Phyna (Ijeoma Josephina Otabor) – Big Brother Naija Season 7
| Stage Name: | Phyna |
| Real Name: | Ijeoma Josephina Otabor |
| Occupation: | Reality TV |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 2nd June 1997 (28 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Edo State |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Unmarried |
| Education: | Auchi Polytechnic |
| Known for: | Big Brother Naija Season 7, 2022 Winner |
Early Life
Ijeoma Josephina “Phyna” Otabor was born on June 2, 1997, in Ekpon, Edo State, Nigeria. Although she is Igbo by tribe, she grew up in Edo State, where she had her primary and secondary education. She completed her studies in the Engineering Department at Auchi Polytechnic. Phyna’s early life was marked by a strong passion for the arts, particularly music and dance. She spent most of her childhood watching music videos and trying to mimic the moves of her favorite artists. Her parents, noticing her talent and enthusiasm, encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
Career
Before entering the Big Brother Naija house, Phyna was a commercial model, who started her career from college and was signed by a modeling agency. She has also worked as an actress, hype woman, and entertainer. Phyna’s career in the entertainment industry began to take shape when she started creating content on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram. Her energetic and engaging dance videos quickly gained her a large following, and she became known as one of the most popular and influential content creators in Nigeria.
Big Brother Naija
Phyna entered the 7th season of Big Brother Naija (Level Up) as the tenth housemate on July 23, 2022. She was declared the winner on October 2, 2022, scoring 40.74% of the final votes, ahead of Bryann with 26.74% of the total votes cast. She won the ₦100,000,000 (one hundred million naira) grand prize, making her the second female to win the show, three years after Mercy Eke won it. Phyna’s participation in the show further boosted her popularity, and she became a household name in Nigeria.
Endorsements
Phyna has been endorsed by several brands, including:
- Firegin
- Spedy Herbals
- Rixari Skin Secrets
- BeUnique Wears
- Spedy Weightloss
These endorsements have not only increased her net worth but also solidified her position as an influencer and brand ambassador in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Filmography
Television
- Big Brother Naija 7 (2022) – Contestant (Reality TV Show)
- Leaving Beauty (2023) – Mabel (Produced by Mike Ezuruonye)
- Shattered Innocence (2023) – Theresa (Produced by Abdulgafar Ahmad Oluwatoyin)
- Osato (2023) – Osato (Produced by Charles Uwagbai & Etinosa Idemudia)
- Ada Omo Daddy (2023) – (Produced by Mercy Aigbe)
Phyna’s filmography is a testament to her versatility as an actress and entertainer. She has taken on various roles, from reality TV to scripted television, showcasing her range and talent.
Awards and Nominations
- All Varieties Award – People’s Choice of The Year (2022) – Won
- Africa Choice Awards – Honorary Award of Excellence (2022) – Won
- Trendupp Awards – Force of Online Sensation (2023) – Won
- La Mode Awards – Celebrity of The Year (Female) (2023) – Won
- Man on Cheq – Most Outspoken Female Celebrity (2023) – Won
- Edo State International Film Festival – Best Actress In a Movie “Osato” (2023) – Won
Phyna’s awards and nominations are a recognition of her hard work and dedication to her craft. She has been acknowledged by various organizations and platforms for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Phyna is known for her bubbly and outgoing personality. She is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and loves trying new recipes and cuisines. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Phyna is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity, using her platform to promote self-love and self-acceptance.
Controversies
Ijeoma Josephina “Phyna” Otabor, the winner of Big Brother Naija season 7, has been embroiled in several controversies throughout her career. One of the most notable controversies surrounding Phyna is her public feud with fellow reality TV star, Erica Nlewedim. The feud began on social media, with both parties exchanging heated words and accusations. The situation escalated quickly, with fans taking sides and the media fueling the fire. Although the two eventually made amends, the incident left a sour taste in the mouths of many, with some accusing Phyna of being confrontational and attention-seeking.
Another controversy surrounding Phyna is her alleged cultural appropriation. In a video posted on social media, she was seen dancing to a traditional Yoruba song, wearing traditional attire. However, some critics accused her of disrespecting the culture, claiming that she was using it as a prop for her own gain. She responded to the criticism, stating that she was simply appreciating and celebrating the culture. However, the incident sparked a wider conversation about cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting and understanding the cultures we borrow from. Despite these controversies, Phyna remains a popular figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with a large following and a reputation for being unapologetically herself.
Net Worth
Phyna’s net worth is estimated to be around ₦150 million (approximately $360,000 USD), thanks to her winnings from Big Brother Naija, endorsements, and other business ventures. Her net worth is expected to continue to grow as she takes on more projects and collaborations in the entertainment industry. Connect with her on Instagram @unusualphyna
