.  

• Sponsorship Dependence: There is a big challenge in these reality TV shows being able to secure reliable sponsorships from brands. Although shows like Big Brother Naija have unlimited sponsorships, the other TV shows find it difficult to find reliable sponsors or finances.  

3. Piracy and Intellectual Property Issues

Unauthorized distribution and piracy are one of the most severe threats to revenue. Which is why producers need to incorporate several skills to continually protect their content to reduce the rate at which pirated versions of the show are being produced. This may reduce the profit that is to be gained from legitimate viewership.

Future Opportunities

1. Global Reach and Collaboration

Nigerian reality TV has the potential to attract global audiences. Collaborations with international production houses and adaptation of global formats (like The Voice Nigeria) can elevate local shows to international standards, broadening their appeal.

2. Monetization through Digital Channels

Digital platforms provide new revenue streams. Subscription models, pay-per-view choices, and ad-supported streaming can boost profits. For example, Big Brother Naija airs on the DStv app, which offers many income opportunities.

3. Talent Acquisition and Industry Improvement

The idea of reality TV is that it is a robust platform which can also be used to identify individuals with skills or talents and find ways to train them so they can be better. Programs like MTN Project Fame have helped in launching various career paths in the music industry. Expanding such initiatives contributes to the innovation and creativity of the industry .  

4. Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships

Brands are increasingly seeing the value in partnering with reality TV shows to reach a broad audience. Innovative sponsorships and product placements provide substantial revenue for these shows. For instance, the heavy brand integration in Big Brother Naija illustrates this potential .

5. Educational Purposes and Social Impact

Reality television can be used to educate people and promote social change. By using shows that address social concerns or encourage positive conduct, they may have a substantial influence. Reality programs on entrepreneurship or health, for example, maybe both educational and entertaining.

Conclusion

The Nigerian reality TV industry may continue to thrive and have a significant effect both locally and internationally by capitalizing on contemporary trends, actively addressing difficulties, and taking possibilities for growth and innovation. The industry's capacity to adapt and change in response to shifting circumstances will determine its long-term viability.