BaShupi auditions for Big Brother Africa

HARARE – They came in their numbers but only two housemates will represent Zimbabwe in Big Brother Africa season 9.

Although there were no long queues outside the Meikles Hotel, the venue of the auditions, several hopefuls turned up over the weekend to try their luck at what now appears to be a career path for those seeking instant fame.

Of late, Zimbabwean contestants have become known for their competitiveness at the continental reality series with Munya Chidzonga finishing second in the 2010 Big Brother All Stars season and Tapuwa Mhere who came third in the first season of Big Brother Africa.

However, that does not mean all the Zimbabwean housemates were good, NO! There were others like Roki Josphat and Maneta Mazanhi who took the walk of shame when they became the first Zimbabweans to be disqualified from the house for violent conduct.

Then we had funny characters like Teclar Mazanhi, sister to Maneta, who shocked an entire nation when she was booted from the house during the first week.

That drama did not deter others who thronged the luxurious hotel to audition for the upcoming season whose theme is still to be announced.

Oddly enough, it was the usual suspects who turned up and Zimbabwean viewers could be in for a big surprise.

Singer, Peace Ndlovu aka BaShupi, was one of the early birds who turned up and he was visibly geared up for the auditions as he came dressed to the nines.

The dreadlocked singer, who recently got married, would not leave the venue even after he had been adjudged as he was spotted milling around the venue as if to see his competition.

A confident BaShupi appeared to have made it to the second round scheduled for today.

A good number of people that turned up were women with good looks as well as style.

“Well, I don’t want to listen to anyone because they are not the judges,” said Sibo, one hopeful from Harare.

“Are you here for auditions or you’re here to spy on people?” another girl from Harare only identified as Sandra asked this reporter.

Another familiar face who turned up for the auditions was Hillary Indi. Yes, the popular soap actor-cum-dancer, was among the people vying to represent Zimbabwe.

The dreadlocked Hillary was also confident that he has what it takes to excite Africa for 90 days. Hillary, who featured in several local soaps including Studio 263, is good at acting for the cameras. Whether that is a plus or minus for him it’s a different story.

Although our Harare Bureau did not see the other names that were being thrown around in the run up to the auditions, the likes of Lady Squanda, Sani Makhalima and Cynthia Mare, chances are that a good number might have clandestinely auditioned.

Whoever is going to represent Zimbabwe will be announced a day before the start of the reality series unless the rumourmill gets wind of it.

Any persons over the age of 21 who are citizens of one of the participating countries and have a valid passport, can enter Big Brother Africa 9. The would-be housemates must be open-minded, bold and adventurous. Previous editions of Big Brother Africa have boasted huge cash prizes for winners and this one is no different as the prize money is $300,000.

Entries are open to 14 countries, namely Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Big Brother Africa 9 will be screened live 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198 and will begin on Sunday 7 September and scheduled to run for 91 days. Big Brother Africa is produced by ENDEMOL South Africa, who conducted the auditions. Chronicle