adminIn a statement, M-Net Africa managing director Biola Alabi said the show was built on the idea that given the chance, anyone could be a star, anyone could find themselves shooting to stardom.
“This year, we are 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, dramatic game,” she said.
Alabi added that one of the main reasons for the success of Big Brother in Africa and abroad was that it created its own stars from the minute housemates step into the spotlight.
Last year Big Brother Africa was named Big Brother Amplified, while the previous year it was called Big Brother All Stars. Season 4 of the same installation was called Big Brother Revolution, while the rest were Big Brother 1, 2 and 3.
M-Net confirmed that Grammy nominated American rapper and hitmaker J Cole is set to perform at the series launch on 6 May.
Alabi said they were thrilled that they would kick off Big Brother Stargame with an international star whose incredible talent has made him one of the hottest names in music today.
“J Cole is fast becoming a superstar, an amazing artiste who is taking the world by storm. We are very pleased that he will be performing for the very first time in Africa on our stage,” she said.
J Cole’s visit was facilitated by Los Angeles-based One Entertainment who facilitated Busta Rhymes’ appearance on Big Brother last year.
The 27-year-old star is scheduled to perform three songs, to be revealed closer to the time of the launch of Big Brother Stargame. He will also be filmed for a special inset on Channel O during this time talking about his work, life and ambitions.
Born in Germany, Jermaine Lamar Cole, popularly known as J Cole, was raised in North Carolina and is now based in New York. He is signed to Jay Z’s influential Roc Nation record
label, which also represents songstress Rihanna, and his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story has gained him worldwide attention.
Determined, creative and gifted, the producer/rapper has collaborated with Beyonce, Trey Songz, Missy Elliot, Drake and Elle Varner among others. He has also appeared on Jay
Z’s Blueprint 3 album on the hip hop anthem A Star is Born.
M-Net has also given fans a first look at the new Big Brother Stargame logo, showcasing a bold new identity for 2012 with a retro inspired yet futuristic style.
A large curved font highlights the new name in a deep red garnet colour, while the iconic Big Brother eye gets a liquid platinum finish with a glittering gold mirror-ball at its centre. Added to the logo is a glossy accented space pushing forward between the eye and the new name, perhaps hinting at a series focused on movement, progress and speed.
Online Reporter