“My Soup’s First Choice,” as the Golden Penny Semovita brand is now known in some quarters, was at the centre of attention yesterday, as Biggie’s mansion played host to the ninth task of the 10/10 Big Brother Naija Reality TV show.
With an unparalleled 60+ years heritage and a storied past that not only mirrors but follows generations of Nigerians across ethnic, religious, demographic and psychographic divides, the brand’s task was a reflection of its versatility, a highlight of nutritional properties, and why it is the most preferred companion for different soups in Nigeria – or the “King of Soups”.
In the curation of the ninth brand task of the show, Golden Penny Semovita did not leave any stone unturned in its celebration of Nigeria’s culture and cuisine. With the use of popular Nigerian songs and dressing from different regions adding to the festive atmosphere, it was a no-brainer that the task was engaging and entertaining to both viewers and housemates alike, a proof of the brand’s identity as a trusted, quality food provider deeply connected to the Nigerian consumer.
The task tested housemates’ cooking skills, creativity, and knowledge of Nigerian cuisine. The task, which was divided into three segments: Path to the pot, Cooking competition, and Drama presentation, had housemates grouped into four teams, each representing a different region of Nigeria – North, South, East, and West. The teams prepared four popular Nigerian soups – Afang, Eforiro, Miyan Kuka, and Egusi; soups from each of these regions.
For the path to the pot challenge, the housemates were given a board mat with 36 units, a die to play a game of Snakes and Ladders. Each team had a representative who acted as a totem; this team member moved on the board according to the number rolled on the die by his team members. The teams took turns to play the game. The game began with the team rolling number six on the dice. Things like cowries and a pot were written on the board. Any team that landed on the cowries picked six local snacks from Golden Penny Semovita marketplace place and reaching the pot on the board signified the completion of the game. Each team was given 10 minutes to play the game; the team that finished the fastest won this challenge.
The second game, a cooking competition, which was the star activity of the task, had the teams cooking a soup from the region they represent. Each team had two representatives pick from four options of soups to cook, and then went shopping at the ‘Golden Penny Semovita market’. After preparation, each team chose two representatives who tasted and scored both the Semovita and the soups from 1-5 points.
The last game of the night was a drama, which tested their presentation ability and creativity, had each team presenting a drama that centred on Golden Penny Semovita, the values of the region it represents, as well as promoting the culture and heritage in the region in seven minutes.
At the end of the presentation, Team West, comprising Housemates Big Soso, Isabella, Mensan, Bright, Koyin, and Ivatar, emerged winner of the ninth brand task of the BBNaija season 10 show. Their creativity, unity, and execution set them apart, earning them the highest points across the three activities.