Hermes is a Nigerian performance artist, dancer, and reality TV star born Hermes Chibueze Iyele on April 21, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria. He rose to prominence as a housemate on Big Brother Naija season 7, known as “Level Up,” which aired in 2022.
Who Is Hermes?
Hermes is a Nigerian performance artist and reality TV personality known for his appearance on Big Brother Naija season 7. He uses his body, voice, and movement to express emotions such as grief and love. He has performed on international stages and appeared in music videos for several top Nigerian artists.
What Is Hermes’s Real Name and Background?
Hermes’s real name is Hermes Chibueze Iyele. He was born on April 21, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, and hails from Delta State, with Anioma as his tribal affiliation.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Hermes Chibueze Iyele |
| Date of birth | April 21, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of origin | Delta State |
| Tribe | Anioma |
| Occupation | Performance artist, dancer, model |
| Known for | Big Brother Naija season 7 (Level Up) |
Where Did Hermes Grow Up and Study?
Hermes grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and attended Gbagada Senior Grammar School for his secondary education. He completed his elementary education at a public primary school. He was raised by his mother, Gloria Isioma John, alongside two siblings: a sister, Isioma Iyele, who works as a sociologist, and a brother, Kuthumi Iyele, who works as a yoga teacher.
What Was Hermes’s Career Before Big Brother Naija?
Hermes built a performance and modeling career before entering the Big Brother Naija house. His pre-show work spanned three main areas:
- Dance instruction, teaching students across Europe and other regions abroad
- Music video appearances, including features in videos for Davido, Burna Boy, Zinoleesky, L.A.X, Ajebo Hustlers, Focalistic, and Buju BNXN
- Modeling for brands across television commercials, billboards, and fashion shows
He also performed at cultural festivals in cities including Glasgow and Rotterdam. In 2021, he served as an artist-in-residence at the African Artists Foundation.
How Did Hermes Perform on Big Brother Naija Season 7?
Hermes entered the Big Brother Naija Level Up house on July 24, 2022, as one of 13 housemates assigned to the level-two group. He was later placed in the level-one house, where he distinguished himself through two Head of House wins.
| Week | Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Head of House | Defeated Dotun and Cyph, secured immunity for level-one housemates |
| Week 7 | Head of House | Won a fishing-themed challenge, chose Allysyn as deputy |
As Head of House in week two, he nominated five housemates from the level-two house for possible eviction. He cited specific reasons for each nomination, naming perceived strength or threat level as his basis for each choice.
How Was Hermes Evicted From the Show?
Hermes was evicted from the Big Brother Naija house alongside Groovy and Sheggz during a live eviction show. He received 15.83 percent of the vote share, compared to 14.63 percent for Groovy and 13.26 percent for Sheggz. His eviction occurred one week before the season finale, with eight housemates remaining in the house at that point. Upon his exit, he stated he intended to remain open to opportunities in the sports and arts sectors.
What Is Hermes’s Personal Life Like?
Hermes disclosed on the show that he was in a relationship with two women simultaneously. He named his partners as Margaretha Paulick and Kelly Belling Offiong, describing the arrangement as a partnership in which both women were aware of each other. He has also spoken publicly about his mother’s mental health, noting that she underwent treatment for an illness.
What Is Hermes’s Net Worth?
Public estimates of Hermes’s net worth remain unverified and vary by source. One entertainment site places his net worth near $45,000, a figure drawn from unofficial reporting rather than confirmed financial disclosure. Readers should treat this figure as an estimate rather than fact.
What Is Next for Hermes?
Hermes continues to work across performance art, dance, and modeling following his exit from Big Brother Naija. His established pre-show career, built on international festival performances and music video appearances for major Nigerian artists, gives him a professional foundation independent of his reality TV recognition, distinguishing his post-show trajectory from housemates whose careers began only after the show.