Season 8
With a grand prize of $300,000 at stake, Big Brother: The Chase is set to provide more of the entertainment, romance, action, suspense and drama than ever before.
Big Brother: The Chase combines electrifying twists and big surprises that require housemates to use their charm to get ahead, possibly leaving room for Cupid's arrow to connect two hearts or more.
Setting the tone, in line with the theme, the new season's logo showcases a glittering and slightly flirtatious feel with chic, edgy gold plated lines. The iconic Big Brother eye has an enchanting gold dust finish with a dazzling diamond centre, featuring a teasing hint of ruby red.
Returning to the Big Brother stage as series presenter this year is IK Osakioduwa, making his fifth 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.
Entry was open to the same 14 countries as last year with the exception of Liberia which was replaced by Ethiopia. The show is rotating various countries in and out of the series so Ethiopia will be back for this year and might rotate again in the next season.
As a result, participating countries this year are: Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
On Sunday 26 May, the Big Brother Africa launch show came alive when multiple award-winning musicians from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa took centre stage. The big night also saw 28 new housemates revealed to audiences in over 50 African countries for Season 8.
With the live show screening - from 19h00 on AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment, AfricaMagic World as well as on DStv channel 197 and 198 - audiences saw sassy and upbeat tunes from Kenya's STL.
Boasting hit songs such as "Take My Time", "Hula Hoop", "Bad as I Wanna Be", the singer, songwriter and rapper, also recipient of awards from the Kisima Awards, Clops Awards and Jeermaan Awards, delivered a performance with her distinct pop, soul and rap sound.
Hailing from Nigeria, musical heavyweights Don Jazzy, D'Prince and Wande Coal also performed with their energetic personae.
Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter and musician Don Jazzy, joined them for their collaborative performance. D'Prince and Wande Coal, both chart-topping stars from Mavin Records, are best known for songs such as "I like What I See", "Bumper 2 Bumper" and "Who Born the Maga".
One of South Africa's leading Afro Pop music groups, Mafikizolo also serenaded audiences with their soulful and rhythmic tunes on the big launch night.
With several albums and awards under their belt, the duo has brought fans far and wide, dance-floor filler hits such as "Sibongile", "Ndihamba Nawe", "Nisixoshelani" and "Khona".
The line-up also included a slot for some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill. The highly talented entertainer has become a household name on the continent with his TV show called "Churchill Live".
In addition to the live screening of the launch show, it was concurrently streamed live to audiences across Africa on the Big Brother website. All viewers needed to access the live stream was a computer and internet connection.
Channel 197 and 198 went live with the premiere and broadcast live 24/7 as per usual. The 24-hour channels will be available on the Premium, Compact and Mobile bouquets.
Additional broadcasts include:
Two-hour premiere (Sunday, 26 May):
19h00, AfricaMagic Entertainment (150) and AfricaMagic (154)
19h00, Channels 197 and 198
21h00, AfricaMagic World (155)
Monday nomination shows:
20h00, AfricaMagic Entertainment (150)
21h30, AfricaMagic (154) and AfricaMagic World (155)
Tuesday to Thursday daily shows:
20h00, AfricaMagic Entertainment (150)
21h30, AfricaMagic (154) and AfricaMagic World (155)
Saturday highlights show:
20h00, AfricaMagic Entertainment (150)
21h30, AfricaMagic (154) and AfricaMagic World (155)
Sunday eviction shows:
19h00, AfricaMagic Entertainment (150) and AfricaMagic (154)
21h00, AfricaMagic World (155)
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.