Former Big Brother Naija housemate and entrepreneur, Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has shared fresh insights into the challenges she faced in the aftermath of her controversial disqualification from the Pepper Dem edition of the reality show.
In an interview on Pulse Hot Takes, Tacha disclosed that her exit from the house in 2019 created a wave of backlash that made many celebrities and industry stakeholders distance themselves from her. According to her, several people prematurely concluded that her career had ended.
“A lot of celebrities didn’t want to associate with me after BBNaija disqualification. People concluded that it was over for me. But I was able to just pick myself back up by going back to what I know, which is making sales online, creating content, and just really trying to be a better version of the Tacha of yesterday,” she explained.
Tacha’s disqualification during the Pepper Dem season came after a heated clash with fellow housemate Mercy Eke, who went on to win the season. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments in BBNaija history, sparking heated debates among fans and followers of the show.
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Many industry observers at the time predicted that her disqualification would permanently damage her public image and limit her opportunities. The stigma of being labeled “controversial” was expected to overshadow her career. However, Tacha revealed that while those early days were tough, they also marked the beginning of her journey toward resilience and reinvention.
“People wrote me off too quickly. But I knew I had to stand up again. I couldn’t let the disqualification define me. I returned to what I was already familiar with, running my online businesses, engaging my fans through content creation, and gradually rebuilding my brand,” she said.
Far from fading into obscurity, Tacha has since built a strong personal brand. She leveraged her massive fan base, popularly called the “Titans,” to establish herself as one of the most influential BBNaija alumni. Her ventures include fashion, beauty products, endorsements, and media appearances.
Despite the hurdles, Tacha insists she has no regrets about her time on the reality show. “Absolutely not. I don’t regret anything. I try to live my life without regrets because at the end of the day there’s always a lesson to be learnt,” she affirmed.
Her ability to turn what many considered a career-ending setback into a springboard for success has been a major talking point. Today, Tacha commands significant influence on social media, often using her platform to discuss issues ranging from business and lifestyle to social causes.
Tacha’s story underscores a larger narrative about resilience in the entertainment industry, particularly for reality TV stars whose fame often comes with intense scrutiny. While many former housemates have struggled to maintain relevance after the show, Tacha’s reinvention highlights the importance of determination, branding, and adaptability.
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Her revelation about being shunned by celebrities also sheds light on the cutthroat nature of the industry, where public perception often dictates associations and partnerships. “It was almost like people believed it was the end for me,” she said. Yet, her trajectory since then has proved otherwise.
Now an established media personality and entrepreneur, Tacha continues to build on her post-BBNaija success. She has secured major brand endorsements, hosted shows, and positioned herself as a businesswoman with a strong voice.
Her journey from disqualification to redefinition serves as both inspiration and a cautionary tale. For her, every setback carried a lesson, and each challenge became an opportunity for growth.
In her words, “I just really try to be a better version of the Tacha of yesterday.”
