By Benjamin Njoku
The Big Brother Africa Stargame has come and gone. Yet the memories of the grand finale of the reality show will forever linger on in the minds of those who stormed South Africa to be part of history. As early as 6 pm (local time), the Sesani Studio, in Johannesburg’s venue of the live show was full to the brim with people from all walks of life.
Family members, countrymen, friends and supporters of the six finalists of the show including Keagan who won the show, Prezzo, Lady May, Wati, Kyle and Talia invaded the grand finale to be part of history. Also in attendance were winners of past BBA seasons, including Nigeria’s Karen Igho and others, alongside VIP’s like Zinzi Mandela.
Interestingly, the show kicked off at 8 pm with a cocktail party, held within the venue of the live show. The early callers at the party which was strictly by invitation were Karen Igho, former South African housemates, Barbz, Lee, and the Amplified season hopeful Nkuli. Also, all the twenty-two evicted housemates, including Nigeria’s Ola, Chris and Goldie graced the party as well.
Keagan popping champagne
Losers and winner’s at the show
Shortly, after the cocktail party, all the guests were ushered into the sizable studio to commence the live show.
At the heart of the grand finale was the charismatic series host, IK Osakioduwa, who was assisted on the night by Channel O VJ and vibrant entertainment personality, Denrele Edun. They ran festivities at the specially constructed fan park right outside the studio.
The show commenced in earnest after the organiers’ handed the envelop containing the winner’s name over to IK on stage. Soon, IK went into business as he called out Malawi’s housemate, Wati and announced his eviction. Wati’s eviction however created some hushed protests from the audience led by his aunties who are based in South Africa as Uganda’s Kyle, Zambia’s Talia and Namibia’s Lady May followed suit, leaving Kenya’s Prezzo and Keagan to battle it out.
Surprisingly, the studio was brought to a stand still moments after IK announced Keagan as the winner of the USD 300,000 prize money. Glitz, mixed-feelings and jubilation rented the air. Elated Keagan who was dumb-founded with his victory, popped champagne indiscriminately out of excitement. His supporters mainly South Africans took to the floor to celebrate their new hero.
Dressed in rugged jeans with top blaze, Keagan only muttered, “All I can say its thank you to the people who voted for me. He later, held a world press conference where the 22 year-old South African said, he wasn’t expectant at all and was extremely surprised, explaining, “that is why I had no extreme reaction. I was just quite.”
Keagan was noted for being the most troublesome housemate but he explained his attitude in the house was exactly how he behaves. “I was always at the centre of mischief, always doing crazy random and spontaneous things.”
Music superstars on parade
African music superstars also took to the Big Brother stage to spice up the finale. Nigerian hip-hop star D’Banj, fresh from the success of his sensational global hit, “Oliver Twist”, was joined on stage by East African hip-hop powerhouse Navio (Uganda), sizzling South African MC Khuli Chana and award-winning Ghanaian hip-life king Sarkodie as well as phenomenal Afro-pop star Naeto C, all rocked the stage, giving viewers a night to remember.
What happened at the after-party!
Another highpoint of the show was the after-party which followed the BBA grand finale. It was held at Hash Bar and Lounge, in Sandton, Johannesburg, and saw all the 28 participants in the show in attendance. Indeed, it was a party to remember as South Africans, and friends of Keagan defied the coldness of the night to celebrate their new hero.
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