Let the Hotshots battle begin

Rome was not built in a day but Big Brother built his house in three weeks. The house was prepared in a hurry following a fire that gutted the original Big Brother house on September 2, days before launch. A new house had to be found and the dates for launch postponed to October 5.
There was a twist to the show as housemates were revealed earlier before the official launch.
The official launch itself was no short of surprises as contrary to usual routine where housemates were put on a hot seat by the host of the show, this time they were asked to put together an act that was rated by the live audience.
Malawian representatives at the reality show did not impress as the first Malawian entrant in the house, Mr 265 scored 45.9 percent whereas Sipe scored a 54 percent rating. They both face eviction this Sunday.
In one of the diary sessions with Big Brother, Sipe admitted not being happy with the rating she got.
In an interview with Society, Derick Nyasulu, who was also present at the launch show in Johannesburg, South Africa, said he is confident of Malawian housemates’potential, encouraging Malawians not to be disappointed but to support the two.“I would not say they did a good job, but we know whether there are issues of [being on a big stage], peopleget stage fright and they just did. It does not matter where you are a frequent performer sometimes it just gets you,” said Nyasulu.
He added that it wouldhave been better had Sipe toned down her Beyonce performance to a make it more African and for Mr 265 to get rid of the fright before coming on stage.
A local passionate follower of Big Brother, who declined to be named, said Malawian representative have to up their game if they are to survive.
Commenting on the show itself, South African entertainment commentator Ntokozo Mahlangu said he feels the Big Brother hype has gone down.
“The first reason is that in South Africa we recently hosted our own Big Brother South Africa, so people have that hangover,” said Mahlangu.
He added that the fire that razed the old house compromised the marketing for the show as the public did not believe the show was going to go ahead.
“With the personality diversity among housemates, the show’s ratings are destined to sky rocket. It will be an interesting 63 days of drama, tears, laughter, shock and twists,” he said.
Mahlangu added that the joining of Rwanda as one of the participating countries would help increase the hype that goes with the reality show.
He commended Multichoice for the launch, citing selection of top notch artists as one of the launch event’s strengths,
“The diversity of top notch African artist was breathtaking and captivating, I loved the energy and charisma,” said Mahlangu.
He, however, pointed out that the show could have worn a fresh face had they brought in a new face as the Nigerian IK has been hosting the show for some time.
Multichoice publicity executive Thato Radise defended why they have never thought of bringing a new face to host the show to bring it a fresh look saying IK has an incredible profile across the continent.
“IK has performed exceptionally well as a host and is very passionate about the show and he has become synonymous with the Big Brother brand,” she said.
She, however, promised surprises for viewers of the reality show.
“As with all previous seasons, the new season of Big Brother Africa will include surprises and unexpected innovations. The housemates will do their best to outshine each other 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 – all while negotiating Biggie’s famous curveballs and twists,” said Radise.
It remains to be seen whether Mr 265 and Sipe will make history by being the first Malawian representatives to win the show or will follow in the paths of those who previously underperformed.