The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BBA

  • Organisers acquire new venue for BBA

    Organisers acquire new venue for BBA

    There appears to be leeway for this year’s edition of the popular Big Brother Africa (BBA) show called the Hotshots edition, following the suspension of the programme, due to a fire incident on the property last Tuesday.

    In a statement made available yesterday, producers of the reality show, M-Net and Endemol, assured fans that the event would return soon, as a new venue had been acquired.

    “Following the devastating fire on September 2, at the Big Brother house in Johannesburg, M-Net and Endemol SA had spent the last 48 hours searching both locally and internationally for a venue in which to produce Season 9 of the highly popular Big Brother Africa reality show. After exploring all possible options, the team is delighted to announce that the show will go on as a venue has been found to get the show on air within the next month,” the statement read.

    This year’s show was meant to start penultimate Sunday, until the fire incident, which was said to have gutted about 56 cameras, the special one-sided glass panels and other state-of-the-art equipment.

    M-Net and Endemol said the sophistication of these equipment, coupled with logistics, were reasons for the slight delay in resuming the show.

    “A multitude of factors have had to be considered, including the complex technical requirements, logistics, technical crews and satellite link facilities, which have all formed part of the challenge. However, M-Net is delighted to assure all its Big Brother fans that their favourite reality show will launch soon and thanks to fans from across the continent for their support during the last few days,” the organisers explained.

  • BBA: You see what you choose

    BBA: You see what you choose

    HYPOCRISY abounds so much so that many have gone to town with the news of the gutted Big Brother Africa House in Johannesburg, celebrating on the social media a holier- than- thou attitude that somewhat suggests it was God’s way of putting a hold on atrocities. But I see corruption in the minds of these critics.

    I see BBA show as a test for you and me on how best we can hold back from temptation, especially when no one is watching. Or better still, when you think that no one is watching, which is the strength of the show, as voyeur reality format.

    For heaven’s sake, it’s a free society, and unless the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) so outlaws, we must refrain from cheap sentiments.

    Recall that the Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma, had given subscribers the option of opting out of viewing the programme, should they find it too hard to bear.

    But for subscribers like me, who see beyond the likelihood of nudity on the show, I wish the organisers quick recovery from the fire incident and good luck in their search of a new camera house, which could be elsewhere in Africa- or in the world.

    To emphasise Ogbuma’s advise, “All you need to do is text NO and the first 10 digits of your smartcard number to 30333,” and you are out of the show, so that you and your kids are not tempted to watch, get corrupted in the process and blame M-Net for your woes.

    So many things happen behind closed doors that are unimaginable in today’s world. But as adults, we are responsible for whatever decisions we take.

    Several pastors and Imams are only ‘holy’ to the extent that their members can see. When out of town and out of the reach of these members, you can only imagine what happens. If you ask any prostitute around you about the categories of her customers, you will be shocked.

    I have changed church twice because in one of the cases, the pastor slept with a church member’s wife. On another ground, it was about a pastor’s ardent covetousness.

    Similarly, whoever feels that Nigerian actress, Cossy Ojiakor, is a prostitute for baring her boobs needs to have a second thought. To this end, we may begin to find different definitions for who a prostitute really is. But I bet you, that girl could go by other names.

    Meanwhile, if you are a parent like me, who may choose to see beyond the possible nudity and want to remain connected during Big Brother Africa, please, use the parental control feature on your decoders to restrict viewing. All you have to do is to access the Menu button on the decoder, then click on parental control. You will be asked to set a four digit code to restrict viewing for any length of time you wish.

    If you ask me, I see the inherent lesson in human endurance level-indeed, a contestant had opted out few weeks into the show, while others have lasted the 91 days and have won the whopping $300,000-among them are three Nigerians: Kevin Pam, Uti Nwachukwu and Karen Igho. Whichever way you want to look at it, that money came into the Nigerian economy and must have ‘bettered’ the life of its beneficiaries. This is one of the things I see about Big Brother Africa.

    We have had candidates who have displayed the most decent character in the House; so, this is what I choose to see of the show. As a matter of fact, we have seen Housemates who do not drink or smoke, and for the like of Ofuneka Molokwu who slipped through a casual drink, she is living with the lesson learnt from the show. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how you learn your lessons, as long as you live to tell the story.

    I choose to see that split-of-a-second when a contestant is carried away and gives up his or her pretentious disposition. It is not possible for you to be in that House and not forget for a moment that you are on television. I see the tolerance of other people’s attitude in the House as a great virtue, because voters out here see through the character of the Housemates, which invariably influences their votes.

    I see the various tasks that open your brain, I see the in-house politics and intrigues and the social connect among African nations. For 91 days, I see contestants doing their best to outshine one another in the hope of convincing Africa. I see a continental fame that comes with participating on the show. But how participants translate that fame to use is also dependent on their other abilities. I see the creative ingenuity of the organisers in setting up a game in two ultra-glamorous houses, which are built with magic and fun in mind. I, therefore, sympathise with M-Net and Endemol South Africa on this great loss, knowing the enormity of logistic trauma, technical setback and financial strain this is causing them.

    The ninth season, otherwise called Hotshots edition, was meant to start this Sunday until the news of the destructive fire. The organisers might have lost the entire 56 cameras, the special one-sided glass panels and other state-of-the-art equipment. What a pity!

  • M-Net suspends Big Brother show, as fire guts property

    M-Net suspends Big Brother show, as fire guts property

    Owing to what was described as a devastating fire in the property used for the popular Big Brother Africa (BBA) show, M-Net and Endemol, South African producers of the programme, announced yesterday the suspension of this year’s edition of the reality show.

    The event, which enters its ninth season this year and has been tagged Hotshots edition, was initially scheduled to begin airing this Sunday, when participants from different African countries, including Nigeria, could have been unveiled.

    The Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma, had, on Monday, offered subscribers the option of opting out of viewing the programme at any time during its duration.

    The show, which usually airs for 91 days, is known to have the tendency for nudity, alcoholism and strong language.

    It stakes a prize of USD 300 000 on would-be winner.

    The organisers said investigation would commence on the cause of the fire, while trying to secure another venue, “At this stage, M-Net and Endemol are urgently looking for an alternative Big Brother house in which to film the production. However, as this production entails state-of-the-art infrastructure, camera and edit requirements, an alternative is not immediately available.  Every effort will be made to find a solution as quickly as possible to ensure that the Africa’s biggest reality show will continue,” said the organisers.

    The BBA House is situated at the Sesani Studios, Johannesburg, South Africa. According to information, no one was injured during the fire outbreak.

     

  • Hotshots: BBA returns September

    Hotshots: BBA returns September

    In a couple of weeks, Africa’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Africa, BBA, will return for its ninth season from Sunday, September 7, with housemates who have hidden talents and adore the spotlight competing for a massive prize pot of USD 300, 000.

    The new season, which will be infused with more swag and glamour according to the organisers, will be known as Hotshots.

    M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said viewers would be in for almost as many surprises as the housemates. “We work hard to make each season of   Big Brother Africa bigger than the last, and we’ve really upped the ante this year. Big Brother Hotshots is going to bring viewers exciting innovations, heart-stopping twists and uniquely African glamour, 24/7 for 91 days.”

    According to her, the housemates will start the game, which will be hosted by Nigerian-born IK Osakioduwa for the sixth time, in two ultra-glamorous houses built with magic, fun and mischief in mind. While it lasts, the housemates will do their best to outshine one another in the hope of convincing Africa that they are the continent’s biggest Hotshot. “They will party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges, while negotiating Biggie’s famous curve balls and twists,” she further disclosed.

    Produced by Endemol South Africa, the Big Brother Hotshots will run 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198, with the best of the live highlights on GOtv.

     

  • Uti Nwachukwu – You can’t be successful doing only one thing

    Uti Nwachukwu – You can’t be successful doing only one thing

    Uti Nwachukwu is one of Nigeria’s most popular entertainers. He hugged stardom in 2007, with his successful appearance in ‘The Next Movie Star’ Reality TV show where he finished as first runner up and ‘Big Brother Africa’ (BBA) 3 in 2008. However, his return to the house for BBA All Stars 5 in 2010 and winning the competition was the turning point of his career. The Delta State-born entertainer tells ADETUTU AUDU he misses his late dad for every of his accomplishment. 

    HOW will you describe your experience on the wave-making Jara? It is wonderful, because there is nothing better when you are with someone that two of you just click. Before I finish my sentence, Helen has already known my next line; she can complete my sentence before I finish saying it, I can also do the same thing for her – every time on set is just like when you are in secondary school and during the break you want to go and play with your friends in the field. Helen is like a friend I would never have, if you understand, because we met at the audition hotel. When we recorded Jara, we record it in our own way, it is just like going to relieve yourself of your stress and at the end of the day you are being paid for it. The response was incredible. People were calling me on the BBA Uti, Uti JARA. It’s amazing how quickly people accepted the show and we are very grateful.

    It has been four years that your father died, do you still miss him?

    I miss my dad everyday because every experience that happens, I am kind of relating it with my father. Because when I was young, I didn’t really understand my father; when anything happened, I think my father used to stress small things and then I didn’t really know why he was so passionate about certain things, the reason why he couldn’t tolerate some certain things. But now I understand the reasons for his actions because everything that happens now that I can’t just put on with, I will just like say wow! This was what dad used to see and all that. So, every time I see his pictures, any time I am alone in my car, for every accomplishment, of course I miss him, but before he died, all he wanted from me was to be a graduate and I graduated with 3.9gpa from the Benson Idahosa University, Benin. I was the best graduating student that year; I can never forget the smile on his face at that moment and he started hailing me in our local language, but I wanted him to see the picture of this. Thank God, before he died, he already got the picture of what I could become in the entertainment industry because he watched the next movie star, he watched some of the series I did and at a point he was proud of me. Of course, I miss him every day, in everything that happens to me I miss him.

    You are one of the most successful TV reality stars, why did you decide to enter for these shows?

    Originally, money was never part of the reason why I joined. I just felt like going there to showcase my talent, even though I went to school and I studied science, I just needed to tell my people, ‘look here, I want to go into entertainment,’ because I grew up watching a lot of TV shows, movies, awards ceremonies and a lot and then I was only thinking about being like them because it is one of the platforms that you can use in showcasing your talents to Africans. It is by being on the most-watched reality show, for me it was just like marketing my talent just a way for people to see me and my talent. It is just me breaking into the entertainment industry; in that way, people will be able to feel what I could do.

    You are a model, TV presenter, actor and a singer, which one is more fulfilling?

    Financially, it is TV presenting than anything because that is the best-paid profession that I have. Monthly you will earn next to nothing, except you are an ambassador to the product, so my best gift so far was an ambassadorial gift but the original money doesn’t really pay that well in Nigeria and that has to be addressed very soon. For now, it is still a challenge because we are not as well paid as Nollywood actors. For now, financially, TV presenting and anything of event are well paying but when it comes to my person, when I did my singles, I was very happy to hear myself sing. I will be recording about two more songs this year. I think I love doing all. I am an all-round entertainer. I am not going to change it to anything, I can’t pick one; you can’t be successful in this world by continuing doing one thing. This is the field that God has called me into and I will continue doing it. Music was my first love, so, it is important to me and therefore I will not run on it. I take my time for me to get the best. I’m eclectic.

    Your single, ‘Once in my life’, is a very emotional song, what inspired it?

    When my dad was deceased, my best friend of nine years neglected me and my other very good friends betrayed me because of a job and people started saying all sort of things. In the past, I used to have dependent friends; they were my friends because of what they gained at the end of the day, and that was what motivated that song; I really poured out my emotions into it.

    After winning the BBA, you become every lady’s sweet heart; how many calls did you get per day?

    I have been getting a lot of attention right from when I was a kid. Even in school, I was a very cute kid and I had women all around me, so it’s nothing special. The attention doesn’t make me out of character. I got a lot of calls, sometimes they would just call to say they loved what I do and I do appreciate when they call me and they tell me how they love me on TV because they are my ogas and because of them I get paid. I appreciate every gesture and calls from them, but some people might want to get more than that; I am not in for such, I cannot go back to it again, it is part of what God has delivered me from. I just wanted to keep myself clean and with God on my side, God has been restraining me but both my female and male fans. I appreciate all of them.

    How much of your millions have you invested in charity?

    I am not going to disclose that. Are you the one that will reward me? That is not even what I am after. The only reason why I allow cameras into my charity event is because I want to inspire people because if don’t give money to charity, they would rather spend the money on partying, travelling, and all that; it is fine to do that, but it is better to remember first these people that really need you. It is between me and God and not because I want some people to give me some accolades.

    How does it feel to be Uti, especially now when it seems like a lot of great things are coming your way?

    I’m short of words; I’m actually in awe of my own self. It feels like I’m living a life that’s written in a book or some TV series. I thank God everyday for my blessings because I didn’t do anything to deserve any of these things I have gotten. It’s just the favour of God. Many are called but few are chosen. I don’t know why God has chosen me, which is why I always say, God should always use me to touch the lives of people so that I don’t waste this opportunity he has given me or these blessings. He has done it for me and he’s been awesome, he’s been great, he’s been kind. I’m just extremely thankful and grateful to the higher power that has made me who I am today, which is the God of Israel.

    Let’s say Big Brother Africa did not happen, what would you be doing?

    I don’t know, honestly. I guess I would still be where I am today but I would have had to work a lot harder to prove myself. BBA was a divine intervention and I am forever grateful for that. I am a spiritual person and I always trust in the Lord to make it happen for me.

    People have argued that reality shows are a lazy way of becoming a celebrity. What is your take?

    Lazy? Let them go and be locked up for 90 days with a camera tracing your every move. There is so much to prove. If they focus a camera on you for just two days, people will probably hate you forever. It is hard work, your whole life on television for 90 days? Non-stop.

  • KAREN IGHO survives cancer

    KAREN IGHO survives cancer

    IT came as a shock to many when Karen Igho, Nigeria’s representative to the 2011 edition of the Big Brother Africa reality show, in an emotion- laden tone, revealed that she had cancer. “I have cancer. Are you guys happy? I will be undergoing treatment soon. Lord, I commit my life into your hands. I told the whole world about my lump and I get bullied everyday for being truthful,” she tweeted in the later part of December.

    However, in a new development, she announced on Wednesday, February 19, that she survived the cancer scourge via her Twitter handle: “I am so happy; I’m cancer-free. Thank you all for your prayers and support. God bless you all. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a second chance to live. I will praise you forever.”

    Following the disclosure, opinions are already divided among her fans on the social networks.

  • Don’t die in a LOVELESS marriage—Ayo Adesanya

    Don’t die in a LOVELESS marriage—Ayo Adesanya

    IT was an exciting moment recently when popular crossover actress, Ayo Adesanya, and BBA Game Show star, Karen Igho,the 2011 winner of Big Brother Africa’s Amplified edition, appeared as guests on Moments with Mo, a popular TV programme.

    But the highlight of the show was when the beautiful actress and mother of one spoke about her crashed marriage with her ex-husband, Hassan Goriola, a top movie producer and actor.

    Her words: “If a man shows any slightest form of violence, ladies, don’t go in. I thought I was in a loving relationship. I mean it was all fun until the beating started and then got worse…and I just couldn’t let go because I was emotionally confused. This is the same man that touched me lovingly, catered for my needs and called me baby; yet, he beat me up. The loving moments made me think that he would change, but when it got so bad, I had to convince myself that he would never change. Women must watch out for men who shove them here and there..If he is by the littlest chance violent, don’t go in, it only gets worse!” she revealed.

    For Karen Igho, “A man who suddenly hits you for the first time in the fifth year of a relationship means he’s been an abuser all along, one who neatly hid his monster trait from you.”

  • Burna Boy, Davido, others to Party for the Originals

    Burna Boy, Davido, others to Party for the Originals

    FASHION buffs from across the country will be introduced to the new Fayrouz platform aimed at celebrating and encouraging the originality of Nigerian fashion and style at an exclusive event tagged Party for the Originals on Wednesday, December 18.

    Organised by Fayrouz, a non-alcoholic drink from the stable of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, the show parades some of Nigeria’s designers, artistes and fashionistas.

    Sensational pop stars, Burna Boy and Davido, will thrill guests to some of their latest hits, while DJ Sose will have the audience dancing all night as he will spin some of the hottest contemporary numbers.

    Guests and participants at the event will include top fashion figures like Mai Atafo, April by Kunbi, Kinabuti, Uti Nwachukwu and Ebuka Obi Uchendu, among others.

    Party for the Originals, according to the organisers, is the launch of a new platform, where students can compete as an expressive group to create exceptional style and exhibit originality through various arts like fashion design, accessory-making, makeup, hairstyling, modelling and photography, among other arts.

    The event, which will be hosted by popular OAP and BBA host, IK Osakioduwa, will also have Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Uti Nwachukwu as celebrity scouts, who will move within the audience to select a number of fashionable guests to take part in the ‘most original ensemble’ of the night.

  • Dillish emerges BBA winner

    Dillish emerges BBA winner

    After three months of exciting drama, Namibia’s Dillish Sunday  night, emerged winner of the 2013 edition of Big Brother Africa reality show tagged The Chase. By her victory, Dillish goes home USD 300, 000 richer.
    The show began with host, IK Osakioduwa, making an amazing entrance with a dance crew dressed in all black. Before the eviction proper, the Top 5 were shown seated in the living room trying to be relaxed as they awaited what fate has for them.
    The eviction started with the two representatives from Nigeria being shown the way out. Though she survived 91 days in the house without any nomination, a record feat, Nigeria’s Beverly Osu was the first to be evicted in Sunday’s live eviction show. Beverly’s eviction was followed by Melvin, known as Mr.Gentleman, with their highlights of their stay in the house.
    The third housemate evicted from the house was Elikem, who IK had go and announce his eviction in the house. Prior to that, some of the earlier evicted Chasers were brought to the show, to the surprise and delight of viewers.
    To lighten the show, Nigerian super star, Ice Prince, was on the live stage to perform for the audience of Big Brother Africa. He performed one of his killer jams “Aboki”.
    Age 22, Dillish says she entered the competition because she has been a fan of the show for some time and promised herself that she would enter as soon as she was old enough.
  • It’s Seyi Shay for BBA eviction party

    It’s Seyi Shay for BBA eviction party

    SHOWCASING her talent in the eviction party this Sunday is none other than London born Nigerian artiste, Deborah Oluwa-Seyi Joshua aka Seyi Shay. To her credit, she’s toured with P.Diddy and Beyonce, collaborated with Justin Timberlake and 2Face Idibia.

    As an artiste, Shay got her break with the London Community Choir and hasn’t looked back, performing around the world and collaborating with some of the hottest artists in the world. She signed her first record deal in 2005, wrote and produced three songs for the Konami Game soundtrack, Crime Life. She also wrote You Will See for Mel C; all these, aged just 18.

    Shortly afterwards, she auditioned for British Pop/R&B group From Above, winning the role of lead singer. Their debut album, Breaking From Above, lent its name to their MTV reality show, which was broadcast in more than 166 countries around the world. The band supported Beyonce on her “I Am” UK tour in 2009/10 and 2011 and presented an MTV EMA Music Award to Bruno Mars.

    In the same year, Seyi wrote White Lies for international selling rapper, Chipmunk and has since toured with the likes of P. Diddy and Beyoncé in the UK and written for and worked with a number of industry heavy weights like Justin Timberlake, Brian Michael Cox, 2Face Idibia, Bilal, Chipmunk, Rob Knoxx, Rob A, Harmony and Cameron Wallace.

    The artiste says she is set to working her musical magic on stage this Sunday on Big Brother: The Chase.