For the eighth time since the first instalment of the continental reality television show, Big Brother Africa, Batswana will be waiting with bated breath to see who will be hoisting the country’s flag as housemates from the fourteen participating nations enter the house for the first time on Sunday May 26th.
As has always been the case, the identity of the housemates has remained a closely guarded secret pending the official launch on Sunday.
According to a statement released by AfricaMagic, this year’s show, dubbed The Chase, will also feature twenty-eight housemates, presumably two from each country but with the show’s usual intriguing surprises one can never be sure.
Multichoice Communications Manager, Tshepo Maphanyane, says all expectations will be met. She, however, could not be drawn into disclosing whether or not Botswana will be sending two housemates like what happened with the Maygilip sisters, Edith and Eve, last year.
“It is a good assumption that we may have two representatives given the number of housemates who are set to enter the house next Sunday but we will all have to wait like everyone else to find that out,” Maphanyane said.
She called on Batswana to rally behind their representative and ensure that, this time around, a Motswana finally scoops the coveted prize.
Commenting about the show, M-Net Africa Managing Director, Biola Alabi, said, “Without revealing too much, I can say that AfricaMagic always strives to deliver the best in entertainment and Big Brother Africa remains at the forefront of our plans. We want to give audiences and loyal fans of the show, a truly unforgettable viewing experience once again. This season audiences can expect a show encompassing suspense, emotions, drama, fun, excitement and quite possibly, as we have seen in previous seasons, a little romance.”
One familiar sight though will be Nigeria’s IK Osakioduwa who returns once again in 2013 to host The Chase. According to a statement by AfricaMagic, Osakioduwa returns by popular demand.
“He has won many fans across the continent for his ability to speak openly with housemates and allow them to be at ease at their most vulnerable moments,” the statement says.
The Nigerian seems to be especially popular with the female audience.
Koketso Tebele, a DSTV local subscriber says she will be glad to see ‘IK’ again.
“He is cool, I like him. I also love his suits, they make him yummy,” she enthused.
Lebang Baleseng, also a BBA fan, says, “I love IK …plus he is so cute…he is like chocolate ice-cream …I just love him.”
Osakioduwa told AfricaMagic that “Big Brother Africa is a pretty unique show. Every season has got its own special moments and features. I’m super excited to be invited back to host the show. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past seasons and I look forward to bringing a fresh and energetic approach to The Chase.”
For 91 days, Africa’s biggest reality series will be screened live 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198. The winner of this year’s show will walk away US$ 300 000 richer.
