IT is indeed time for drama and intrigues as preparations get in full gear for the seventh edition of the popular reality show, Big Brother Africa. And going by revelations at the three-day audition in Lagos, this edition tagged ‘Stargame’ will indeed be a blast. Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare reports.
FAITHFUL viewers of popular MNet television reality show, Big Brother Africa had wondered what the organisers would do to make a difference in the reality show this time round. So when the ‘Double up’ order came, several people, including sceptics, who believed that nothing better could be added knew this edition would be with a difference.
The fall out of the ‘Double up’ order shows that the show will, indeed, be more entertaining than all previous editions going by the eclectic mix of personalities that turned up for the recent audition in Lagos.
The double up order forced intending contestants to look for the best people that they think will blend well with them and give them an edge in the auditions and finally if selected to the BBA house.
The auditions, which kicked off across the continent, were a proof that this edition will be full of surprises. Nigeria’s audition which was held in Lagos for three days at the Protea Leadway Hotel, Maryland, showed that the interest in the show, rather than waning is on the increase, considering the thousands that turned out daily throughout the three day period of auditions.
From across the federation, thousands of hopefuls gathered at the audition’s venue to try their luck and immediately, the drama this season portends began to play out. Thousands of people jostling for the slot to represent Nigeria when the show starts in May, converged on the Protea Leadway, clad in the best of their attires they thought could give them an advantage over others.
This is however not surprising, considering the fact that the show had been won majorly by Nigerians. Starting from Kevin Chuwang Pam in 2009; second-time lucky Uti Nwachukwu in 2010, and Karen Igho, a joint-winner in 2011.
The exact drama was, however, in the line-up of the people that came as partners to compete. Grandmothers came with their nephews, some ladies came with their mothers, boyfriends partnered girlfriends, and a popular act, Trybson (who acted as Dagrin in Ghetto Dreams) came with his manager.
Also, there were cases of boyfriends or girlfriends who had waited in vain for their partners to show up at the venue but when it became clear that their partners would not make it before end of the audition, they hooked up with jilted but available partners on ground.
How will all these elements play out when the show eventually starts.The intending housemates in their thousands were a sight to behold as they turned out in different styles. In fact, it was a kind of competition on the craziest dress, hair colour, swag while one wondered who the lucky pair would be amongst the multitude.
There was a parade of mum and daughters, sisters, lovers, friends and even nephews and nieces. There were also music stars, reality show stars, doctors and even herbalist who were auditioned for the show.
From the thousands, only a pair would be picked to represent Nigeria and this is what makes the competition very keen. There was a parade of semi nude contestants and an array of colourful hair, ranging from blue to blonde, yellow and red.
The various creative appearance might not be unconnected with M-Net’s advert for interested participants for this season, as with previous seasons,to be fun-loving, vocal, creative, original and articulate. In addition, entrants are expected to demonstrate the social flexibility to live in close proximity with others and must be tolerant of views and lifestyle choices other than their own.
The piece of information supplied, it was gathered, was vital in the view of previous episodes and encounters with housemates who showed strong objections to the views and behaviour of other housemates leading to altercations and violence, resulting in such housemates’ consequent disqualification; as in Uganda’s Hannington and Tanzania’s Lotus in Big Brother All Stars and Big Brother Amplified, respectively.
One of the intending housemates is Dr May Blossom Brown nee Okafor, a herbalist who holds a Ph.D degree in Theatre Arts. The grandmother, who said she loves being an herbalist is doubling up with her nephew, Munachimso Ejiofor, who is also married and is a computer logistics officer.
The duo became a centre of attraction to all including other intending housemates as their camaraderie reflected what they could offer in the house and the fact that they would represent Nigeria well.
According to the duo, one needs an infusion of youth energy with the younger ones and this they believe BBA can offer. The grandmother herbalist believes that she will not feel out of place among the youth and if her attitude at the audition is considered, it is indeed going to be dramatic if she actually gets into the house.
All hands are in deed on deck to see whether the duo would be selected to show their creative energy to the world.
It is however obvious that it is only BBA that can bring out such an eclectic mix of people and according to the MNet African Managing Director, Mrs Abiola Alabi, “The really big news this season is that entrants must enter as pairs. In the past, we’ve seen a natural and continuous cross-over between individuals and their families, their friends.
“The show is built on the idea that, given the chance, anyone can be a star, anyone can find himself shot to stardom. This year, we’re honouring this essential element of the show directly in the title, putting the concept of rising stars and dreams of stardom right at the front of what is a challenging, fun and dramatic game.”So this year, we decided to include that as part of the game. It will definitely make a dramatic addition to the series, so we urge people to enter and experience what will be a unique different Big Brother Africa show.
The seventh edition of Big Brother Africa by M-Net, known as ‘Stargame’ starts on Sunday, May 6.
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