M-Net launches the fifth season of Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality show

Sunday 18 July was a special day. It was a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the 92nd birthday of the world statesman and former South Africa leader, Dr. Nelson Mandela. Amidst the pomp of the celebration, the All Stars version of Big Brother Africa, the continent’s biggest reality show kicked off.

That night, M-Net unveiled 14 most unforgettable, outspoken, entertaining housemates from previous editions of the show from 14 African countries. They have come together to compete non-stop for 91 days for the ultimate winner prize of US$200,000.

The full fledged new show, tagged Big Brother All Stars, was launched at a lavish ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa with the housemate cast arriving at the launch in a white limousine.

“We want to thank fans of the show for being so patient with us. We’re completely excited about this show,” said Biola Alabi, Managing Director, M-Net Africa.

She noted that “All the housemates, both those included in the new show and those who are not on this series, are the true stars of the Big Brother Africa story and we want to celebrate them in all their glory. What better way than to bring back some of the fans’ favourite characters for a second chance at the big prize.”

Promising thrilling new format changes and the most dramatic season ever, Biola said: “We wanted Season 4 (Big Brother Revolution) to be special but it exceeded our hopes. With the volume of interaction the show received from fans, it was clear that Big Brother Africa Season 5 was definitely on the cards. And this time, Big Brother fans in over 40 countries across the continent are going to get a show that’s more edgy, more tactically challenging and more intensely strategic than ever before.”

However, prior to the arrival and introduction of the housemates at the opening ceremony, the show host, I.K. Osakioduwa, Nigeria’s on-air-personality had given viewers a sneak peek at the All Stars house. The stylish new house features world-class décor and accessories – not to mention a plethora of cameras and microphones which will screen the housemates’ moves to the continent for the next 91 days. This year, the Big Brother house will feature 53 cameras and 100 microphones to capture the housemates’ every move.

“We want to invest more broadly in Big Brother All Stars and having already been introduced to a world of interesting characters from previous searches, there’s limited value in spending extensively in another search for contestants,” says Biola on the choice of the well known ex-housemates. “Contestants need to be entertaining persons with a sense of humour, a love of adventure and the ability to enjoy the very exciting Big Brother experience. We’re recreating the house in a very different way and focusing on putting new technology into place,” she added.

The All Star cast comprises housemates from previous editions of the BBA show, none of which had ever won the competition, with Mwisho coming closest when he finished second to Cherise in the first season of Big Brother Africa.

Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul, sporting Mohican hairstyle kicked off the famous reality show. He set the bar high for another riveting season when he took to the stage to perform his hit track, Temperature. Moments later, the show host brought the 14 familiar housemates out, one after the other.

Mwisho from Tanzania who featured in the first Big Brother Africa show was the first housemate to arrive. The 29-year-old public relations practitioner returned to the show exactly seven years after to take a second chance at the ultimate prize. “Don’t kick me out too soon, Let me enjoy first,” he pleaded in his message to viewers.

While Mwisho has decided to play it cool without giving much away about his strategy for the game, Jennifer, the lady from Mozambique who opted out of the Big Brother Revolution, has been given a second chance and many express hope that this time around she would not opt out of Big Brother All Stars. She set pulses racing in a gorgeous pink dress before Paloma from Zambia was revealed. The curvy lady from Season 4 of BBA promised to be as uncompromising as ever. She was followed by new dad, Munya. The 24-year-old former BBA 3 housemate who is from Harare, Zimbabwe is a film maker and actor who says he’s in the house to win and wanted to be on the All Stars show to promote his film.

Malawi’s radio DJ, Code Sangala from BBA2 promised to double the music, double the action and double the fun. The 34-year-old says this time around, he’s going to work to stay long in the show.

Young and beautiful Sheila from Kenya is another housemate ready for the show. The 25-year-old television reporter who came into the house with a celibacy ring promised to be as smart as possible while in the house. But she has ambitious 24-year-old Meryl from Namibia to contend with. Fun-loving Meryl told viewers she had been hoping for a return to the Big Brother house – and would be more cautious this time around. “I’m going to give what people wanted,” she promises.

Ethiopia’s Yacob, a chain-smoker in the BB Revolution house made the list. The 28-year-old dude, donning a blue tie at the opening said his strategy will be to “be cool with everyone in the house without picking alliances”.  Thirty-five-year-old Sammie B from Ghana, a musician and broadcaster, was on the first BBA. After his time on the show, he went on to host the Channel ‘O’ music show and said his second experience will be the best ever. Another Big Brother Revolution star, Kaone, otherwise known as K1, representing Botswana, also made the list. The 26-year-old radio producer says he’d like his new experience to be “financially motivating, fun, adventurous and unforgettable’.

Nigeria’s Uti Nwachukwu from Season 3 of the show who came in decked in designer kaftan made by Mudi, says he’s ready for the challenge. A TV presenter and aspiring singer who released his debut single few weeks back, 27-year-old Uti says viewers should watch out for him because he is full of surprises. South Africa’s Lerato who made her first appearance on Big Brother Africa 2 also got another chance to be in the house. The public relations expert who described her fashion style as ‘Urban Afropolitan’ has elected to choose her battles wisely this time around.

Uganda’s  Hannington Kuteesa walked in as Blu3’s Where You Are track played. He told the continent that he felt misunderstood on Season 4 of the show and was looking forward to rectifying that on Big Brother All Stars. The last housemate, Tatiana from Angola, a former BBA 2 housemate thanked viewers “who have been there for me since the last three years we met”.

The high point of the night was when the housemates joined the audience in singing Happy Birthday for Dr. Mandela.

Ghanaian group, The African Drum also enlivened the launch with their energy and dynamism, setting the tone for what is sure to be a fascinating season. Sean Paul closed the show with So Fine before heading into the house himself for a while to familiarise with the housemates. The next 91 days  promise to be really eventful and full of suspense.

—Funsho Arogundade