Still an item

Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
Big Brother Africa has regularly been a subject of controversy in some circles.
However, the reality show has not only made some people rich and famous, but has also helped others find lifetime companions.Over the years, BBA housemates have entered the House for different reasons; some for the prize money and others for fun, but finding a lifetime partner has been one of the last things on the housemate’s minds.

In the House, alliances are formed and enemies are created. As the game proceeds, some housemates find themselves attracted to fellow housemates and end up in romantic relationships while some end up as enemies. Up to today, some former housemates still do not get along, and would probably fight if they were left alone in one room.

Getting into a relationship in the House is no joke as one cannot be sure if it is genuine or if the other housemate wants to use them either for sex or for votes.
Last year’s BBA saw interesting relationships being formed though it was obvious that some were not going to last.

Of the five solid relationships which were formed, only two of them are still going strong after the rest faded immediately after the housemates stepped out of Biggie’s house and got back to reality.

It was clear Beverly and Angelo were going to separate, considering that Angelo had a girlfriend outside the house and that Beverly was throwing herself on him. When Angelo left the House, he dropped Beverly and got back with his girlfriend, Candice.

Bolt and Betty, who were more of friends with benefits in the House went their separate ways when BBA ended — and continued with life like nothing ever happened. LK4 and Koketso broke up just after they were evicted from the game.

One of the most interesting couples was Hakeem and Cleo (HaCleo) who tried by all means to fake their love for each other — especially Cleo. After BBA, the two tried to push, meeting each other’s families, just like Pokello and Elikem. It did not last long because, from day one, Cleo never really liked Hakeem as a boyfriend as she was one who preferred focusing more on serious things in life. Last year, Cleo pulled the trigger and ended the relationship – much to Hakeem’s disappointment.

This therefore leaves two couples, Pokello and Elikem (Polikem) and O’neal and Feza. These, compared to the other relationships are mature as they are being handled by people who seem mature.

When former Big Brother Africa (BBA): The Chase housemates, Pokello Nare and Elikem Kumordzie declared their love for each other on television, many thought it would not last — with others citing that Pokello was up to no good. Many believed the two would go their separate ways after the BBA fame had faded, but alas, the two are still together, going strong.

The BBA-made couple which met at the reality show and fell in love seems to be taking their relationship to the next stage as they are clearly inseparable — judging from their constant visits to each other’s country.

Ever since BBA ended in August last year, the two have constantly been in the air, flying between Ghana and Zimbabwe to spend quality time together. Pokello recently renewed her passport after its pages got full, showing just how much she has been travelling.

The lovers have met each other’s families where they have both been received warmly. This weekend, Elikem was spotted with Pokello at a club in Harare where he declared his love for Pokello saying he would never leave her for anything.

A few weeks ago, there was trouble in paradise when an obsessed lady from Ghana framed Elikem saying he had impregnated her. Elikem quickly poured water on the allegations saying a journalist from Ghana had published a fake story. This did not affect their relationship negatively, but only made it stronger, according to Pokello.

Another factor which has been strengthening their relationship is Pokello’s son, Nathan, who has found a father figure in Elikem. Nathan is quite attached to Elikem as he has openly told his mother he likes Elikem and the two are often seen playing video games together, spending quality time.

Housemates, Feza and O’neal also from BBA: The Chase are keeping it locked down as the two have since relocated from their respective countries to stay together in South Africa. Their close friends say the relationship is going well so far. It is no surprise that their relationship is working because while they were in the House, the two lovers behaved like they had been together for years as they had fights similar to those of married people, and would make up afterwards.

It remains to be seen if Polikem, O’neal and Feza will tie the knot. If they do, they will join Nigeria’s 2009 BBA winner Kevin Chuwang who married former Tanzanian housemate, Elizabeth Gupta.

The couple now has a daughter, Savannah. The couple got attracted to each other in the House and after the show, Kevin proposed to Elizabeth in 2010. The couple eventually tied the knot on February 26, 2011.

Meryl Shikwambane from Namibia and Mwisho Mwampamba from Tanzania, who met on Big Brother All Stars in 2010, fell in love and got engaged in the house, becoming the very first BBA couple to do so. In 2012, the couple was blessed with a baby girl. South Africa’s Quinn Sieber and Mozambique’s Jennifer Mussanhane, from BBA 4, Philbert Okure, and Liziwe Coka are some of the housemates who also married and have babies.

This year, Big Brother Africa will likely launch in September after the Fifa World Cup with close sources saying the auditions will likely be conducted next month.