Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae, the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 9, has shared his intentions for the ₦60 million cash prize he secured after emerging victorious on Sunday.
Kellyrae triumphed over fellow finalists Wanni, Victoria, Sooj, Ozee, Onyeka, Nelly, and Anita to claim the top spot in the competition.
Following his win, Kellyrae walked away with a total prize valued at ₦100 million, which includes a ₦60 million cash prize and an SUV worth ₦40 million.
The 33-year-old singer, speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, reflected on his journey. He and his wife, Kassia, initially participated as a duo, under the name DoubleKay, before later competing individually.
During an Instagram Live session on Tuesday, Kellyrae revealed that he had already transferred ₦55 million of his winnings to Kassia. This followed a video message from Ultimate Love star, Kachi Ucheagwu, advising him against pursuing a music career or feeling compelled to share his winnings with his wife. Kachi instead urged him to consider investing in real estate for long-term financial security.
When asked about his own plans for the prize money, Kellyrae acknowledged the responsibility that fame brings.
“If I were still single, it would have been easier to start counting my plans, but now it’s a family affair. We are making plans in the bedroom,” he remarked.
Despite receiving external advice to shift his focus, Kellyrae remained committed to his music ambitions. “I’m insistent on pursuing music with this (N60 million prize). I appreciate the advice, but watch out for Kellyrae; time will tell,” he said.
Previous BBNaija stars, including Laycon (Season 5) and Efe (Season 2), ventured into the music industry but saw only brief success. Others, such as Vee, Uriel, Bisola, and Whitemoney, have also faced hurdles in sustaining their musical careers.
Reflecting on the difficulties faced by former BBNaija winners in the industry, Kellyrae acknowledged, “Success is not guaranteed, but one must give it a try.”
He also spoke on the struggles Nigerian musicians like Psquare and Runtown have encountered with record label disputes. When asked if he was prepared for similar challenges, Kellyrae responded, “The thing is that life is a struggle already, whether you are in a music record label or you sleep in your bedroom. It’s up to you what you want to face.”
In 2023, BBNaija All Stars brought back former contestants for Season 8, featuring housemates like Pere, CeeC, Mercy, and Whitemoney, with Ilebaye emerging as the winner.
Regarding the possibility of returning for an All-Stars edition, Kellyrae stated that both he and Kassia are “not interested in returning for the All-Stars.”
As Kellyrae begins this next chapter, many will be watching closely to see how he navigates his newfound wealth and fame.
(PREMIUM TIMES)
