Chasing money, love, fame

At 6 o’clock tomorrow evening, Season 8 of the Big Brother franchise returns to DStv channel 198 of our decoders to stream a mixture of reality and feigned celebrity in a spectacle that has kept viewers across the continent glued to their screens since its inception a decade ago.

Over the years, there have been times when the organisers seemed to have run out of ideas as to how to keep ratings up each season, yet, remarkably, the popularity of the world’s first continental reality show has neither dwindled nor waned.

Even for countries such as Malawi, who have been perennial participants (and sore losers), the show has continued to provide them with something to cheer despite the country not producing a winner.

And so, for the eighth time a Malawian will partake in 91 days of recurrent fun, suspense and drama, joined by several enchanting beauties and roguish males from select African countries as they chase the ultimate prize – a K120 million cash prize.

A couple of times during the previous seasons, the prize for Malawian participants has been too close, yet too far.

Tattooed and foreign sounding radio DJ Lomwe was a close loser a few years back. So was Hazel Warren two seasons before that and Wati during last season’s show. Beyond that, the country’s representatives to the reality show have partaken for solidarity’s sake.

And looking at Malawi’s lukewarm performance in the show after seven performances, Malawians have but given up winning the ultimate prize.

The other countries always appear to have better housemates than Malawi which always seems content at playing the supporting role.

Over the years, the blame has been shared, with the public accusing MultiChoice Malawi of not selecting and sending the best candidate while the organisers have always accused the ‘right candidates’ of being uninterested in taking part.

So, on the eve of the big launch, as always, the rumour mill has sprung to life, speculating as to who Malawi sends to try and bring some forex home.

Rumour is rife that television personality Fatima Nkata is headed for The Chase.

But this has not been confirmed by anyone in authority as, in a ploy to keep the hype at a maximum, the name of the participant is kept under wraps until the final moment.

A release from organisers MultiChoice’s media office proclaims this as the biggest reality show in Africa.

According to the statement, this year’s show, christened The Chase, will see 28 housemates from 14 countries not only chasing after the $300 000 cash prize but the chance of becoming a household name and perhaps even finding romance.

Launching tomorrow, Big Brother The Chase will combine electrifying twists and big surprises that will require housemates to use their charm to get ahead, possibly leaving room for cupid’s arrow to connect two hearts or more.

Performing at the launch tomorrow night are South African house group Mafikizolo, Don Jazzy, D’Prince and Wande Coal from Nigeria and STL from Kenya.

Setting the tone and in line with theme, the new season’s logo showcases a glittering and slightly flirtatious feel with chic, edgy, gold-plated lines.

The iconic Big Brother eye has an enchanting gold dust finish with a dazzling diamond centre, featuring a teasing hint of ruby red.

Nigerian TV personality has been retained as the host of the show.

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.

“Big Brother Africa is a pretty unique show. Every season has 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,” says the popular TV and radio presenter.

Commenting on the new season, M-Net Africa managing director Biola Alabi says: “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.”