The first runner-up of the recently concluded Big Brother Titans reality show, Kalo Kanaga, Kanaga Jnr has told TOPHARAT IGE about his time on the show, his acting career and other topics
You seem to be very strategic with your behavior while at home. What was your game plan?
Entering the competition, I promised myself that I would be original, speak my truth and express myself unapologetically. That was my strategy.
Did you imagine that you would enter the final?
I didn’t have Actually, I told my people I only had two weeks; that in two weeks I would get what I wanted at home. However, I kept going until I reached the final. I was so shocked and grateful for the love and support from people I don’t know.
You made it to the finals and came close to winning the $100,000 prize money. How did it feel to finally have someone else win the show?
I told myself whether I came home with the money or not, I was still destined for greatness, and I was going to do a lot. I stayed with that positive mindset and didn’t let anything get to me. I am very happy that Khosi won. I know his story so well, and I think he will do well with the money.
While you were at home, you were announced as one of the main cast members of the popular MTV TV series Shuga. How does that make you feel?
It feels so good. Honestly, I still haven’t processed it. I think my time is now. I’ve been through many phases in life, but in the process, I was gaining a lot of skills, and I was giving my time.
I’m not surprised to win now because for every person around me who has won, I always applauded them. It’s time for people to clap for me.
You have consistently said that your relationship with Tsatsii was real. When was the turning point for you?
At home, it was when I discovered that he was a person who understood me to a certain degree, and who did not question certain things (about me). Even when I needed to be on my own, she would say, “If you need a minute, that’s fine.” I was very pleased with him. I was able to share things with him that I had never shared with another housemate. I realized that I really cared.
Now that the game is over, what form will the relationship take?
I just got out of the house so I’m still trying to process a lot of things. But we are in a very good place for us. We look forward to the opportunities ahead.
You were paired with a South African housemate, Blue Aiva. What were the main things you learned from him?
She is someone I love so much, and I will continue to root for her. He was there for me at a time when I felt like the world saw me as a bad person because I nominated Marvin (Nigerian) for eviction. I actually had a game plan. I have no hard feelings and I really love Marvin. Thank God it turned out the way I thought it would. He didn’t go home that week.
As for what I learned, I learned a lot from South Africans, including their food, slang. Before the competition, I was a fan of South African amapiano music. I love to dance any day.
Pairing up with Blue Aiva really helped us both because our energies aligned.
What is the current status of your relationship with Marvin and Yaya?
I really don’t know at the moment, but I have apologized over and over again. However, I don’t feel like my apology is going anywhere at this point. It’s amazing to me that even after discussing it so many times, this topic keeps coming up. For my part, I have no reservations against anyone. I really love people from my heart. I went to a game and played my way. I will not apologize for how I played my game, or for the things I said and did when I was home. I did everything I did because I was waiting for that chance to express myself.
I really don’t know the status of our relationship right now. Maybe we’ll have time to sit down again and talk about things.
Is there anything you would change about your time at home?
There is definitely nothing I would change. If I hadn’t done the things I did, I might not have made it to the finals.
I am destined for greatness and what comes to me, I receive. If I fall, I would get back up and keep going. That’s how I’m wired.
You also like dancing, acting and fashion. How do you want to combine all this?
I am an embodiment of creativity and greatness, and every day I continue to discover new talents that I never knew existed.
I am a creative director, stylist, fashionista, actor, dancer, model and influencer. I am open to anything that comes my way, if I have the power to do so.
What are the things you will always remember about your time in the Big Brother house?
The first thing I will never forget is my injury. It gave me a hard time, but only my partners, Blue Aiva and Tsatsii knew. There were some I wanted to play but I couldn’t. I was slowly going back to someone who wasn’t me, wearing black every day, wearing a hoodie and not showing my face. However, Blue Aiva snapped me out of that funk, and I came back as Kanaga Jnr. I will definitely not forget the injury. The scar is still here, so every time I look at it, it reminds me that I really am a titan.
Also, my competitive spirit in arena matches every Friday was another highlight of my stay at home. I usually gave it my all.
Finally, the level of effort and creativity I put into each time we had gambling tasks will stay with me forever.
What do you have to say to the fans who keep you in the game until the final?
To everyone who truly loved me and is still rooting for me, I want you to know that I am so grateful. I will never leave you. That’s what I’m here for, and I think there’s a lot more to come. They promise to never let you down.
