BBA house fire, More About about the show
Africa was ready for the biggest reality show on the planet, Big Brother Africa (BBA) season nine to begin on Sunday, September 7, 2014 but were shocked beyond words when words filtered in on Tuesday night that the BBA house was on fire, thus destroying the expensive set-up that would have housed new housemates of this year’s season. Though a press release from the organisers suggest that a new house is being sought for with new set of gadgets to be installed so that the competition will continue for this year’s edition, many individuals from around Africa have used the opportunity to voice their thoughts about the hugely anticipated event. While many were disappointed that they would have to wait for a new date to see the competition begin, others, funny as it may seem, are of the opinion that the fire incident was an act of God, showing his disapproval of the event. And so, on various social media platforms on Tuesday night, thousands of people voiced their various opinions for and against the event, thus proving that the event is indeed the most popular reality contest on the continent. The housemates are competing for a massive prize pot of USD 300 000 – with more twists than ever before!
Angela Uko, like many others, on her twitter page, had attributed the fire incident to God’s anger, as if reading his mind and stressing that the Most High was highly displeased with the culture and content exhibited in the BBA house. Many fans had however berated such comments, encouraging the organisers not to be deterred by negative comments but should strive to make the competition even better, this year.
As if reading the minds of fans across Africa, M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, has said that the viewers are in for almost as many surprises as the housemates. “We work hard to make each season of Big Brother Africa bigger than the last – and we’ve really upped the ante this year,” she was quoted to have said on the company’s website.
“Big Brother Hotshots is going to bring viewers exciting innovations, heart-stopping twists and uniquely African glamour, 24/7 for 91 days. Both fans and housemates are in for some unmissable television!”
The housemates were, until Tuesday, to start the game in two ultra-glamorous houses which are built with magic, fun and mischief in mind. For 91 days, they would do their best to outshine each other in the hope of convincing Africa that they’re the continent’s biggest Hotshot. They would be required to party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges – all while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists.
The logo for Big Brother Hotshots hints at the glamorous aspects of this season – but viewers will have to stay tuned 24/7 to see what Biggie has planned for the talented group of housemates!
Rwanda’s aspiring Big Brother housemates also suffer heartbreak after MNET AfricaMagic announced that Rwanda will no longer participate in this year’s Big Brother Africa contest. Sierra Leone has also been axed from the popular television programme.
Here is a look at some of the most interesting facts and figures from the past eight seasons.
The show has featured a total of 164 contestants till date plus two international participants. In the first season of the show Gaetano Kagwa swopped places with Big Brother UK contestant Cameron Stout while Munyaradzi “Munya” Chidzonga swapped spots with Finnish player, Johan Grahn in the third season.
Over the years, 78 male and 85 female contestants have vied for the cash prize.
Of all winners, were male while only 3 were female, Cherise Makubale from Season 1, Karen Igho from Amplified (S6) who shared the title with Zimbabwe’s Wendall Robert Parson and Dillish Matthews (S8).
27 seems like the lucky number in this game, as three of the winners were 27-years-old when they won. They were Big Brother Africa Revolution contestant, Kevin Chuwang Pam, (S4); Uti Nwachukwu took the All-Stars title (S5); Karen Igho, was a joint winner of Big Brother Africa Amplified (S6).
This, incidentally also makes them the most senior of all the winners so far.
Ricardo “Rico” Venancio, who won the third season of Big Brother Africa, is the youngest of the winners at 21 when he won in 2008.
Premiering for the first time to audiences across the continent on 25 May 2003, Big Brother Africa Season 1 was the longest running season lasting 106 interminable days.
The then 24-year-old Zambian Cherise Makubale became Big Brother Africa’s first ever winner. While singer and model, Bruna Estivão, reserves the honour of being the first ever evictee.
Having been in the Big Brother Africa house for a total of 197 days, Tanzania’s Mwisho Mwampamba is currently the record-holder for the most days spent in the house. He was the runner-up in the first season after 106 days and returned as one of the All Stars in 2010 where he finished in fourth place after 13 weeks.
The charismatic Ikponmwosa “IK” Osakioduwa holds the longest stint as host of the show hosting 4 seasons from Season 4.
Big Brother Africa Amplified was the first ever series of Big Brother in the world to have two winners; Karen Igho from Nigeria and Zimbabwe’s Wendall Robert Parson.
The 2012 season of Big Brother Africa, tagged StarGame, broke many records in many respects as well. There were a record-breaking 35 housemates vying for the largest prize, a grand US$ 300 000 booty.
Also in StarGame, a record four people were disqualified from the house, Zainab O. Sherriff and Derrick Kobina Bonney, known as DKB on day 29 and Maneta Mazanhi and Rockford ‘Roki’ Josphat on day 44.
Four StarGamers also chose to walk that season. Nigeria’s Olamilekan Bakare and Chris Asekomeh left on day 13 while drama between Angolan pair, Seydou Soumaré and Esperança Vemba got too much to bear and they chose to walk out on day 26.
In all the seasons combined, a total of seven housemates walked out while a total of six were disqualified.
In February 2013, Big Brother Africa’s official Facebook account reached a milestone 1 million likes. Big Brother Africa’s official twitter account is also stacking up followers and currently sits at 302 552 fans.
At the age of 31, starlet Goldie Harvey died on Valentine’s Day becoming the first Big Brother Africa alumni to pass away.
There have been 4 babies born from Big Brother Africa unions. Couples Kevin Chuwang Pam and his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Gupta from Big Brother Africa Revolution; Meryl Shikwambane and Mwisho Mwampamba from All Stars; Philbert Okure and Liziwe Coka as well as Quinn Sieber and Mozambique’s Jennifer Mussanhaneare all from Season 4 are all proud BBA parents.
Source: tribune.com.ng
