Kalo Kanaga, popularly known as Kanaga Jnr, the runner-up of the Big Brother Titans reality TV show, shares with Tofarati Ige about his experience on the show, his acting profession, and other relevant topics.
You were said to be very strategic with your conduct while in the house. What was your game plan?
Going into the competition, I promised myself that I would be original, speak my truth, and express myself unapologetically. That was my strategy.
Did you imagine that you would make it to the final?
I did not. I actually told my people to give me just two weeks; that I would achieve what I wanted in the house within two weeks. However, I continued to progress till I made it to the final. I was so blown away and grateful for the love and support from people who I do not even know.
You made it to the finals and you were so close to getting the $100,000 prize money. How did you feel that someone else eventually win the show?
I had told myself that whether or not I went back home with the money, I am still destined for greatness, and I would do a lot. I stayed with that positive mindset and did not allow anything get to me. I am so happy that Khosi won. I know her story so well, and I believe she will do well with the money.
While you were in the house, you were announced as one of the lead actors in the popular TV series, MTV Shuga. How does that make you feel?
It feels so good. Actually, I still have not processed it. I think my time is now. I have been through different phases in life but in the process, I was gaining a lot of skills, and bidding my time.
I am not surprised that I am winning now, because for every single person that has won around me, I always genuinely clapped for them. Now is the time for people to clap for me.
You have consistently said that your relationship with Tsatsii was real. When was the turning point for you?
It was when I discovered that in the house, she was one person who understood me to a certain level, and did not question certain things (about me). Even when I needed to be on my own, she would say, “If you need a minute, that is fine”. I was very comfortable with her. I was able to share things with her that I never told any other housemate about. I came to the realisation that I really cared about her.
Now that the game is over, what form is the relationship going to take?
I just got out of the house, so I am still trying to process a lot of things. But for us, we are in a very good place. We are looking forward to the possibilities ahead of us.
You were paired with a South African housemate, Blue Aiva. What were the major things you learnt from her?
She is someone I love so much, and I will continue to root for her. She was there for me at a time when I felt like the world saw me as a bad person, because I nominated Marvin (a fellow Nigerian) for eviction.
I actually had a game plan. I have no hard feelings and I love Marvin genuinely. Thank God it turned out the way I envisaged. He did not go home that week.
As regards what I learnt, I actually learnt a lot from South Africans, including their foods, slangs. Before the competition, I had been a fan of South Africans’ amapiano music. I love dancing to it any day.
My pairing with Blue Aiva really helped both of us, because our energies matched.
What is the state of your relationship with Marvin and Yaya at the moment?
I really do not know at the moment, but I have apologised over and again. However, I don’t even feel my apology is going anywhere at this point. It is shocking to me that even after we had discussed it many times, this topic still keeps coming up. On my end, I have no grudge against anybody. I love people genuinely from my heart. I went there for a game and I played it my way. I am not going to apologise about how I played my game, or the things I said and did while in the house. I did everything I did because I had been waiting for that opportunity to express myself.
I really do not know the status of our relationship right now. Perhaps, we will have time to sit and talk about things again.
Is there anything you would change about your time in the house?
There is definitely nothing I would change. If I did not do the things I did, I might not have made it to the final.
I am destined for greatness and whatever comes my way, I pick it up. If I fall, I would rise again and keep going. That is how I’m wired.
You are also into dancing, acting and fashion. How do you intend to combine all this?
I am an embodiment of creativity and greatness, and every day, I keep discovering new talents I never knew I had.
I am a creative director, stylist, fashion enthusiast, actor, dancer, model and influencer. I am open to whatever comes my way, as long as I have the power to do it.
What are the things you will always remember about your stay in Big Brother’s house?
The first thing I will never forget is my injury. It gave me a hard time, but only my partner, Blue Aiva, and Tsatsii knew.
There were games I wanted to play but I could not. I was slowly going back to someone who I was not, putting on black every day, wearing a hoodie and not showing my face. However, Blue Aiva pulled me out of that funk, and I came back as Kanaga Jnr. I will definitely not forget the injury. The scar is still here, so anytime I look at it, it reminds me that I am a titan indeed.
Also, my competitive spirit every Friday during the arena games was another highlight of my stay in the house. I usually gave it my all.
Lastly, the efforts and level of creativity I put in whenever we had wager tasks is something that will stay forever with me.
What do you have to say to your fans who keep you in the game till the final?
To everyone who sincerely loved me and is still rooting for me, I want them to know that I am super grateful. I will never let you down. I am destined for this, and I believe a lot will still come my way. I promise never to disappoint you all.
