ENDEMOL South Africa, the international television production and distribution company responsible for Big Brother Africa (BBA), will send its representatives to Zimbabwe next month for BBA housemates’ casting. Report by Melissa Mpofu
Potential participants in the 8th edition of Africa’s biggest reality series had submitted entries before the February 14 deadline which, unlike in previous years, will not be extended.
Multichoice Zimbabwe public relations manager Liz Dziva said the BBA production team successfully went through the entries and identified the best entrants. Those who made it onto the shortlist will be secretly invited to the casting session.
“Producers are looking for persons who are fluent in English, entertaining and are passionate about the Big Brother experience. Of particular importance to the selection team are the qualities of tolerance, determination and enthusiasm. If you are open-minded, bold and adventurous, that’s even better” Dziva said.
The venue for casting was yet to be announced, she said, but would be in Harare. It is yet to be ascertained if casting would include open auditions.
Over the years, the BBA production team gave those not on the shortlist another to chance.
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MNet Africa managing director Biola Alabi said they opened up the casting session last year to give people another chance to enter considering that sometimes people do miss the cut-off for sending in their paper entries.
Alabi said those with paper entries had higher chances of being selected to represent their country as compared to those who go for open auditions.
“A paper entry is the very best way to get selected. It gives our teams more time to work through to your entry in detail and increases your chances of participating,” Alabi said.
This year’s season, with a prize money of $300 000, will kick off in May. The Zimbabwean housemate will compete with those from Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Last year, Zimbabwe was represented by Rockford “Roki” Josphats and Maneta Mazanhi who were a big disappointment as they were expelled from the house after a brawl. South Africa’s Keagen Petersen won the edition and walked away $300 000 richer.
As with previous editions of Big Brother Africa, the new season will have a twist.
“As always, we won’t say much about the new season but I can confirm that we’ve added a new element that I think will get the hearts of viewers racing. The fact that the fans truly adore the show is all the motivation we need to keep it fresh and fun,” she said.