By Seble Teweldebirhan
Addis Ababa, May 5, 2011 (Ezega.com) - Big Brother Africa, the biggest and most watched reality show in Africa, launched last Sunday at Big Brother’s House in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show is in its 6th season this year with the title ‘Big Brother Amplified’.
DStv has invited several guests at Addis Ababa Hilton Hotel Ibex Hall to see the live transmission of the opening ceremony. Ato Misker Mulugeta, Marketing and Communication Manager of Multi Choice Ethiopia, said that this season is expected to be more exciting and full of emotions and drama.
The identities of 26 housemates of the new season, representing 14 African countries (Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia & Zimbabwe Ethiopia and Mozambique), were revealed.
Ethiopia is represented by Hanni, a 22 years old student and singer from Addis Ababa, and Danny, 34, a self-employed guy who describes himself as cool, adventurous and funny.
“We had around 300 entries and choosing the best one to represent Ethiopia and participate in the show was a difficult task. About thirty were chosen for the final round and we took the video shoot of each one of them. The decision came from South Africa, MNet Africa office, and we are glad to announce that Hanni will be representing our country for the new season Big Brother Africa Amplified” Ato Misiker said.
Born and grew up in Addis Ababa, Hanni is a 5th year law student at Addis Ababa University and a singer. She said she entered Big Brother Africa competition just for the experience. At the opening, Hanni told Nigerian Host Iki that she is looking forward to find herself in the show and to promote her country.
Many invited at Hilton hotel criticized the way she was dressed for the opening. While all the 25 housemates dressed in a very modern and attractive manner, Hanni chose to dress something that couldn’t be identified as modern or traditional. However, her beautiful smile and her grace won the audience as Ethiopian women cheered and she received support from the audience.
Many were also worried that, compared to other contestants, Hanni seemed a little bit shy. Though she was acquainted with the other housemates real quick, her entrance to the opening ceremony was more reserved compared to the others who rocked the stage with dances and other activities. The worry came from the fact that her competition is making scenes the audience will enjoy in order to get votes from the viewers.
Although surprised to have been chosen to participate in Big Brother, Danny, the other Ethiopian participant, says if he wins, he will use the money to start his dream business. When he goes into the Big Brother house Danny admits the thing he will miss most is his freedom and friends.
Last year’s Big Brother All Stars Ethiopian participant was Yakob Abeselom, 29 years old businessman from Addis Ababa. Yacob previously competed in Big Brother Africa season 4 where he finished in fifteenth place after becoming the tenth housemate to be evicted. On Big Brother All Stars season five, Yacob entered the house on Day 1, and on day 35 he was evicted and placed into the barn. On day 50, Yacob voluntarily left the barn.
The fact that access to DStv (the show is transmitted live on DStv channel 198) itself and the internet is limited will remain a challenge for Hanni to win this contest. Ato Misiker called for Ethiopians all over the world to log onto Big Brother Africa website and vote for Hanni in order to help her to win the competition.
Big Brother Africa Amplifier will continue for the next three months, featuring the 26 housemates living in isolated house, while trying to avoid being evicted by the viewers. The winner of the show will take the 200,000 USD in grand prize.
Big Brother Africa is produced by MNet Africa and Endemol. It is transmitted 24 hours live for 91 days, recording each and every activity of the housemates.
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Seble Teweldebirhan is Addis Ababa based Reporter for Ezega.com. She can be reached by sending email through this form.