How I Lost BBNaija Africa Spot, Gained Stardom In Acting — Timini Egbuson

Nollywood actor, Timini Egbuson, has shared how missing out on a chance to represent Nigeria in the Big Brother Africa reality show unexpectedly paved the way for his rise to stardom through the hit TV series MTV Shuga Naija.

Egbuson, who spoke during a recent episode of The Culture League podcast, revealed that he was among five finalists selected to join the reality show years ago, but was ultimately not picked for the final cast.

“I was supposed to be on Big Brother Africa some years ago, it was about five of us,” he said.

“We had done all the necessary things. They asked us to pack our bags and wait to be called. I even hired someone to manage my social media.”

Despite preparing extensively, the actor said he never got the call. “They didn’t pick me. I think Tayo went that year, but I’m not sure.”

While disappointed at the time, Egbuson said the rejection opened a better door—one that would define his career. That same year, he was cast in MTV Shuga Naija, a role that launched him into the spotlight and set him on a path to becoming one of Nollywood’s leading men.

“That was the year I did MTV Shuga and Shuga is what launched my career to who I am today,” he said.

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Looking back, Egbuson said the missed opportunity was a blessing in disguise. “If I had gone on Big Brother, the hype would have gone down by now, or I might not have made it in the entertainment industry.”

He stressed that not all rejections are setbacks. “Some of those things that I might have gotten would have completely derailed me from where I am today. And I believe that where I am today is where I am ordained by God to be.”

Egbuson’s story serves as a reminder to aspiring talents that rejection is not the end of the road. “Sometimes, when you lose opportunities, you just have to count it as a blessing, dust your feet and keep on moving,” he said. “That’s one hard lesson I have learnt.”

The actor, known for his dynamic roles in both film and TV, continues to inspire fans with his resilience, talent, and honest reflections on the highs and lows of fame.