Nigeria’s Uti Nwachukwu joined other former Big brother housemates from 13 other countries to jostle for a second chance for the ultimate cash prize of $200,000 as the fifth season of the continent’s television reality show began yesterday.
At a glittering ceremony in South Africa’s city of Johannesburg and broadcast live across the globe, 14 most unforgettable, outspoken, entertaining housemates of previous editions of the popular reality show were rolled into a red carpet reception in a white limousine unto the waiting hand of show host, Nigeria’s famous on-air personality Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa, “I.K.” who also presented last year’s edition-for a marathon 24-hour non-stop, 91 days adventure in a secluded house located in Johannesburg, South Africa and watched by audiences on DStv channel 198.
Joining Nigeria’s Uti to compete together for the ultimate prize in the 2010 special edition of the show tagged ‘Big Brother All Stars’ are Code from Malawi; Hannington (Uganda); Jennifer (Mozambique); Kaone (Botswana); Lerato(South Africa); Meryl (Namibia); Munya (Zimbabwe); Mwisho (Tanzania); Paloma (Zambia); Sammi B (Ghana); Sheila (Kenya); Tatiana (Angola); and Yacob from Ethiopia.
According to Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa Managing Director, in a chat with P.M.NEWS, all the housemates, both those included in the new show and those who are not on this series, are the true stars of the Big Brother Africa story.
“We want to celebrate them in all their glory. What better way than to bring back some of the fans’ favourite characters for a second chance at the big prize,” said Alabi.
She noted that with the stakes now raised, it means this season will be more strategic than ever before.
“With all the housemates having played the game previously, they each will come into the new season equipped with more insight and knowledge into the world of alliances, conspiracy and tactics,” Alabi explained.
The show was kicked off with stellar performance by Jamaican-born Dancehall star Sean Paul. At a point during the opening, the audience paused a bit to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ song for the iconic Nelson Mandela who clocked 92 that same yesterday.
The 27-year old Nigerian representative, Uti, is a multi-talented personality with skills as an actor, TV presenter, model and MC.
He recently launched his music career with the release of his debut single.
In the new season of BB All Stars, Uti said his strategy will be to “try not to get attached to or fond of anyone”.
He said being part of the All Stars was another chance to show who he really is and of course take a shot at the bigger prize money.
Nigeria’s Kevin Chuwang Pam won last year’s edition of the reality show tagged ‘Big Brother Revolution’.
The All Star Housemate cast comprises of housemates from previous editions of the BBA show.
The list of the 14 Housemates are as follows:
Mwisho from Tanzania (BBA 1)
Sammie from Ghana (BBA 1)
Lerato from South Africa (BBA 2)
Meryl from Namibia (BBA 2)
Tatiana from Angola (BBA 2)
Code from Malawi (BBA 2)
Munya from Zimbabwe (BBA 3)
Sheila from Kenya (BBA 3)
Kaone from (BBA 4)
Jeniffer from Mozambique (BBA 4)
Paloma from Zambia (BBA 4)
Yacob from Ethiopia (BBA 4)
Hannington from Uganda (BBA 4)
UTI from NIGERIA (BBA 3)
