Melvin, Elikem and Beverly
| credits: File copy
Will Ghana’s representative in the Big Brother House, Elikem Kumordzi, make history by being the first to win the big gold for his country? JAYNE AUGOYE asks
It’s a Nigeria, Ghana, final! For many enthusiasts, this is a strong possibility as the Big Brother competition comes to a close on Sunday. For keen followers of the show, the coveted star prize of $300,000 ( about N48m), belongs to either one of the top contenders – Nigeria’s representatives, Beverly Osu; Melvin Oduah or Ghana’s Elikem Kumordzi . But others in the chase are Dillish (Namibia) and Cleo (Zambia)
But whichever way the tables may turn at the end, both countries – Nigeria and Ghana would have made history, in several ways.
First, Elikem has gone down the annals of Big Brother Africa as the first Ghanaian to make it into the finale. And by extension, the first ever Ghanaian winner, that is, If he wins. Yet again, Elikem, who is a fashion designer, became the first housemate to ever win the Head of House and also “Power of No” in the same week. The Power of No allows a housemate to prevent another housemate from taking part in the Head of House.
As head of house last week, the 24-year-old saved himself for the third time and put up South Africa’s Angelo for eviction instead. He also survived five evictions and Africa rescued him twice.
Despite parading strong contestants – Sammi B (2003), Kwaku T (2007), Mimi, Alex (2008), Confidence (2011), Keita, Eazzy, and DKB (2012) in the show, no Ghanaian had ever come through to the finals. Sammy ‘B’ participated in the Big Brother Africa All Stars edition in 2010, but pulled out voluntarily, due to medical reasons, after spending only 33 days.
Meanwhile, Beverly and Melvin have a lot at stake. For instance, because the former, who is a model, incurred the wrath of viewers after she was alleged to have had sex with her South African love interest, Angelo, winning the competition will be a big deal. It can also help boost her image.
Besides, Beverly has already made history as the first contestant to make it to the finals without a single nomination. Both Melvin and Beverly coincidentally hail from Delta State.
Twenty-eight-year-old Melvin, who was only nominated once, is the only housemate this season, to leave the fate of the nominees in the hands of Africa. As the head of house, he did not save or replace anyone. The model and actor is a one-time first runner-up in the Mr Nigeria and Gulder Ultimate Search competitions. So, winning the competition may be a life changing experience.
With two of their own in the finals, Nigerians are in a tricky situation and somehow divided as to which housemates to vote for.
The Zambian housemate, Cleo, has survived four evictions so far. The 23-year-old also captured the hearts of Africa through her music. She is a rap artiste back in her home country.
If looks could help win the star prize, then Dilish just might win. The Namibian contestant is tipped as the most beautiful and sought-after contestant in the competition.
The Chase grand finale, will not only reveal the ultimate winner of the $300 000, but also the winner of the Most Romantic Gesture. The Most Romantic Gesture winner will get a five-night all-expenses paid stay in a luxury room at the Sarova White Sands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, with anyone they choose to take.
They will also receive two return air tickets on Rwanda Air as well as spending money.