Meet All 2013 BigBrother Africa Housemates: Names, Pictures and Countries Represented

The Kenyan Most Wanted Thug Who Married A Church Nun

When My Life in Crime first came out in 1984, its author, John Kiriamiti, was still in jail, serving a 28-year term for robbery with violence. His was a crime (or rather, crimes) well documented in the novel that was to become an instant best-seller and one that continues to be top of the charts. Indeed, despite pundits’ complaints that Kenyans do not read, the public quickly swept bookstore shelves for Kiriamiti’s debut novel.

Kiriamiti was himself astounded by the fame that the book — soon to be made into a film by Janet Kirina and Nell Schell — brought him and he attributes its instant appeal to curiosity and the fact that violent crime was on the rise in Kenya in the ’80s, yet the press was barely covering it. His book, then, served two purposes: it titillated and thrilled and also went where newspapers dared not — exposing criminals’ dirty secrets from an insider’s point of view.

“(The success) could also have had to do with the simplicity of the writing,” he suggests. What he is not saying, however, and what everyone who has read his books agrees, is that the instant appeal of My Life in Crime also had to do with the fact that the man is a great storyteller whose protagonist, Jack Zollo, seems to be writing a first-hand account of his experiences, struggles, and illegal schemes to not just survive, but also thrive “by any means necessary”, including violently robbing banks.

Kiriamiti was not aware of the book’s impact on the outside world when it initially hit the streets. “I was busy teaching English to inmates,” said the son of two school teachers.

It was not until he got thrown into solitary confinement that he discovered that his book was a bestseller, albeit one that disturbed the powers-that-be so much they had to stick him in solitary for several weeks.

Yet Kiriamiti had been a model inmate before one of his students’ squealed to the authorities that it was he who wrote the book that painted an unflattering picture of Kenya’s penal system.

He had been such a humble, polite, and all-round “nice guy” that he had managed to persuade the prison welfare officer at Kamiti Prison to let inmates attend classes, like the one he would later teach twice a day. It was he who also managed to get books allowed into the prison for inmates to read.

“It was in prison that I started reading James Hadley Chase, Robert Ludlum, and Peter Cheney,” says Kenya’s leading crime writer who had only made it halfway through Form One at Prince of Wales Secondary in the early ’60s before he hit the streets and got into his infamous life of crime.

“I was actually expelled from school while in Form One for getting into fights with the white boys, who were dominant in the school (later renamed Nairobi School), and who weren’t keen on having to share their facilities with Africans like me,” he remembers.

Having been kicked out of school at age 15, Kiriamiti was only 20 by the time he first went to prison. “Initially, I was very depressed, but soon I met older inmates who’d been there 12 years or more, and they assured me that my life wasn’t over. I’d still be a relatively young man when I got out. And so I decided to get to work. I decided not to waste any time.”

So, like the African American revolutionary Malcolm X, Kiriamiti chose to use his time in jail to educate himself. He even studied journalism by correspondence, having befriended one of the wardens who had all the course materials and shared them freely with him.

“That warden was actually a student in the English class that I taught,” he recalls.

Kiriamiti made friends with another warden who used to slip him paper, pencils, and pens and also help him smuggle out chapters of his first book to his older sister.

“It was my sister, Connie Wanjiku, who handed the completed manuscript (of My Life in Crime) to Dr (Henry) Chakava (of East African Educational Publishers), who in turn passed it on to Ngugi (wa Thiong’o) to read,” Kiriamiti explains. “It was Ngugi who actually told Chakava to publish the book.”

Kiriamiti stayed in solitary confinement for a few weeks. Then, after 13 years in the slammer (rather than the 28 he was sentenced to serve) he was released and subsequently inundated with media attention — an experience quite unlike that of the ex-convict in his fourth novel, Son of Fate.

John Kiriamiti

That book, which Kiriamiti claims is his favourite of the six he has written thus far (with a seventh, titled City Carjackers, on the way), recounts the trials and tribulations of ex-jailbird Adams Wamathina, who truly wants to reform and come clean but finds social forces incessantly working against him until, finally, he gets an unexpected break, which unfolds in what the author calls the sequel to Son of Fate, titled The Sinister Trophy.

In any case, Kiriamiti did not enjoy the limelight for long. “I was picked up and thrown back into prison, supposedly for being a member of Mwakenya,” recalls the man, who does not conceal the fact that he had been embittered for having to endure three more years inside as a consequence of then president Moi’s paranoia.

His only consolation was that he met many of his old friends in prison, many whom, he claims, were far more clever crooks than he would ever be.

“The only advantage I had over them was that I could communicate my story through writing, but they knew far more about criminality in Kenya than I ever will,” says Kiriamiti, who notes that many of them were either ex-Army servicemen or ex-police officers who were members of secret networks which they continued to run from behind bars...Read More Courtesy of Daily Nation

Yes: You Can Now Catch Even Nude Images Of Big Brother Africa Contestants

Big Brother Africa has moved steps a head and launched a VIP Site whose access allows one to catch a glimpse of all behind the scenes happening in the show. 

This is a major milestone and an exciting feature that will push contestants to their extremes.

Quick facts of what VIP Access entitles one to:

Uncut: Get access to your favourite housemates under-cover, after-dark or during shower-hour...

Backstage & Bye Bye:Your private pass behind the scenes with Big Brother's celeb guests and evicted housemates.

Rant & Rave: Alone in the Diary Room, they really let loose... See how Housemates show their true colours.

 

Big Brother Survival Tips: Kenyan Prezzo's Quick Facts

Kenyan Prezzo

With only a few days to the launch of Big Brother The Chase, we caught up with one of the most notorious ex-Housemates from StarGame, Kenyan rapper Prezzo.

Mr Prezzident, as he was fondly known in Upville, shared his tips on survival inside the Big Brother House and let us into his life after BBA.

Big Brother: Welcome Prezzo. How has your life changed after Big Brother Africa?

Prezzo: My life has changed drastically because ‘Prezzo’ the brand became a house hold name not only in east Africa but worldwide.

What do you think is the biggest misconception that people have about you?

The fact that people think I disrespect women, I don’t. I love and respect women because I was raised by one. My misunderstanding with the female Housemates was due to the fact that apart from Goldie, they were like my sisters and therefor I felt the urge to address the issues as they came. As for fights between me Goldie, it’s only normal that people in a relationship argue from time to time.

What did you do to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for your time inside the Big Brother House?

I had my eyes on the prize way before I got in to the house. Because of the isolation from the outside world, I looked at it as if I was going to serve time for 90 days in an upgraded, glamorous kind of prison.

What are your tips for dealing with the isolation from the outside world and surviving in the House?

You have to put all of that behind you and focus on what you want achieve. If you spend too much of your time thinking about loved ones back home that will kill your game and you won't perform to the best of your ability because your mind is not focused, that can lead to you cracking under pressure.

What items would you recommend packing for the House?

Get some good outfits packed because BBA is a reality show so you have to look good all of the time.

When you are inside the House, is it important to build alliances or should you much rather keep to yourself?

It’s important to find a balance but ultimately alliances are important because they help to showcase your ability to play with the other Housemates’ minds and the viewers will get to see how smart you are. If you keep to yourself it can make you come across as boring and that will not work to your advantage.

What are you most looking forward to about #BBATheChase?

I am looking forward to watching from the side-line and seeing it from the viewer’s perspective because I never had a chance to watch BBA before my participation in the show. So it's going to be pretty interesting.

We are looking forward to romance in the Big Brother House this season. You also were involved in a romance while in the BBA House. What is your advice to the new Housemates on finding love inside of the Big Brother House?

I say don’t take it lightly because it could be your destiny and who knows maybe God planned for the two of you to meet in the House. Whenever love comes your way, don’t side-line it

Any last words for the Housemates going in?

Nothing happens coincidentally, so believe in yourself because you were chosen to be in the House for a reason. Remember that you are on a reality show so be interesting and forget about the cameras in the House, and most importantly have fun with it....Big Brother Africa

Nigerian IK Continues To Charm Big Brother Africa Season 8

Nigerian IK - Big Brother Season 8 Host

Can anyone imagine Big Brother Africa without the sexy, witty IK? Well, we can’t either and that’s why our talented Nigerian host is back for the fifth time – somebody give him a high five!

For one who is always putting Housemates on the spot about love, life and everything in between, it will be interesting to see how IK will play his tricks on Big Brother The Chase. His famous line over the years has been; “Hesitation means consent on this Show” when he starts grilling the Housemates.

In a recent interview with DStv Online, IK expressed his excitement on the new Season and assured viewers that he would be “bringing a fresh and energetic approach to The Chase”.

IK is one of the most sought after hosts in Africa and has anchored a number of prestigious shows and events. His most recent gigs include; the Calabar Jazz Festival alongside Nollywood’s Dakore Egbuson and the inaugural AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards with former Big Brother Amplied Housemate and now StarGist presenter, Vimbai.

28 Housemates from 14 countries will not only be chasing after the USD300 000 cash prize but the chance of becoming a household name and perhaps even finding romance......Big Brother Africa

The Chase: Big Brother Africa Live

Finally, The long wait is over and Bog Brother Is now back and live.

The eighth season of the hit reality TV show will be screened live 24/7 for 91 days on DStv channels 197 and 198 and highlight packages will also be screened on three other DStv channels.

For those not close to a TV set, you can stream the launch live from the Big Brother Africa website. Live website streaming is free and accessible to anyone with a personal computer and an internet connection.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the Big Brother action, here are the days, times and channels on which you can get your daily reality fix.

Africa Magic (DStv channel 154)
Launch (Sunday, 26 May) – 19:00 CAT
Nomination shows (Mondays) – 21:30 CAT
Daily Show (Tuesdays – Thursdays) – 21:30 CAT
Highlight shows (Saturdays) – 21:30 CAT
Live Eviction shows (Sundays) – 21:30 CAT
Finale (Sunday, 25 August) – 19:00 CAT

Africa Magic Entertainment (DStv channel 150)
Launch (Sunday, 26 May) – 19:00 CAT
Nomination shows (Mondays) – 19:30 CAT
Daily Show (Tuesdays – Thursdays) – 20:00 CAT
Highlight shows (Saturdays) – 20:00 CAT
Live Eviction shows (Sundays) – 20:00 CAT
Finale (Sunday, 25 August) – 19:00 CAT

Africa Magic World (DStv channel 155)
Launch (Sunday, 26 May) – 19:00
Nomination shows (Mondays) – 21:30
Daily Show (Tuesdays – Thursdays) – 21:30
Highlight shows (Saturdays) – 21:30
Live Eviction shows (Sundays) – 21:30
Finale (Sunday, 25 August) – 21:00

Source: Big Brother Africa

The Chase: Big Brother Africa Quick Facts

The Countdown to the launch of Big Brother The Chase has begun! With just two days to go, many surprises await eagerly anticipating audiences across the continent, including the all important Big Brother house. A character in its own right, the house is always subject to interest and now AfricaMagic has unveiled a sneak peek in the Big Brother house.

 

Modern, trendy and contemporary are just some of the words that define the imagery of the house. This year’s look is definitely distinctive, featuring a solid use of bright colour with a sophisticated polish. The décor is fresh and airy with a cosmopolitan and yet youthful demeanor, dominated by straight lines and square finishes.

Audiences and housemates can also expect intriguing fixtures that will certainly create talkability. There are also unique accessories thoughout the house creating a cosy and homey ambiance. The house is also technically well equipped and Biggie can watch 24/7, thanks to 56 cameras and 137 microphones.

More of the house will be revealed on Sunday May 26 at 19:00 CAT when audiences from over 50 African countries are introduced to the 28 housemates for the first time. Tune into the Big Brother live launch show on AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment and AfricaMagic World, as well as on DStv channel 197 and 198. The launch will also stream liveon the Big Brother website.

Big Brother The Chase is headline sponsored by Airtel and is produced by Endemol.

The excitement is building and audiences can also join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Africa biggest reality series will be screened live 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198 while GOtv audiences will be able to see highlights....Big Brother Africa.Com

Latest Developments: William Ruto and SangICC Changes Judges In Ruto and Sang Cases

William Ruto and Sang

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set up two chambers to deal with the two Kenyan cases to reduce workload during the trial.

The court also changed the Presiding Judge who will oversee the trial of Deputy President William Ruto and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang as the Kenyan suspects await the court’s decision on the date of the crucial trial.

Senator Mutham Tells Off President Yoweri Museveni Over ICC Remarks

Johnson Muthama

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni found himself on the receiving end when a Senator attacked him over his involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

Machakos County senator Johnstone Muthama told Museveni off over his claims that there is a plot to detain President Uhuru Kenyatta at The Hague when his trial begins on July 9.

“Nobody should come here and dictate us on what to do. If Museveni has afriend here,then he should come and pick them and they go together,” said Muthama.

President Museveni was quoted claiming there is a plot to detain President Kenyatta at The Hague.

The fiery Machakos Senator reminded the Ugandan president that he “chased” the former president Idi Amin on charges that he had killed Ugandans.

“Those who participated in the mass killing of Kenyans during the 2007/08 post election violence must face the law at The Hague,” charged Muthama in an apparent reference to President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

Muthama said it is not the country which is at trial at The Hague over crime charges against humanity but Uhuru and Ruto.

He recalled how the two and others asked him to mobilize MPs in the 10^th parliament as the Chief Government Whip to vote that those facing crimes against humanity over the post election violence be tried at The Hague.

“The two tasked me to mobilize MPs to have the ICC cases tried at The Hague. They are now using millions of tax payers’ money in shuttle diplomacy missions which the former VP Kalonzo Musyoka engaged in vain,” added Muthama.

Ironically on Saturday, Kalonzo cautioned against plans by African leaders to stop co-operation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) saying the move will turn African countries into dictatorships.

Ruto has since visited Congo Brazzavile, Nigeria, Gabon, and Ghana to lobby support for an African Union resolution endorsing the East African region’s request for a referral of ICC investigations and prosecutions....Courtesy of SDN

Caught: Christiano Ronaldo Having S*x In The Open Sea

This is a leaked photo from the paparazi showing Christiano Ronaldo Having s*x with his girlfriend /Helping his girlfriend learn how to swim. The distinction is yet to the proven.