Kess, whose real name is Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, is a Nigerian businessman from Delta State who became known for appearing on Big Brother Naija season 7, Level Up, in 2022 at age 28.
The table below summarizes his key details.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real name | Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu |
| Known as | Kess |
| State of origin | Delta State, Nigeria |
| Age on the show | 28 |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Marital status | Married |
| Reality show | Big Brother Naija season 7, Level Up |
| Year | 2022 |
| Outcome | Evicted in week five |
What Is Kess’s Background?
Kess is a businessman with an interest in movie production, alongside his other ventures. He hails from Delta State, Nigeria, and has described family as central to his life, naming one of his brothers as his closest friend. Before entering the Big Brother Naija house, he had followed the show for years and described joining it as a long-standing personal goal. He has also said he never pursued singing, dancing, or acting seriously, explaining that he prioritized supporting himself and his family over chasing an entertainment career.
How Did Kess Join Big Brother Naija?
Kess was one of the first twelve housemates unveiled for Big Brother Naija season 7, Level Up, which premiered on 23 and 24 July 2022. He was the seventh housemate introduced and entered the house as a married man, with his wife’s support. Housemates that season were split into two groups, Level 1 and Level 2, before Big Brother later merged them; Kess was placed in Level 1. The season ran for 72 days under host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who was presenting Big Brother Naija for the sixth consecutive year, and carried a grand prize of 100 million naira in cash and other rewards, the largest in the show’s history at that point. Twenty-eight housemates competed in total. Delta State, where Kess is from, sits in Nigeria’s South South region.
Who Were Kess’s Fellow First Housemates?
Kess was unveiled alongside eleven other housemates during the show’s opening ceremony. Early housemates introduced with him included Groovy, a businessman, artist, and model from Anambra State; Beauty, a lawyer and former beauty queen from Taraba State; and Khalid, a 22-year-old artist and skateboarder from Plateau State. Other early housemates that season included Christy O, an entrepreneur from Ondo State, and Cyph, a tech designer and entrepreneur from Imo State, both of whom were also evicted early in the competition. Like Kess, several members of this original group were evicted before the season reached its later stages. Big Brother Naija first aired in 2006 and returned in its current annual format from 2017 onward, becoming one of the most watched television events in Nigeria each year.
What Was Kess Like in the House?
Other housemates and viewers nicknamed Kess “senior brother” for the mentoring role he took on, offering advice to younger housemates and earning their respect. He described his personality as chilled, laid-back, quiet, and observant, and said his reserved behavior in the house reflected who he actually is rather than a strategy. On entering the house, he described himself as a “show-stopping, jaw-dropping human being” and said he could:
- Sing, though not at a professional level
- Dance casually rather than competitively
- Act in minor, non-professional roles
He also acknowledged trying for Head of House on several occasions without success, attributing it to difficult luck rather than a lack of effort.
His commitment to his marriage became a recurring storyline. When fellow housemate Ilebaye Odiniya attempted to kiss him, Kess declined and cited his marriage, a moment that reinforced his reputation as the house’s most family-oriented member. Unlike Pharmsavi, who explored a relationship with fellow housemate Diana Isoken Edobor during the season, Kess kept his focus on his marriage and family throughout his run.
In August 2022, while Kess was still in the house, his representatives announced that he and his wife had lost a pregnancy to miscarriage. The statement thanked well-wishers for their support and asked for continued good wishes for his wife and family. Nigerian entertainment outlets reported at the time that the loss had reportedly occurred some weeks earlier and that his wife was said to be doing well.
When Was Kess Evicted From Big Brother Naija?
Kess was evicted on day 30 of the season, in week five, alongside fellow housemate Saviour Ikin “Pharmsavi” Akpan, after both received the fewest votes that week. The two had been put up for possible eviction by Eloka Paul “Eloswag” Nwamu, who had won Head of House that week. In his exit interview with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Kess said his marriage had limited how much he pursued relationships on the show, and admitted he had not expected to be evicted that week. In a later interview, he added that his reserved behavior in the house reflected his real personality rather than a strategy.
What Has Kess Done Since Leaving the House?
After his eviction, Kess returned to his business interests, including his plans in movie production. He and Pharmsavi later received a plot of land each in Benin City, Edo State, gifted by Queen Aisosa, one of the wives of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. The two were given the land while accompanying season winner Phyna, who is from Edo State, on a visit to her hometown. Phyna shared news of the gift on her Instagram page, thanking the queen on behalf of both men, and Pharmsavi, a pharmacist by profession, described going from renting an apartment in Lagos to owning land in Benin City.
What Is Kess Best Known For?
Kess is best known as the reserved, family-oriented “senior brother” of Big Brother Naija season 7, who entered the house as a married man and stayed committed to that marriage throughout his time on the show. His eviction in week five ended his run before the season’s later stages, but his personal story, including the loss of a pregnancy during the show, made him one of the season’s more talked-about early exits. Although his run ended earlier than some of his co-stars, viewers and fellow housemates pointed to his family values and calm demeanor as his defining traits, setting him apart from housemates whose storylines centered more on romance or conflict.
People Also Ask
What Is Kess’s Real Name?
Kess’s real name is Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu.
Which Big Brother Naija Season Was Kess On?
Kess appeared on Big Brother Naija season 7, known as Level Up, in 2022.
Was Kess Married During Big Brother Naija?
Yes. Kess was married when he entered the Big Brother Naija house in 2022.
Did Kess Win Big Brother Naija?
No. Kess did not win; he was evicted in week five of the season.
How Many Housemates Competed in Big Brother Naija Season 7?
Twenty-eight housemates competed in Big Brother Naija season 7, Level Up.
Who Hosted Big Brother Naija Season 7?
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu hosted Big Brother Naija season 7, marking his sixth consecutive year presenting the show since taking over hosting duties.