Encomium
Tayo Faniran didn’t win Big Brother Hotshots, in spite of being highly favoured by Nigerians. The lucky fellow has moved on from the disappointment of not winning to other things.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had an interview with him about life at Big Brother Africa, his next move and marriage plans…
How will you describe your experience on Big Brother Africa Hotshots?
First, I will like to thank everybody for their support. God bless you all. It was fun, though frustrating. We lived eight weeks in the house. Big Brother is all about sharing your personality with the totality of Africa. If you are not in the house, you wouldn’t know how it feels. Being there is frustrating. Housemates see psychologists every week.
How did you get on board the reality?
l came to Nigeria to audition at Protea Hotel. I went for it first in 2009. Since then, I went on trying.
How does it feel getting close to the prize and not clinching it?
l like to correct it when anybody says I didn’t not come first. If you watched the show, you would remember I told people not to vote based on sentiment but on facts. I have not come across anybody who do not believe I came first .l have met thousands of people since I came back. Fine, Idris got the money but, there is an adage that says if you are searching for money and you meet honour on your way, it means your search has ended. Just go with honour because you will definitely use your money to buy honour. I feel honoured that my country and Africa is proud of me. So, I am a winner.
Do you feel cheated?
Yes, I do. But people are not allowing me feel it because of the love and their response has been tremendous I know I was cheated.
Are you going to relocate to Nigeria?
I was based in South Africa. I came to Nigeria four months ago that was last year. I was trying to relocate for greener pasture, I even coordinated Models Native and Vogue in Port Harcourt but things didn’t work as planned. So, I had to go back to the certainty I had. Now, I am back, this is my home. I can beat my chest and say that my people are ready to welcome me. I also have a brand.
Should we expect to see you in Yoruba movies because you are good in language and proverbs?
That I can do comfortably. Even if you wake me up in my dream, I can comfortably speak my language. One of the movie producers I have worked with, that is Kunle Afolayan, he is a very successful man. I fell in love with him after watching him act in Saworo Ide. I can act English movies too. I am not limited to just one genre.
What went through your mind when Idris was chosen?
That day when I got on stage, I knew I was the best. I was sure of myself (I am not bragging). Even when it was just the two of us, he was jittery and asked why you while we were on stage that night. They were showing the highlights of the show, I was laughing when I saw mine, everybody also laughed. When they were showing Idris’ own, I was hoping to be impressed but I was not. They even ask the audience who the winner was, I got a much more roaring response, so I felt that was it. But when Idris’ name was mentioned, I asked myself what was going on. I thought I.K was joking with me but that was it.
If invited again?
I wouldn’t want to go back in there. When I was doing my interview in South Africa, someone mentioned Big Brother All Stars and asked if I would like to come, I said no. I don’t have three months to sacrifice again.
If you had the chance to go back to the house again, what will you do differently?
When I was getting into the house, I wanted to perform D’Banj’s song, On top of the world. Looking back, there is no regret. I will say there is nothing I would have changed, I did my best. I was myself. Sometimes I make one mistake or the other, there is no perfect man, I did not repeat my mistake. If I go back, I will not change anything.
What is your relationship with Tamar?
If you can go on Facebook, Instagram or ask anybody In South Africa, we professional models from Nigeria see ourselves as siblings.
I have been in South Africa since 2008. Tamar see all of us as brothers and sisters. Tamar is not my mom’s daughter but she is my sister, she has proven it. I have proof that I am her brother. I have a woman who has a son for me, she is in my home. She is comfortable with Tamar. Tamar is a sister to me. Now that I have started coming out of the house, I have decided to make her my manager, she can handle someone like me.
Will you marry your baby mama?
I will, just continue to pray for us. She is already in my house, we came back together. In fact, I have given her a Yoruba name, Ife.
