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WITH two months to go before the ninth edition of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) reality show kicks off, followers in Zimbabwe are in suspense as to who would be selected to represent the country.
It will all be clear this weekend when organisers of the show host open auditions for the country’s representatives at the Meikles Hotel in Harare on Saturday and Sunday.
To audition for BBA, one has to be 21 years old and above and with a valid passport.
As the audition dates draw closer, aspiring housemates including musicians, socialites and fashionistas are said to be going all out to ensure they grab as much attention as possible – hoping to get BBA producers’ attention. They cannot be blamed as they could be taking notes from last year’s representative, Pokello Nare who released a sex tape a few months before the show’s auditions. The controversy around the tape indeed made her outstanding and earned her a spot at the show.
Word doing the rounds is that some aspiring housemates have already launched campaigns in their bid to secure a spot at Africa’s biggest reality show.
The latest is musician, BaShupi who is itching for a spot and has since created a Facebook page for his BBA campaign. The artiste who recently got married to his longtime girlfriend-turned-manager Wadzanayi Gumbo said he would definitely audition for BBA.
“If you have noticed, I always carry a Zimbabwean flag whenever I perform. In fact, I am itching to be part of the housemates. I know I will not let my country down.”
He has tried his luck for the past two seasons but with little success and hopes to be selected this year.
However, according to MultiChoice Zimbabwe publicist Liz Dziva, having a huge fan base is no guarantee for a spot at the show.
“I have heard that some people have begun campaigning on social media. It is good to have a fan base, but the adjudicators do not even know much of that.
“They don’t judge who has a greater fan base or what, they judge you on the day and check what they want,” she said.
Some have also suggested that what has become to be known as “Rommara” (Roki and Ammara Brown relationship) are desperate attempts to have a go at the Big Brother Africa show.
Bulawayo’s top model, Oliver Keith who has tried entering the show several times, said he was hoping to give the show another try, but was not sure if he would have time to travel to Harare for the auditions.
Dancehall musician, Lady Squanda is reported to be also interested in participating the reality show.
Dziva said that the decision to select candidates was a team effort between Africa Magic and Endemol – BBA producers.
“The show’s selection team looks for housemates who are vocal, fluent in English, fun-loving, creative, original and articulate.
“Housemates are also expected be tolerant of views and lifestyle choices other than their own and must have the social flexibility to live in close proximity with others,” she said.
She added that the shortlisted candidates would travel to South Africa for further assessment before the final selection.
Last year, Pokello Nare and Hakeem Mandaza represented the country with Namibia’s Dillish Matthews walking away richer with $300,000. – Showbiz Reporter/ Harare Bureau
derick.khumalo