SEVERAL people called this reporter’s number to share that they had spotted me on The Big Brother launch night. After checking out the footage, it showed me leaning in, sitting with a number of media members. What the TV does not show is how cramped the room was. It was a fraction of the size of last year’s but if you know the story then you are aware that this setting was plan B after the fire burnt down the original house.
Our overpopulation woes were soon forgotten thanks to the fact that the stage in front of us was well thought-out and provided a lot of entertainment. The first act was the presenter of the show, IK Osakioduwa, who showed off some amazing dancing and singing skills that got everyone in the mood.
There were also performances from Nigeria’s Davido and our own Cassper Nyovest.
The highlight of the launch was the talent show put together by the contestants. We had designers, singers, exotic dancers and instrumentalists.
What they did not know was that we were given gadgets to vote for the acts – from 0 to 100. The one who won would be head of the house and taken out of the eviction race, which will take place on Sunday.
The contestants entered their home and loved what “Biggie” had done after the fire. It’s a whole new location, but it is just as comfortable as the one before. It might be slightly smaller, but then again, Big Brother thrives on claustrophobia so all the contestants should know what they are signing up for from day one.
It seems that the fire is not the only thing that Big Brother had to worry about this year. With the Ebola situation present in some African countries, it was proving tricky to bring in contestants from affected areas.
On the one hand it feels like a segregation practice, but given the seriousness of Ebola and how it takes only one person to spread it, it was important to treat the situation carefully. The latest infection that has been recorded outside Africa is of a nurse in Spain who nursed two people who had contracted Ebola in Africa. We expect many activities in the house to address the socio-economic effects of the epidemic.
On the fun side, thanks to the fact that all the contestants fancy themselves as being good at something, this season will be like a daily dose of SA’s Got Talent. All are chasing $300 000 (R3.3 million).
With Tanzania’s Laveda as the first head of house, it remains to be seen who benefits from this development.
They may be all smiles and hugs today, but Sunday will reveal their true colours.
• Big Brother Africa airs on DStv channel 197 and 198.