Africa's premier reality television show returns

Journalists from all over Africa assembled in Johannesburg at the weekend to witness the return of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Africa. In the past, everyone looked forward to seeing who is representing each of the participating countries. This year, however, Biggie did something unprecedented and revealed the housemates a week in advance. All eyes were on whether the organisers could indeed pull off another season following the shocking incident in September when the original Big Brother house burned down. Journalists and guests got a taste of just how much glitz this season promises when they were ushered into a studio filled with showbiz lights, fancy chandeliers and golden curtains. Hosted by the ever-stylish IK, the launch also boasted top-class performances. Nigerian musician Davido, who performed his hit song ‘Skelewu’, had the audience on their feet as he set the stage alight with his sexy dance moves. Known as ‘Big Brother Hotshots’, this season has housemates with hidden talents in search of the big break. Millions of viewers across Africa got a glimpse of that when the housemates got a chance to show off their talents during a one-minute performance. The studio audience scored each performance with a mark out of 100, and right at the end of the show, Big Brother called the excited housemates together and revealed the reason – the housemate with the highest scored would be named as Head of House and would be the only housemate not up for eviction next Sunday. Tanzania’s Laveda led a Top 6 that included Sabina, M’am Bea, Lilian, Arthur and JJ, meaning she is the only one not in danger of going home next week. The house seems to be full of musicians and singers, with Kenya’s Sabina and Rwanda’s Arthur breaking the mould with comedy routines, Ghana’s M’am Bea showcasing her fashion-design talents and Laveda picking up top marks with her saxophone solo. Namibia’s Luis had everyone gushing has he appeared on stage topless, showing off his million-dollar abs and reciting a compelling poem about being a worrier and showing courage in the face of adversity. Permithias, surprisingly, is a very gifted singer and had the audience singing along during his performance. IK promised viewers a plethora of twists and turns in true Big Brother style, the first of which is that during a new Saturday night task, viewers will get a chance to vote for who gets nomination immunity each week. With the news sinking in that all but one of them are in danger of heading home next week, the housemates set about getting to know each other over snacks and drinks laid on by Biggie – and with a first dip in the Jacuzzi. Remember, Luis and Permithias are both up for eviction this week. To vote for them, MTC and TN Mobile customers should send the keyword ‘Vote’, followed by the name of the housemate, to 15626. Daily highlights shows are broadcast Monday to Friday on DStv’s AfricaMagic Showcase at 20:00 CAT, on Maisha Magic at 20:30 CAT and on AfricaMagic Family, AfricaMagic World & GOtv at 21:30 CAT. The Saturday Highlights Show, which showcases all the best moments of the week, is broadcast at 21:00 CAT on AfricaMagic Showcase in South Africa, 20:00 CAT on AfricaMagic Showcase for the rest of the continent, at 19:30 CAT on Maisha Magic, at 21:00 on AfricaMagic Family and 21:30 on AfricaMagic World & GOtv. Big Brother lovers can also stay in touch with Big Brother Hotshots on social media. Follow Big Brother Hotshots on Twitter @bigbroafrica, on Instagram @bigbro_africa and on facebook.com/bigbrotherafrica. Big Brother Hotshots is produced by Endemol South Africa. WINDHOEK STAFF REPORTER