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Former Miss Curvy, Tanya Chikuni

Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
WITH 19 days before Africa’s most popular reality show – Big Brother Africa (BBA) starts, producers of the show have released this year’s tagline, “Big Brother Hotshots”, keeping fans speculating on who the hotshots will be.
According to producers of the show, this year’s season will have more “swag” and glam featuring housemates with hidden talents.
“This season’s housemates have hidden talents, they adore the spotlight and will let nothing stand in the way of their pursuit of fame and fortune,” read a statement issued by AfricaMagic.

M-Net Africa regional director, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said the show would have more twists with housemates starting the game in two ultra-glamorous houses which are built with magic, fun and mischief in mind.

“For 91 days, the housemates will do their best to outshine each other in the hope of convincing Africa that they’re the continent’s biggest Hotshot.

“They’ll party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges – all while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists,” she said.

Uzoukwu added that viewers of the show were 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. 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,” she said.

The revelation of the tagline suggests that this year’s housemates will be talented and perhaps popular characters with huge fan bases from the 14 participating countries. One popular face who went to the Zimbabwe auditions and could be in line with this year’s tagline is former Miss Curvy, Tanya Chikuni. The daring it-girl who is known for showing off her “curvaceous” assets has auditioned for the show several times, often making it to the final round and falling on the last lap.

Other popular faces with potential who attended the BBA auditions are musicians BaShupi, Tatea DaMC and Taurai Mandebvu, controversial actor, Hillary Indi, socialite Brian Chiyangwa and Thomas Chizhanje (CST).

Confirming that this year’s BBA House will be composed of popular faces is news from Kenya that Nairobi’s it-girl Vera Sidike who had been apparently selected will no longer be part of the show as she has other commitments. She broke the news to her fans via social networks over the weekend saying she would not make it to the drama filled house as: “I have other commitments”.

And as that was happening, Entertainment World established that Kenyan actress Ella Ciku who is popular for her role in the Dstv’s Mali show could be the Kenyan representative. According to inside sources, the social happy-go girl got a nod from Endemol last week in South Africa and her hotel bookings have already been reserved ahead of the September 7 kick off date. Ciku is a popular blogger who also has a big fan base following her.

From Ghana, actress, Moesha Buduong and Mr Ghana, Nii Tackie Laryea have been rumoured to be BBA representatives.
For now, all people can do can do is speculate about their country’s representatives as producers of the show will remain tight lipped till September 7 when the show launches on DStv channels 197 and 198.

According to close sources, the selected housemates have undergone medical checks and tests and are raring to go. They will be expected to travel to South Africa a few days before the show launches for counseling as they prepare to enter the BBA House. The housemates will be checked into hotel rooms with no television and telephones so that they have no contact with the outside world as part of their preparations. Bouncers will also be provided to ensure that they adhere to Big Brother’s regulations.

After three months, the last man standing from the 14 housemates will walk away with a prize money of $300,000.