How We Found Love In The Big Brother House - Nigerian Ex-Winner And His Tanzanian Wife Speak Out

 

Not many relationships formed in the Big Brother house stand the test of time. But the one between Kevin Chuwang Pam and Elizabeth “Liz” Gupta is an exception.

 

The fun-loving couple met in 2009 while they were both housemates in the Big Brother Africa Revolution house.

 

During the show, Kevin developed a crush on Liz but they managed to keep the relationship under wraps.

 

The beautiful love story between the Nigerian rapper and his Tanzanian beau blossomed after the show ended.

 

Kevin proposed to Liz on stage at an event in Port Harcourt in 2010 and they eventually tied the knot two years after.

 

Premium Times had a telephone interview with the couple where they revealed how they found love in one of the most unlikely of places.

 

 

Kevin: Well, here is someone (Liz) the whole world said was turning down my advances when we were in the House together. Critics didn’t think that we had a future together after Big Brother. But here we are. Elizabeth has been in Nigeria since we wedded and she has  adapted very well. Our union has really surpassed expectations of many.

 

Liz : I feel proud and happy to be married. I still am  head over heels in love with Kevin. Our union is a great achievement.

 

 

Liz : It used to bother me, but not anymore after I realised that I am the only one who understands myself best. So when I am asked this question, I say, “Does any woman want a broke man? Yes I went for the rich guy,” (laughs).

 

 

Liz : Yes it can last and work and it all depends on the background of the parties involved. For instance, when compared to dating in the outside world for three years, you two get to see the good and the ugly side of yourselves in the Big Brother house for three months.

 

 

Kevin: I took the decision as soon as I stepped into the real world in 2009.  Considering my new status at the time, I realised that I needed to be more responsible and focused. Liz was and still is a perfect match to make my dreams come true. I would say I am the most favoured housemate that Big Brother has ever produced. I did not only win, I found fame, fortune and a life partner. What more can I ask for? My wife is the best thing to ever happen to me.

 

Liz : His proposal shocked me because I felt it was too soon and we dated for only three months after BBA. I initially thought it was because of pressure from our fans so I wasn’t too sure he knew what he was doing. I kept asking if he really wanted to settle down after the fame or if we will just get into the marriage and get out.

 

So why did you accept his proposal? 

 

Liz : I am a risk-taker and I can tell you that none of my friends knew what was going on in my personal life. My first ever trip to Nigeria was for his (Kevin’s) show and up till now I sometimes don’t even know why I agreed (laughs). I thought it was one of those things you do and later regret. But here I am and I happy I made the choice. It is the best thing I have done, no regrets.

 

PT: Were your parents initially supportive of your relationship and union?

 

Kevin: We enjoyed mad support from our families.

 

Liz: My dad is late and my mum was a huge fan of Kevin while he was in the BBA house. In short, she was angry when I kept turning down Kevin’s love advances in the house. She even had to ask my closest friends who the ‘serious’ guy I was dating outside the house was. She did this because she couldn’t understand why I kept turning Kevin down.

 

 

Liz: I am very adventurous with food and I cook one of the best Egusi, Kuka and vegetable soups. Kevin can testify to this (laughs). In fact, when people eat my food, they find it difficult to believe I cooked it. I cook Kevin’s local delicacies very well. But,  I think I have adjusted to how ‘aggressive’ people can be in Nigeria. I don’t mean this in a bad way though.

 

 

Liz: Back in Tanzania, we are slow and a bit laidback but there is this drive in Nigeria. It is sometimes overwhelming and I have finally caught up. I drive on the right hand side in Tanzania and on the left hand in Nigeria. Sometimes, I used to go blank while driving in Nigeria; I kept asking myself what side I should be on. But all that is now in the past. Aside from these reasons, I have pretty much adjusted.

 

Kevin: We have both had to make certain adjustments because of the culture shock. My wife has had to adjust a lot since she left her country, Tanzania, to live with me here in Nigeria. These adjustments include food, our driving method, and language.

 

 

Kevin: It is always possible to have such thought cross your mind but my faith always superseded every negative thoughts.

 

Liz: When some Nigerian ladies got to know we were dating I was actually getting threats and stinkers. I heard things like, “You are reaping where you didn’t sow”. But, it lasted for a short while. All that is now a thing of the past.

 

 

Liz: Trusting Kevin comes naturally because he takes me along. He also makes sure I know about his admirers. My love for my husband is rock solid.

 

Kevin: Well, you always have to draw a line whether married or not so I guess that line has helped us manage our fans.

 

 

Kevin: The only assurance I have is the grace of God.

 

Liz: I love and absolutely trust my husband. My love for him is rock solid.

 

 

Liz: Since I married Kevin, over four Tanzanians have called me from back home seeking advice because they are dating Nigerian men. We have hosted some of them here in Nigeria. We have watched their relationship grow and now quite a number of them are married. In fact, East African girls are crazy about Nigerians. They are dying for them (laughs).

 

 

Liz: They say Nigerian men are very caring and you can’t find it anywhere else.

 

Kevin: Every thing I own belongs to her so the question of sharing doesn’t even come up.

 

 

Liz: Kevin has helped me grow spiritually. I love the fact that he is very spiritual and focused.

 

 

Kevin: We handle it maturely. We lovingly correct each other.

 

Liz: I am always the first to apologise after every disagreement because I can’t stay angry for so long. It doesn’t even matter if Kevin is wrong.

 

 

Kevin: Yes we do and it was a mutual agreement.

 

 

Liz: Our priorities have also changed since we got married. So, when there is money on the table it’s the kids and Kevin first, before I think of myself.

 

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Source: Premium Times