Big Brother is always watching. Watch the Hotshots get paranoid:

Housemates confess that they’ve searched their rooms for cameras when paranoia took over because, after all, you never know what tricks Biggie hides up his sleeve.

Watch the Hotshots wonder what they'd be up to if they were already in the house

While most would put their ‘social-butterfly’ hat on and work the room, some would sit back and take notes. 

Kacey Moore, on the extreme end of things, confessed he’d pull out a gun on three African men and Alusa fears he may be on this list. 

Big Brother Africa Winners Over The Decade

 

 Big Brother Africa returns to the continent's television screens, a little later but a lot better and definitely hotter! Starting on October 5, Big Brother HotShots is going to dish out drama, more entertainment than you can handle and most importantly a cool USD300,000 to the housemate who will manage to survive 63 days in Biggie's house.

As we hurtle towards season 9, we reflect on bygone Big Brother Africa winners who have collectively pocketed a whopping USD1,800,000 over the last decade (2003 to 2013). We're taking you down memory lane and revisiting those who got a piece of the money pie in previous seasons.

Cherise with Genevieve Nnaji.

Zambian, Cherise Makubale pocketed a USD100,000 cash prize in the show's inaugural season, just over a decade ago and after her release from the house where she fought for her place as the first Big Brother Africa winner, Cherise promised to buy a house for her British-born stepfather as a matter of priority. Cherise is now reportedly living in the UK and is active in charitable ventures in Zambia and is rarely spotted in her hometown of Kitwe.

After a four year hiatus, Big Brother Africa returned in 2007 where Tanzanian, Richard Bezuidenhout won after a tumultuous period in the house. He fell in love, had notable tantrums and survived nominations five times on his road to winning the cash prize. However, despite the controversey during his stay in the house, Richard went on to set up a film company in Tanzania and remains as one of Big Brother Africa's success stories.

The next season's winner came from Angola in the form of Ricardo David Ferreira Venâncio who was popularly known as Ricco. He also went on to participate in Season 9 of Big Brother Brazil as a special guest. He stayed in the house for four days and they hosted an Angolan themed party. Rumour has it that his tenure in Brazil was dedicated to studying when he wasn't in the house.

Season 4, Big Brother Africa the Revolution saw Nigerian Kevin Chuwang Pam walk away with the USD200,000 cash prize and a fiancé. He went on to marry fellow housemate Elizabeth Gupta from Tanzania and they have a 3 year old daughter.

Uti Nwachukwu was no stranger to being in front of the camera when he won the All Stars season of the show in 2010 and was the second Nigerian to walk away with the big bucks. Since his win Uti has ventured into music, even releasing an album. He has also used his win to make inroads into Nollywood, purportedly to further his modelling career.

Wendall and Karen.

Yet another Nigerian Karen Igho, together with Zimbabwean Wendall Parson, equally shared the USD 400 000 spoils in Amplified - the first ever series of Big Brother in the world to have two winners. Karen unfortunately battled with cancer last year but won the fight, announcing she was cancer free earlier in 2014.

It was South Africa's turn in 2012 when Capetonian Keagan Petersen walked away with the much bigger USD 300 000 cash prize on StarGame. Almost a year later after his R2.4 million win, Keagan was reportedly still staying in his parents’ house. Here’s what Keagan spent his money on:

•Mini Cooper
•Clothes
•Investments

He also went on to do a business diploma so he can learn how to manage his money and go into business to achieve his lifelong goal; to be a billionaire by 50.

The winner remained south of the continent for season 8 of Big Brother The Chase. Namibian beauty Dillish Matthews not only walked away with the cash prize, but she saw her popularity soar with cosmetic endorsements and appearances across the continent.

Of the eleven winners from all previous seasons, only four have been women. Do you think season 9 of Big Brother Hotshots will continue to be male dominated or has DiIlish started a trend for the ladies?

By BBA

Rwanda Replaces Angola For BBA 2014

 
The East African nation of Rwanda will take the place of Angola during the 9th season of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show which starts on September 7, 2014.

The show's organizers announced the decision in a press release on Monday. Angola which is a Portuguese speaking South African country was represented in season 8 by then 29-year-old Biguesas and 32-year-old Neyll. But with its own version of the reality TV show(Big Brother Angola) currently airing in South Africa on DStv Portuguesa and DStv Portuguese Add-On packages, Angola will not be represented in BBA season 9.

Big Brother Angola premiered on May 25, 2014 and is available on channels 598 and 597 until July 27, 2014.

As a result of this change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Please be reminded that entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English.

Audition dates will be finalised in June and more information on BIG BROTHER AFRICA 9 2014 will be made available over the next month. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.

BBA 2014: Big Brother Africa Is Back!

Are you ready for the drama, loads of laughter and tears? Big Brother Africa will never disappoint! Get ready to be dazzled when Africa’s biggest reality series hits the screens on September 7, 2014!

It’s Big Brother Time and since the first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens 24/7. Some housemates who have been part of this huge show have had their talents realized and have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website.

Season 9 is no different; in fact, housemates and viewers alike will be pleasantly surprised at how Biggie intends to rise to this one. And in true Big Brother fashion, fans of the show and potential housemates will have to wait and see how he will turn dreams of some deserving and eager youngsters into reality and transform them into household names.

Entry is open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda. As a result of the change, participating countries this year are: Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport. Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English. Big Brother Africa is produced by Endemol SA.

Audition dates will be finalised in June and more information on BIG BROTHER AFRICA 9 will be made available over the next month, so stay tuned to DStv and keep checking the website or the BBA Show for updates.

BBA 2014 Postponed To September

IK and Flavia on the BBA StarGame launch show.

Big Brother Africa (BBA) 2014 has been moved to September to accommodate the 2014 FIFA World Cup which kicks off in Brazil next month, on June 12.

Liz Dziva, Multichoice Zimbabwe's public relations and publicity manager, said that organisers of Africa's most popular reality show would announce audition dates in due course.

"There will be a delay in this year's season of Big Brother Africa as we do not want it to clash with the World Cup."

"The two are big events so we decided to move the show (BBA) to September. The proper date will be released later. Holding it at the same time as the World Cup will affect viewership," Dziva told Zimbabwe DailyNews.

Big Brother Africa is a reality show that brings in individuals from different African countries including Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

BBA has proved to be a fertile ground for lasting friendships. Apart from Big Brother The Chase 2013 contestants Pokello and Elikem who got engaged last weekend, several other relationships which started on the reality have blossomed beyond BBA. These include Nigerian Kevin Chuwang Pam and Tanzanian Elizabeth Gupta (Big Brother Revolution 2009) plus Namibian Meryl Shikwambane and Tanzanian Mwisho Mwampamba (Big Brother All Stars 2010).

Big Brother Africa Season 9 Is Coming - Biola Alabi

 

Contrary to reports making rounds that Biola Alabi has resigned as M-Net Africa's Managing Director. 

It has been gathered that the MD of M-Net Africa did not resign her post, but was instead redeployed as Managing Director of Special Projects.

This was clarified in a statement released by M-Net concerning the matter. Read it below;

"M-Net wishes to confirm the strategic evolution of M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi's role with the pan African broadcaster.

"Having served in this role at M-Net Africa for five highly successful years during which time she brought her well-honed business perspective and creative insights to one of Africa's biggest entertainment companies, she has taken on a new strategic role with the organization, that of Managing Director: Special Projects.

"In this capacity her portfolio now focuses primarily on the broadcaster's flagship productions including but not limited to the AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards, the popular reality super series Big Brother Africa and several exciting new initiatives.

"Meanwhile, reflecting the broadcaster's rapid growth in the market, M-Net has named Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu as its first Regional Director, West Africa."

Similarly, in an interview with reporters ahead of the 2014 AMVCAs which held yesterday Saturday March 8, 2014 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Biola Alabi confirmed that she has not resigned but has merely taken on a more strategic role.

Speaking about BBA Season 9, The M-Net Africa Boss said that; "Big Brother Africa is definitely coming." She did not mention the exact date, but it will probably be after the currently ongoing Big Brother South Africa Season 3.

Watch the interview below;

'I Suffered Depression' - Mimi Confesses

 

Big Brother Africa 3 (BBA) Ghanaian representative and singer Mimi Andani who now prefers to be called Habiba has finally confessed to her fans that her reaction towards Okay fm's Abeiku Santana was as a result of depression.

He told Dr Poundz in an interview on Hip Hop Gh, a music show on Pluzz 89.9 fm which features musicians from all walks of life for promotional purposes. Mimi talked about her latest album which is yet to be released including recounting some of the happenings in her life after BBA Season 3 in 2008.

She says she decided to change her name to Habiba because of the original identity she wanted her fans to know her as a lady who comes from the North: Dagomba to be specific. “I want people to call me Habiba but I cant force it in their throat. So when people call me Mimi, I still respond”. Mimi's fans should be ready to receive her second album soon which will feature many artistes including Flavour Nabania, E.L, Apatse whilst she is looking forward to working with some of the nations finest female musicians like Efya, Sherifa Gunu, Kaaki, Eazzy, Becca and Tiffany.

“The industry does not have more women collaborating with themselves because you know women have their own issues, but I will try to work with one or two and the person should be somebody I can really gel with musically”.

After two years of missing in action in the music arena, Mimi is now back and she is saying that, without Big Brother Africa, she would not have done anything music. “When I came back from Big Brother, some industry people like Abeiku Santana advised that after the fame gotten from the reality show, I could do music and it will be easy to market it. I took the advise and this is where I am today so I can say without Big Brother, I am not Mimi” She revealed.

Habiba was of the view that Big Brother comes with some carefulness when you are fresh in the house with the knowledge of cameras all over you but one becomes normal after some few weeks of staying in the house. “Yes, it was true some people used to bath naked in the house but I always did that in bikini. Even with the bikini, I cleaned the place well. I think for the last Big Brother, Selly and Elikem had buzz which was good but it was not like our time where only the rich had access to DSTV so a few watched the show” she added.

Then came the moment of truth when Dr Poundz asked her what happened before she flashed her yellow panty at Okay fm when Abeiku Santana alleged that she has been wearing Chinese panties. “Like you said it was exaggerated. I went to Okay fm but I did not flash my pants. It was the media people who exaggerated the story. Who does that? You should know I am a Dagomba woman, we don't do that.

When I heard Abeiku was “fooling” in the studio with me, I decided to go there and warn him because Abeiku is my friend and he should not do that to me. I got there and I started insulting him that he should come out to face me if he was a woman like me. I never flashed my panty. But now we are very close and I am sane too. I am very close to everybody including my fans, especially those on social media because I am very friendly on social media” she added.

Mimi is currently promoting her latest single “I like am”, a danceable track featuring Nigeria`s Selebobo. The song has started receiving rotation on radio and on some social media platforms.

By Samuel A. Baah / PeaceFMonline

Exclusive Interview With IK Osakioduwa

IK Osakioduwa is best known for his recurrent stints as host of Big Brother Africa. In a recent chat with him, he had interesting things to say.

How was 2013 for you
It was a tough year for many and it was at the starting tough for me too but bless God the ending of 2013 was an awesome period for me. I was working every day and I’m grateful to God to be employed  and to have the opportunities that I have.

Plans for 2014
In 2014 I’m going to be doing a lot of work. I want to share the love so I’m going to be training a few people to do what I do as an MC and a TV presenter. 2014 is my mentorship year. I want to put it out there to teach people to make a business out of what they are called to do. Those are my plans for 2014.

Favourite DStv Channel
I’ll be kind of biased if I say it is AfricaMagic but hey, what do you expect seriously? We love AfricaMagic and it’s made quite a difference to our lives so I will lie to you if I said it was another channel. There are several channels I like but my favourite has to be AfricaMagic.

Favourite programme on DStv
Favourite DStv programme…will that be apart from Big Brother Africa? That’s really tough too! We’ve got so many good ones on DStv. Outside of Big Brother my favourite DStv programme might be 53 Extra. I have a natural love for 53 Extra because I worked on the show. It’s a bias I know, but I can’t help it.

Thoughts on Mandela
Mandela was a great man, an awesome man and as long as you live on the African continent, he was a symbol of hope and freedom for us. But more than anything else for me, he was a symbol of responsibility. He made me realize how not a bunch, not a state, not a country but one individual can make a difference. He was a symbol of responsibility, of freedom, of taking ownership for your country. He meant a great deal to me and I think all of us who witnessed his life were honored to live in his time.

I believe in Nigeria because...
Nigeria is indefatigable. You cannot defeat our spirit or completely take away our self-esteem no matter what we go through be it political trauma, terrorism,  racism from other countries or discrimination from people who don’t understand us. You can never completely hold the Nigerian down. We believe in ourselves. I believe in us. I believe in Nigeria because we can’t be totally defeated.

IK is the host of Comedy Club: Live In Lagos which airs at 20:00 on Saturday, 11 January on AfricaMagic.

By Ayo Falafala / AfricaMagic

Big Brother Africa Season 8 FAQs

 

 Here are all the answers to the questions you may have to the new season of Big Brother Africa.

1. Why is AfricaMagic screening BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

Due to the demand for another BIG BROTHER AFRICA series, AfricaMagic has decided to screen the eighth season of the show.

2. How will BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 be different from previous seasons of Big Brother Africa?

As with all Big Brother series, the new season of Big Brother Africa will include surprises and unexpected innovations.

3. Which are the participating countries in BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

4. Why isn’t my country included in BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8? Why is the show only limited to 14 countries? What are the qualifications to make a country part of the show?

BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 will include 14 countries this year (Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

The countries are selected to participate in the series based on the popularity of the series format in those markets, as well as the large DStv subscriber bases established in these markets.

AfricaMagic greatly appreciates the support that the series receives in other markets and so will work to include those markets into the show in other ways, outside of having a Housemate in the house. This means that audiences from across the continent can vote on the series, and that performers and special guests from their countries may be included in the series.

Further AfricaMagic extends its thanks to all viewers of the series across the continent for their loyalty. Big Brother has enjoyed a wide popularity across the continent and AfricaMagic is pleased that it draws support from Africans across borders and outside of the nationalities represented. This serves to highlight that Africans support other Africans regardless of where they live or what their nationality is. Finally, please do make sure that you tune to AfricaMagic Entertainment and DStv channels 197&198 on Sunday May 26 when BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 kicks off!

5. How long will BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 last?

BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 is scheduled to begin on Sunday May 26, 2013 and will run for 91 days. The BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 Final is scheduled for Sunday August 25, 2013.

6. What is the prize for the winner of BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

The prize for the winner of the series is USD 300 000.

7. Where is BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 being filmed?

BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 will be filmed on location in South Africa.

8. Why is BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 being filmed in South Africa?

To ensure that a wide variety of countries can participate in BIG BROTHER AFRICA, AfricaMagic made the decision to base the BIG BROTHER AFRICA house in South Africa. This ensures that AfricaMagic can invest more in the show’s production without having to contend with the higher logistics costs that arise when the show equipment moves location. However, the show will feature content from all of the participating countries.

9. Why did AfricaMagic ask people from my country to enter and to watch this show that I regard as immoral?

Research has shown that previous seasons of Big Brother Africa were widely watched throughout the continent. Further the choice to enter the show and the choice to view the show is an individual one.

10. Who is the host of BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

The host of BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 will be IK Osakioduwa (IK) who has previously been featured on Studio 53, Comedy Club and Temptation Nigeria. He has also hosted 4 previous seasons of Big Brother Africa – Big Brother Revolution, Big Brother All Stars, Big Brother Amplified and Big Brother StarGame. His experience with both live television and a variety of entertainment formats makes him a highly suitable candidate to host a series that is screened across the continent.

11. Where can I watch BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 will be screened live 24/7 for 91 days on DStv channels 197 and 198. GOtv audiences will also be able to watch highlights from the show. More info on screening times and channels will be announced closer to the show’s launch on Sunday May 26.

12. Will Nigerian audiences still have to ‘opt in’ to watch the 24/7 BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 channels on DStv?

Yes. Information on how this will work will be made available shortly.

13. Who is producing BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 for AFRICAMAGIC?

The show will be produced for AFRICAMAGIC by ENDEMOL SA.

14. What is MultiChoice Africa's role in BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

MultiChoice Africa is not producing BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8. MultiChoice Africa provides subscription services to the multi-channel, digital, pay-TV products DStv and GOtv on which BIG BROTHER AFRICA is shown.

15. What are the rules of BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

A rule-book is being finalised and will be distributed once completed. General rules will include - no contact with the world outside the Big Brother House, strictly no violence and an obligation to nominate fellow housemates for eviction.

16. Can DStv audiences restrict access to BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8 in their homes?

Programming for Big Brother including the 24 hour channel (channels 197 and 198) will have restricted access through the parental guide functionality on the DStv decoder – so parents will be able control viewing of Big Brother.

17. When do Housemates move into the House?

Housemates will start to enter the Big Brother house from Sunday, May 26, 2013.

18. Will I be contacted about my entry?

AfricaMagic would like to thank all those people who submit entry forms for consideration in this year’s BIG BROTHER AFRICA housemate search. Without your enthusiasm for the series, it would be impossible to create it so your participation is greatly appreciated. However AfricaMagic wishes to advise all entrants that given the sheer volume of entries the show receives, it is unfortunately not possible to respond to every entry individually. Only if your entry is shortlisted for the show will you be contacted by the show’s production team.

19. Other than the USD 300 000 won by the winner, do the runners up win anything?

Usually, only the last person in the house wins the prize money. However, in previous Big Brother series the runners up were also awarded prizes such as holidays but there are no guarantees.

20. Who is eligible to enter BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

Anyone 21 years of age and older, who is a citizen of one of the 14 participating countries and in possession of a valid passport (or will have one by March 2013), is able to enter. The show’s selection team was looking for Housemates who are vocal, fluent in English, fun-loving, creative, original and articulate. Housemates are also expected be tolerant of views and lifestyle choices other than their own and must have the social flexibility to live in close proximity with others.

21. What can Housemates bring into the House?

Housemates are given a rulebook stating exactly what kind of items they can bring into the house. However no electronic equipment can be taken into the house. Big Brother will go through what housemates are taking into the house with them and reserves the right to remove any item/s that has been excluded as per the rulebook.

22. How much stuff can a Housemate bring to the House?

Two suitcases. No clothing with prominent logos or labels will be allowed.

23. Are Housemates allowed any contact at all with their families’ e.g. written correspondence?

No verbal or written communication is allowed with anyone outside the House, unless a Housemate has an urgent family crisis and this is still subject to Big Brother’s discretion.

24. What happens if a Housemate falls ill while in the house?

In the event of a Housemate becoming ill, they will be given first aid or may have a nurse or doctor called in to attend to them. If their condition is serious, they will be admitted to a hospital accompanied by a member of the production staff and security personnel as it is strictly within the conditions of Big Brother to maintain minimal contact with the outside world. However should their illness mean that they have to be away from the house for a long period it is unlikely that Big Brother will allow them to return.

25. Who is Big Brother?

Nobody knows, but he sets the rules for the house, and you want to be on his good side at all times whilst staying in the house.

26. What kind of tasks will be assigned to the Housemates?

All tasks are reasonable, and involve team play. They are for Big Brother to know, and for Housemates to find out, but Housemates will never be asked to perform anything outside acceptable ethical and moral standards.

27. How do the Housemates get food provisions in the house?

Housemates are given a healthy daily allowance of basic foods. This diet includes vegetables, carbohydrates such as rice and maize meal, meat, poultry and fruit. Anything outside these foods is regarded as a luxury item, and may be ordered from a special shopping list provided by Big Brother. All meals in the house will have to be negotiated and agreed with by the other housemates.

28. Are Housemates allowed to leave the Big Brother house if it gets too much?

Housemates are free to leave at any stage during the process, on the understanding that they cannot return and may be replaced by someone else. A minimum of 24 hours notice is normally requested by Big Brother to make departure arrangements. Housemates will be obliged to provide a reason for their exit to Big Brother in the diary room.

29. Are Housemates locked into the BIG BROTHER AFRICA House?

All doors to the outside are locked, yes, but Housemates are free to leave at any stage as long as they explain why and understand that once out of the House they cannot return. Big Brother can open the doors at a moment’s notice in the event of an emergency.

30. Will Big Brother keep Housemates’ families updated while they are in the house?

Big Brother will have contact with their family should it be necessary due to illness or other arrangements but Housemates may not request anything from their family nor request any messages to be passed on to their family.

31. How are Housemates expected to behave in the house?

The Big Brother House is their home for the duration of their stay. Therefore they are expected to behave as naturally as they would in their own environment.

32. Will the cameras expose Housemates when they are using the toilet facility?

Housemates will not be shown using the toilet facility. However, should this facility be used for any other purpose other than that what it is designed (e.g. conversations); it’s at Big Brothers discretion to use the footage.

33. Will Housemates be allowed to practice their religion?

It is one of the prerequisites of joining the house that all members are tolerant, and any practices housemates wish to follow will be tolerated.

34. Will Housemates see no one for three months except the housemates?

This is correct except for a psychologist, doctor or dentist should they request or require one. In certain instances, Housemates may be asked to entertain or host a special guest.

35. How big is the House?

The House has a large living space and two communal bedrooms and is attached to a spacious garden. It also has one large open plan living area, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, diary room and storeroom. There are only two communal bedrooms. Housemates will have to share. However the House may have sections incorporated into it that Big Brother may choose to reveal at his discretion.

36. Can Housemates buy stuff while in the house?

Housemates can only influence the group as to how they all should spend a communal budget. No individual purchases are allowed.

37. Do I have to enter with a partner for BIG BROTHER AFRICA 8?

No, the new season is only open to individual entries. You should not enter with a partner.

By AfricaMagic / DStv Online

Popular Musician & Former BBA Housemate Goldie Harvey Is Dead

 
Popular singer and former Big Brother Africa Housemate Goldie Harvey is dead.

She died last night in the arms of her best friend, Denrele Edun at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island.

Goldie had just returned from USA where she attended the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

Speaking to Linda Ikeji, Denrele said: "Goldie just came back from the US today he said, and was so full of life, then something went tragically wrong."

Kennis Music have confirmed the death. They released a statement via her Twitter and Facebook page shortly after news went viral on the internet about her passing away.

"It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord," the message read.

It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos... http://t.co/IZFM4OsY
— OLUWAG♥LDIE (@GoldieHarvey) February 14, 2013

Follow Your Dreams, Millicent Advises

Former Big Brother Africa finalist Millicent Mugadi has a word of advice for those who will be applying to be part of the reality TV cast for Big Brother Africa 8.

“Go for your dreams!” she says, “Being in the house is not just about fun, it is a task. So, when you get the chance to be a representative, use it also to grow personally and be what you have wanted to be.”

The actress turned politician adds, “It is about time we brought the money home. After all, last year we were very close.”

This year, entry is open to the same 14 countries as the year before with the only exception being Liberia, which will be replaced with Ethiopia.

(Entry forms available at www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother)

Producers are looking for persons who are fluent in English, entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience. Applicants are advised to apply well before the Valentine’s Day deadline, to be among the superstars in waiting to flirt with fame and fortune.

Previous editions of Big Brother Africa have boasted huge cash prizes for winners and this year the victor will walk away with $300 000.

By Laura Walubengo / DStv Online

Malonza, Alex And Prezzo Dish Out BBA Tips

Be open, confident and be yourself. That’s the advice offered to anyone interested in contesting for a bed in Big Brother’s house this year.

As MultiChoice rolled out the chance to apply online (entry forms available at www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother) on Tuesday, the Kenyan brothers, who contested last year say that the best way to ace the auditions is being open-minded, interesting, and natural.

Loverboy Malonza Chege, who had the girls swooning in Downville, said a love for the show is an added advantage.

“You have to be open, interesting, and captivating in order to stand out during the auditions,” he said. “By being in the house I can tell you that something which also really helps, is if you go there knowing you really want to be in the show. Don't just shrug and take the audition because you can. Having that attitude will give you drive... and lastly have fun!”

Malonza, who was involved in a bit of a love triangle in BBA StarGame, adds that if he had a magic wand, he would have changed the way he nominated housemates while in the house.

“I’d say that when nominating, since you can’t see what’s happening on the outside, contestants have to think hard and strategise so that they maximise their chances of staying in the game.”

Malonza’s brother Alex was of the same mind saying, however, that the girls should dress as they would usually and not as if they were about to step into a night club.

“I wouldn’t change anything about how I played the game, but I have made an observation. The people who do well are somewhat dominant. They lead rather than follow while in the house. That’s a key point to note,” said Alex, who bore the brunt of negative publicity for putting up his compatriot Prezzo for possible eviction.

Journalist and BBA fan John Makau meanwhile is hoping that there will be fewer housemates this year.

“I think there should be one housemate per country rather than two. They should also alter the voting system so it’s as simple as possible,” he said.

Prezzo intimated that anyone in the house must realize that they are being watched.

“It’s a reality show. They can never forget that it’s a reality show. Even if they are being real, they have to think of things from a viewers’ point of view. You have to be entertaining and outstanding. If you’re male think of the female viewers and vice versa.”

By Laura Walubengo / DStv Online