What a night it was during the inaugural BBA 9 ‘Hotshots’ ceremony on Sunday. It was without doubt an incredible show that came with its twists and turns, with Rwanda making its debut in Africa’s highly anticipated reality show. 

The country’s Big Brother Hotshots representatives, Arthur Nkusi and Frankie Rukundo made a remarkable start. Frankie was the first housemate to enter into Big Brother’s lavish house, while Arthur wowed the guests with his well choreographed jokes, scoring 77.5% on the studio audience ratings and immediately emerging in third position overall.

All the housemates displayed their talents from singing to dancing and more before entering into the House. This year’s 63-day contest features 26 contestants from 14 countries, competing for USD300 000 prize (approximately Rwf200 million).

We hope you are already voting to keep Rwanda’s representatives in the show. The New Times carried out a mini survey in Kigali, where Rwandans shared their views on the country’s participation in the reality show, and the chances our contestants stand to win. Below are the views of the people we talked to.

Ciney, Singer

I was among the four contestants to audition for Big Brother Africa in Johannesburg together with Arthur Nkusi, Frank Joe and singer Diana Teta. We were all strong contenders to represent our country because we are all multitalented. However, the judges made their choice. I think Arthur stands a better chance in this show because he is open minded and his charisma will endear him to the viewers.

Patrick Rugira, GOtv marketing manager

After seeing the comic stunts of Arthur yesterday at the launch of Big Brother hot shots, I noticed that he has an edge over the other contestants from Africa. He was confident and smartly dressed. I am very confident that he will go a long way in this year’s show. I call upon fellow Rwandans to support Arthur and Frank Joe by voting for them.

Cynthia Umurungi, Radio presenter

I am a fan of the Big Brother show, and I am full of enthusiasm and patriotism for my country Rwanda. I will watch the show as it unfolds because Rwanda is being represented for the first time. I wish that our participants Frankie Joe and Arthur Nkusi go a long way and maybe even bring the mega bucks home.

Joseph Rutungura

Of course Rwanda will win this year. When you compare our contestants with the other contestants you find that we stand a better chance of winning. I think that Frank Joe stands a better chance of winning the mega bucks because he is talented and exposed. He also has a well built body and looks which will attract the female audience.

Fidella Umutoni, staff with Access Bank

This is a great opportunity for Rwanda to showcase a better global image other than its former history as the country where a Genocide claimed over one million people. We are hoping that a Rwandan will bring back the Rwf200 million cash prize. Personally I am excited about Rwanda’s participation and believe we shall go a long way.

Didier Ndizeye, IT technician-Benatek

I am happy that finally Rwanda is participating in Big brother Africa. We have waited a long time for this and finally we are there. Personally I think that Frank Joe will scoop the cash prize because he is an all round entertainer and, he is also exposed to different cultures so he can easily mingle with different people.

Lauren Makuza, the head of the culture department at the Ministry of Sports and Culture

My opinion is contrary to how most people view Big Brother Africa show. It is not an immoral show but a chance for African youth to showcase their talent and also it is a uniting platform for Africans. Our own Arthur Nkusi made a good start and I hope that he will progress in the show.

Zeph Niyonkuru

I think Arthur Nkusi and Frankie Joe are likely to do well because the other contestants do not look intimidating. Joe has an athletic build which will attract the female audience but sometimes he comes across as being over-confident and this may make the other contestants to vote him out of the house. Arthur is the guy I believe will shine in Big Brother hotshot because he knows how to entertain and mingle with people.