Big Brother Naija has introduced Africa to many unique personalities, but few shine with the mix of honesty, confidence, and resilience that Mensan Awaji James brings. Known simply as Mensan, he is not just another housemate who entertained viewers. He is a young Nigerian who fought through rejection, carried his family responsibilities, and built himself into a figure to be admired.
In this biography, we will look at his background, birth, family, siblings, education, career, achievements, and even his net worth. This is the story of how a boy from Rivers State grew into a man the entire country is talking about.
Early Life and Background
Mensan’s full name is James Mensan Awaji Malachi. He was born on 17 November 1995, which makes him 29 years old in 2025. He comes from the Atlantic/Andoni area of Rivers State, Nigeria. This part of Nigeria is less represented in entertainment, and Mensan is proud to be among the first from his community to step into the Big Brother Naija house.
Growing up in Rivers State, his childhood was not all smooth. He has spoken about the difficulties he faced, especially the absence of a strong father figure. This left a gap in his life, and during the show, he even broke down in tears while sharing how he wished for a father figure. Despite this, he was determined not to let struggles define him. His love for family and his desire to make them proud pushed him forward.
While the names of his parents are not widely known in public records, Mensan has mentioned his deep love for his mother, who he credits as the strongest influence in his life. His father was not a strong presence while he was growing up, something that shaped both his challenges and his drive.
Mensan also has siblings who mean a lot to him. Reports say he has two sisters and one brother. His sisters include Zilpah and Bibian, while his brother is named Emiyarei M James. His sister Bibian is said to work as a makeup artist, while his brother Emiyarei has interests in political science and fashion design. This close knit family continues to support one another, even as Mensan steps into fame.
Mensan BBNaija Education
Education has always been a strong part of Mensan’s story. After his early schooling in Rivers State, he gained admission into the University of Calabar, where he studied Law.
During his time in university, he developed an interest in different fields of law, particularly entertainment law, oil and gas law, and property law. These choices reflect his vision of blending his creative side with his professional career.
As of 2025, Mensan has already completed his law degree and is awaiting his call to the Nigerian Bar. This means he is fully prepared to start practicing law officially. His education gave him the confidence to argue, speak up, and hold his own in conversations — qualities that fans of Big Brother Naija saw him display often in the house.
Career Before Big Brother Naija
Before BBNaija brought him fame, Mensan was already building his career in different areas. He did not restrict himself to just one thing but combined law with other creative interests.
1. Law and Legal Career
Even though he had not yet been called to the bar, Mensan’s law degree gave him knowledge and credibility. He hopes to eventually work as a lawyer, protecting the rights of entertainers and working in oil and gas and property law.
2. Content Creation
Mensan used social media to tell stories, entertain, and build a personal brand. He describes himself as someone who can capture attention through gist and storytelling, often saying, “If I gist you, your head go burst.”
3. Modeling and Fashion
Fashion has always been a big part of Mensan’s personality. He is known for his bold fashion choices, combining colors and creating stylish outfits that stand out. His fashion sense caught attention even before BBNaija and became one of the things fans admired about him in the house.
By combining law, fashion, and content creation, Mensan created a brand that made him ready for the spotlight of Big Brother Naija.
Big Brother Naija Journey
Mensan’s entry into BBNaija was not instant. He auditioned multiple times before he was finally selected. Reports say it took him seven attempts before he made it into Season 10 of the show. This persistence is one of the key parts of his story. While many would have given up after repeated rejections, Mensan kept pushing because he believed his time would come.
When he finally walked into the house, Mensan made an immediate impression. His bold personality and blunt honesty made him stand out. He described himself as someone you don’t just see, but feel.
Inside the house, he showed different sides, this:
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He was funny and entertaining, often gisting with housemates.
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He was serious and blunt, never afraid to say things exactly as he saw them. Some found this refreshing, while others thought he was too harsh.
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He was also emotional and vulnerable, opening up about family struggles and personal challenges.
His fashion sense also made him one of the stylish housemates of the season, and his storytelling ability made him popular among fans.
Achievements in the House
One of the high points of his journey was when he won the title of Most Influential Housemate in Week 8. This victory earned him immunity for Week 9, showing that his presence was being felt both by housemates and the viewers.
Eventually, Mensan made it to the finals of Big Brother Naija Season 10. Reaching the finals in such a competitive show is proof of his influence, popularity, and resilience.
Personality
Mensan is a mix of confidence, creativity, and vulnerability. He is bold, speaks his mind without fear, and often describes himself as a person who is not afraid of being real.
At the same time, he has admitted that one of the hardest battles he has faced is self doubt. He once said the worst thing he ever did was doubting his own potential. This honesty makes him relatable to many fans who also struggle with similar feelings.
Mensan’s passion for law, fashion, and storytelling makes him stand out. He is not just one thing but a combination of several talents and passions.
Marriage
As of now, Mensan BBNaija is not married and has not publicly confirmed being in a serious relationship.
Achievements
Even though he is still young, Mensan has achieved a lot:
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Finalist in BBNaija Season 10 — making it to the finals in one of Africa’s biggest reality shows.
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Most Influential Housemate Award — recognition of his strong presence in the house.
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Persistence in Auditions — auditioning seven times before making it is an achievement in itself.
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Educational Success — completing his law degree and preparing for the bar.
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Fashion and Modeling Recognition — admired for his unique fashion sense.
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Growing Personal Brand — building a name as a storyteller, content creator, and lawyer in waiting.
Net Worth
Mensan’s net worth is still growing since his fame is new. However, several reports have tried to estimate it. As of 2025, his net worth is believed to be between $15000 and $40000 (about ₦22 million to ₦60 million, depending on exchange rates).
His money comes from modeling, content creation, personal projects, and the opportunities that come with being on BBNaija. With his growing fame, brand endorsements, and possible future as a lawyer, his net worth is expected to rise quickly in the coming years.
Future Plans
Mensan has made it clear that he sees Big Brother Naija as just the beginning. His plans include:
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Practicing as a lawyer, especially in entertainment and oil and gas.
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Building a stronger career in fashion and modeling.
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Expanding his role as a content creator and storyteller.
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Using his platform to inspire young Nigerians, especially those from underrepresented areas like his.
Conclusion
Mensan BBNaija is more than a reality TV star. He is a bold young man from Rivers State who never gave up, even after years of rejection. He is a law graduate, a fashion lover, a storyteller, and a finalist in one of Africa’s biggest shows.
His journey shows that persistence pays off. From a boy with dreams in Rivers State to a man the whole country is watching, Mensan’s story is an inspiration. As he continues to grow his career and brand, it is clear that his voice and presence will be felt for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Mensan’s real name?
Mensan’s real name is James Mensan Awaji Malachi.
When was Mensan BBNaija born?
He was born on 17 November 1995, which makes him 29 years old in 2025.
Where is Mensan BBNaija from?
He comes from the Atlantic/Andoni area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Is Mensan a lawyer?
Yes, Mensan studied Law at the University of Calabar and has completed his degree. As of 2025, he is awaiting his call to the Nigerian Bar.
What was Mensan’s life like before BBNaija?
Before Big Brother Naija, he was a law graduate, content creator, fashion lover, and storyteller. He auditioned seven times before finally getting into the house.