The biggest-ever season of Big Brother comes to DStv on January 15 when “Big Brother Titans” brings together a group of house mates from South Africa and Nigeria to go head-to-head for a R2 million cash prize until April.
Co-hosted by Big Brother Mzansi host Lawrence Maleka and BBNaija’s Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the reality TV show sees house mates from both countries attempt to outwit each other in a game of skill, strength and sometimes romance – 24/7 on DStv channel 198, with live shows on Mzansi Magic (channel 161) on Sundays at 8pm.
Big History
In South Africa, “Big Brother” debuted in 2001, hosted by Mark Pilgrim. It later morphed into “Big Brother Mzansi”.
The third season of “Big Brother Mzansi” concluded in April this year, when Michelle “Mphowabadimo” Vundla beat 19 house mates to win the R2 million cash prize after 71 days.
“Big Brother Africa” also ran on DStv for nine seasons between 2003 and 2014, pitting contestants from across the continent against each other for cash prizes in US dollar.
“BBNaija” is a steamroller reality show that continues to capture the attention of an entire nation and draws huge interest from across the continent – since its first season in March 2006.
The latest winner of “BBNaija” season seven, actor Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, picked up N100 million (+- R3.8 million) in cash and prizes after 70 days in Biggie’s house.
Making it Big
The show has launched multiple post-eviction careers in both countries.
In South Africa, Ace Khumalo and Ntombifuthi Tshabalala scored their own Mzansi Magic reality show after their victory on “Big Brother Mzansi: Double Trouble” – as did Mandla Hlatshwayo and Lexi van Niekerk of “Big Brother Mzansi: Secrets”.
Season one’s Lethabo “Paris” Kalamula achieved his dream of becoming a fitness model and actor after leaving the house and Sol Phenduka has carved out a successful career as a radio personality, DJ and podcaster.
"BBNaija“ season four winner Mercy Eke and her on-show love interest Ike, launched their own reality show, ”Mercy & Ike“ while season five winner Olamilekan "Laycon" Agbeleshe did the same, while also picking up an ambassadorial role as youth ambassador of Ogun State. The 2017 edition winner Ejeba ”Efe“ Michael released a few singles which garnered him success in Nigeria.
Weekend Argus