The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
BIG Brother Africa 9 dubbed the Hotshots in 2014 was the last season of the renowned television series in Africa that kept viewers glued on their seats as housemates pulled out all the stops to impress the audience and Big Brother popularly known as “Biggie”.
Despite the Big Brother house in Johannesburg being burnt down, the season 9 show took centre stage in a refurbished house in which two Zimbabweans, singer Jerome Arab and radio presenter Tariro “Butterphly” Mharapara were part of the famous competition.
Housemates put on daring acts in the isolated Big Brother house; they forgot the “eyes” of the camera that watched them 24 hours a day, they left all shyness behind and got naughty with their partners, kissing, bathing together, snitching, strategising while friends betrayed each other.
Fights among partners happened while instances of housemates switching partners also became a common controversy in the renowned Big Brother house, and all that drama that took place inside was a bid by housemates to outshine others so that they emerge victorious in the end of this adult game.
Despite all the trickery that happened in previous Big Brother seasons some housemates developed strong and true feelings of love with each other that went beyond Big Brother Africa show.
Big Brother viewers will remember the relationship of beautiful Pokello Nare and Ghanaian actor Elikem which grew day by day and forced Pokello to dump her then boyfriend Stunner, a well-known Zimbabwean singer.
The two were inseparable; they spent time together, kissed and shared the same bed that portrayed their love for each other, and their romance went beyond the Big Brother show.
Since that shortened last season of BBA in 2014, the show has never returned on people’s silver screens despite it being extensively appreciated. M-Net once promised that BBA will return as a revitalised show, however, that hasn’t happened yet.
Last week, DStv aired the first episode of Big Brother Naija on pop-up channel 198 which has characters from Nigeria only. The reality show setup resembles that of the original BBA but it’s by far below Big Brother Africa which featured contestants from various countries of Africa.
They are growing reports that the original Big Brother Africa is set for a remarkable return this year when Big Brother Naija concludes around July.
Reports suggest that the show might kick-off between August and September.
If the show returns, millions of Africans will be ecstatic as the show is one of the most watched reality shows that unite the continent. Meanwhile, BBA lovers will continue watching the drama unfolds in Big Brother Naija which has 20 contestants vying for the top prize. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
