Season 7
With a grand prize of $300,000 at stake, plus the new "doubling up" of contestants entering the series with partners, Big Brother StarGame is set to provide more of the entertainment, romance, action, suspense and drama than ever before.
The biggest shake-ups this year are the increased prize money (from $200,000 to $300,000), the addition of two new countries (Liberia and Sierra Leone) and the fact that contestants had to enter with a partner.
Returning to the Big Brother stage as series presenter this year is IK Osakioduwa, making his fourth appearance at the forefront of the show since taking on the role in 2009.
The Big Brother house, a character in its own right, returns as well, studded with 53 cameras and 120 microphones. Once again, the house features a bold new design in line with the theme of the season.
Biggie's revamped hideaway is a contrasting combination of retro fusion and glittering glam all the way. There are two contradictory styles at play.
One look is inspired by the diners of 50s Hollywood - colourful pastels and bold bright shapes accented by the iconic black and white check patterns, bringing back memories of jukeboxes, bunk beds and soda fountains.
The other is sleek and sophisticated, echoing a classy and exclusive dance club where opulence and luxury are the keys to a good time. Polished glass, gold finishes and delicate accessories... it's style meets elegance all the way.
For the first time ever, this year the two-hour live launch show was streamed live and free online, starting at 19h45 CAT.
American music star J.Cole took to the stage at the Big Brother StarGame launch, kicking off the show.
Entries this year were open to citizens from Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Both partners had to come from the same country, had to be 21 years or older, had to be fluent in English and have a valid passport.
With less than three days to go before the start of Season 7 came the news that seven celebrity housemates would be part of the seventh season of the show. They were:
Entertainer, stand-up comedian and television pro DKB from Ghana (26)
Rap icon Prezzo from Kenya (32)
Songstress Lady May from Namibia (25)
Pop music star Goldie from Nigeria (28)
Socialite, model and businesswoman Babalwa Mneno from South Africa (34)
R&B diva Mampi from Zambia (25)
Musician Roki from Zimbabwe (27)
South African viewers can catch the action and drama in the Big Brother House on Channel 198 on DStv 24/7 or daily at 22h00 CAT on Mzansi Magic.
Additional broadcasts on Magic World include:
Sundays at 22h00 CAT – eviction shows
Mondays at 23h00 CAT - nomination shows
Tuesdays to Fridays at 22h00 - daily shows
Saturdays at 22h00 CAT – highlights shows
Channel 198 is also available on the Drifta and Walka devices.
Tasks
Each week the Housemates will undertake various tasks that will stretch them to the limits in order to win a week's worth of budget that will enable them to buy groceries and other essential necessities.
Only Big Brother has the authority to assign the weekly tasks which mostly involve team play and perseverance. If the housemates display tremendous endurance, focus and willingness to succeed, Big Brother can wager up to 100% of their budget.
Rules
In Big Brother's house, the rules remain as long as Big Brother says so. He can change them at any time, so housemates and viewers alike should brace themselves for a unique viewing experience with plenty of twists and turns.
Field Presenters
Big Brother has again deployed field presenters to give feedback about each housemate's hype and to get a grip on home ground. The presenters are expected to interview the housemate's parents, friends and compile reports from eviction parties.
Head of House
Each week housemates compete against one another for the prestigious title of the Head of Household (HoH). The house leader's benefits include seven days' immunity from eviction.