It's showtime for the Big Brother StarGame

May 08, 2012

THE excitement has hit fever pitch. The long awaited Big Brother StarGame, season seven of the most popular reality television show in Africa, finally kicked off last Sunday, at the Sasani Studios in Lyndhurston, Johannesburg, South Africa.

By Sebidde Kiryowa in Johannesburg
THE excitement has hit fever pitch. The long awaited Big Brother StarGame, season seven of the most popular reality television show in Africa, finally kicked off last Sunday, at the Sasani Studios in Lyndhurston, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Once again, the stage is set for 91 days in which human emotion, attitude and action will be put to the test!

Performances
It won’t be only about who is coming into the house. The show will be laced with a high-octane performance by Grammy nominated American rapper and hitmaker J.Cole, currently the hottest on Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, which also represents songstress Rihanna.

His debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story has gained him worldwide attention. The 27-year-old star will be performing in Africa for the rst time, and will do three songs at the launch, Can’t Get Enough, Nobody’s Perfect and Work Out.

Host
Returning to the Big Brother stage as series presenter is one of Nigeria’s most famous faces IK Osakioduwa, making his fourth appearance at the forefront of the show since taking on the role in 2009. In his hands lie the truly daunting task of anchoring a series that includes a live one hour Sunday eviction show every week!

But the former Studio 53, Comedy Club and Temptation Nigeria leading man has proven that he is more than up to the task of keeping viewers up to date and informed. And he is not the only star returning…

The theme
Like the tradition is every year, this year’s theme is StarGame derived from the show’s power to create stars out of its contestants.

“One of the main reasons for the success of Big Brother, in Africa and abroad, is that it creates its own stars from the minute housemates step into the spotlight,” says M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi.

“The show is built on the idea that, given the chance, anyone can be a star, anyone can find themselves shot to stardom. So this year, we’re 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.”

Prize and double entry
One of the most conspicuous changes this year is that Big Brother StarGame entrants must double-up to compete. This means that all the contestants you will see this Sunday will be in pairs. They will be tussling it out for the ultimate prize of $300,000 (sh750m) for only one winner.

New logo
Big Brother StarGame spots a new logo, showcasing a bold new identity with a retro inspired yet futuristic style. A large serif font highlights the new name in a deep red garnet color, while the iconic Big Brother eye gets a liquid platinum
finish with a glittering gold mirror-ball at its centre.

Adding 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. Only time will tell….

House
One of the most fascinating aspects about the show has always been the house. Fans have always been eager to know what the house will look like. Well, like last year - the house is studded with 53 cameras and 120 microphones. It features a bold new design in line with the theme of the series.

This week, producers provided a sneak peek into Biggie’s revamped hideaway, and it’s a contrasting combination of retro fusion and glittering glam all the way. From the look of things, there are two contradictory styles at play.

One look is de nitely inspired by the diners of 1950s Hollywood, colourful pastels and bold bright shapes accented by the iconic black and white checkered patterns, bringing back memories of jukeboxes, bunk beds and soda fountains.

The other is sleek and sophisticated, echoing a classy and exclusive dance club where opulence and luxury are the keys to a good time. Polished glass, gold nishes and delicate accessories…its style meets elegance all the way!

Contestants
There are 14 participant countries. Newcomers Liberia and Sierra Leone replace Mozambique and Ethiopia. Mozambique, we are told is coming in a di erent role, let’s wait and see.

The other countries are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana. Uganda has previously been represented by Gaetano Kagwa, Maureen Namatovu, Morris Mugisha, Hannington Kavuma (twice), Philbert Okure, Sharon Salmon and Ernest Wasake.

None of them has ever won the jackpot. 
 

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