26 Housemates, 63 Days, $300,000, Big Brother Africa Begins

The all-singing, all-dancing 9th edition of Big Brother Africa kicked off on DStv on at the weekend, as the 26 housemates showed off their talents to the continent – giving millions of viewers a glimpse into what makes them Hotshots.

Viewers met the housemates who will be competing for the USD300 000 prize over the next 63 days, one-by-one, as they showcased their talents, live on stage, in one-minute slots.

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 who scored the highest 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.

Not to be outdone by the housemates, presenter IK kicked things off with a cabaret-style singing performance of his own – and the show only got hotter from there.

The housemates’ performances showed their talent– and some other continental superstars also got to showcase their own swagger.

Keeping the musical theme going were Emmy Gee, AB Crazy & DJ Dimplez with their smash hit Rands and Nairas, South African hip-hop sensation Cassper Nyovest with Doc Shebeleza and Nigeria’s own BET Award winner Davido with Skelewu.

IK promised viewers a host of twists and turns in true Big Brother style, revealing one up-front: during a new Saturday night task, viewers will get the chance to vote to award one housemate with immunity from being nominated each week!

With the news sinking in that all but one of their number 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.

Daily Highlights Shows are broadcast Monday-Friday on AfricaMagic Showcase at 20:00 CAT, on Maisha Magic at 20:30 CAT and on AfricaMagic Family and AfricaMagic World on GOtv at 21:30 CAT.

The Saturday Highlights Show, which showcases all the best moments from the entire 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 Hotshots is produced by Endemol South Africa.

On Voting, the Organizers gave platforms to be used by viewers to include, SMS, WeChat, Via www.bigbrotherafrica.com or the mobisite on your mobile phone

Voting opened immediately after the launch show and runs until next Sunday morning.