Whitemoney – Winner Big Brother Naija Season 6, 2021
| Stage Name: | Whitemoney |
| Real Name: | Hazel Oyeze Onou |
| Occupation: | Reality TV |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 6th June 1992 (32 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Enugu State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | WASSCE |
| Known for: | Winner Big Brother Naija Season 6 |
Early Life
Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and reality TV star born on July 6, 1992, in Enugu State, southern region of Nigeria. He is of Igbo descent but grew up in Kaduna State, northern region Nigeria, where he spent most of his childhood. Whitemoney’s early life was marked by a strong sense of determination and hard work, which was instilled in him by his parents. He has three siblings, and his family was known for their strong Christian values.
Whitemoney’s educational background is quite unique. He didn’t go further than NECO level in his academic pursuit, which is equivalent to the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Despite not having a university degree, Whitemoney has proven that success is not solely dependent on academic qualifications.
Career
Growing up in Kaduna State, Whitemoney left to Lagos in search of occupations. He ventured into different businesses such as commercial photography, barbering, repairing generators, and fixing telecommunication towers among others. He also invested in importing and selling shoes. Whitemoney’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to different situations have been key factors in his success.
Musical Career
Whitemoney’s music career began in 2018 when he released his debut single, “Rosemary.” He followed up with another single, “Your Life,” in the same year. In 2021, he released “My Heart,” which gained moderate success. On December 3, 2021, he released a single ‘Selense’ which was produced by Masterkraft, and the song was released alongside its video. Whitemoney’s music style is a fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, and his lyrics often focus on love, life, and motivation.
Big Brother Naija
Whitemoney’s rise to fame began when he entered the 6th season of Big Brother Naija as the fifth contestant on July 24, 2021. The show, which is one of the most popular reality TV shows in Africa, features a group of contestants living together in a house with cameras recording their every move. During his time in the house, Whitemoney won several challenges and became a fan favorite due to his charismatic personality, wit, and culinary skills.
On October 3, 2021, Whitemoney was declared the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 6, scoring 47% of the final votes ahead of Liquorose with 22.99% of the total votes cast. He was entitled to the ₦90 million grand prize, which includes a cash prize of ₦30 million, a two-bedroom apartment, and a car. Whitemoney’s win was widely celebrated, and he became a household name in Nigeria and beyond.
In July 2023, Whitemoney was announced as one of the housemates for the 8th season of Big Brother Naija All Stars. The show features former contestants from previous seasons competing against each other. On September 17, 2023, he was evicted from the show, making him finish in the 11th place after Alex.
Filmography
Television
- Year Title Role Notes
- 2021 Big Brother Naija 6 Contestant Won
- 2023 Big Brother Naija 8 All Stars Contestant 11th Place
Personal Life Wife and Kids
His relationship status is not known. Whitemoney is a private person, but his time in the Big Brother Naija house revealed some aspects of his personal life. He is a foodie and enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. Whitemoney is also a fashion enthusiast and has collaborated with several fashion brands. He is known for his sense of style and has been featured in several fashion magazines.
Controversies
Whitemoney has been involved in several controversies, including a heated argument with fellow housemate, Pere, during his time in the Big Brother Naija house. The argument led to a physical altercation, and both housemates were issued a warning by the show’s organizers. In 2022, Whitemoney was accused of intellectual property theft by a fellow musician, who claimed that Whitemoney had stolen his song. The matter was later resolved out of court.
Net Worth
Whitemoney’s net worth is estimated to be around N200 million, which he has accumulated through his music career, endorsement deals, and his winnings from Big Brother Naija Season 6. You can connect with him on Instagram.