Rwanda’s two Big Brother Africa contestants, Arthur Nkusi and Frankie Rukundo, gave their local fans a reason to smile after shining during the show’s launch yesterday.

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Rwandans, who finally have homegrown contestants to rally around, were able to watch the launch at a cocktail party held at Lemigo Hotel, Kimihurura. 

The boys in South Africa did not disappoint. 

Frankie was given the honor of being the first housemate to enter the Big Brother residence while Arthur scored highly in a talent show after each of the 26 housemates was given 60 seconds to showcase their talent in comedy, singing or poetry.

Arthur thrilled the live audience with his well orchestrated jokes, scoring 77.5% on the studio audience ratings and immediately emerging in third position overall . He was beaten into first place by Tanzania’s Lavenda who received the highest number of votes following her soothing saxophone performance. She instantly became the first Head of House (HoH).

Dubbed ‘Big Brother Hotshots’, this year’s 63-day contest is the ninth edition held in Africa. 

The official launch in Johannesburg started at 7p.m local time with electrifying performances by some of Africa's best artistes. Emmy, DJ Dimple and DJ Crazy performed Naira and Rands while Nigerian sensation Davido performed his monster hit Skelewu with support from his label mate, B-Red. Tanzania’s heavyweight Diamond rendered his popular hit Number 1. 

The live audience almost lost their minds when Casper, a top South African music act took to the stage, performing his hit song Gushesehe.

The launch show, which was held at the Red Peppers Production studio in South Africa, was hosted by Nigerian MC, IK Osakioduwa.