TheCable

The all-singing, all-dancing 9th edition of Big Brother Africa kicked off on Sunday, October 5, as the 26 housemates showed off their talents to the continent – giving millions of viewers a glimpse into why they are the ‘hotshots’.

Viewers met the housemates, who will be competing for the $300,000 prize over the next 63 days, one by one, as they showcased their talents, live on stage, in one-minute slots.

The studio audience scored each performance with a mark out of 100, and right at the end of the show, Big Brother called the excited housemates together and revealed the reason – the housemate who scored the highest would be named as Head of House and would be the only housemate not up for eviction next Sunday.

Tanzania’s Laveda led a Top 6 that included Sabina, M’am Bea, Lilian, Arthur and JJ, meaning she is the only one not in danger of going home next week.

The house seems to be full of musicians and singers, with Kenya’s Sabina and Rwanda’s Arthur breaking the mould with comedy routines, Ghana’s M’am Bea showcasing her fashion design talents and Laveda picking up top marks with her saxophone solo. Not to be outdone by the housemates, presenter IK kicked things off with a cabaret-style singing performance of his own – and the show only got hotter from there.

The housemates’ performances showed their talent – and some other continental superstars also got to showcase their own swagger. Keeping the musical theme going were Emmy Gee, AB Crazy & DJ Dimplez with their smash hit Rands and Nairas, South African hip-hop sensation Cassper Nyovest with Doc Shebeleza and Nigeria’s own BET Award winner Davido with Skelewu.

IK promised viewers a host of twists and turns in true Big Brother style, revealing one upfront: during a new Saturday night task, viewers will get the chance to vote to award one housemate with immunity from being nominated each week!

With the news sinking in that all but one of their number are in danger of heading home next week, the housemates set about getting to know each other over snacks and drinks laid on by Biggie – and with a first dip in the jacuzzi.