A happy reunion for Frankie and BBA hotshots

It was an evening of fun and laughter as Rwanda’s former Big Brother housemate Frankie Joe hosted his fellow hotshots at the Big Brother Housemates party which coincided with his ‘Alive to Love’ album launch. The Friday show started on a low note as people reluctantly arrived to fill the marque at the Kigali Serena Hotel. But as the evening progressed, the numbers soared to considerable levels as Frankie and his peers sang, danced and mingled with the joyous crowd. Former BBA hotshots were called on stage by Frankie Joe before performing. The evening kicked off with the MC’s Tino and Tidjara Kabendera engaging the crowd as a band played away mellow tunes to an expectant audience. R&B singer Christopher kicked off the evening’s performances as the hotshots who included Arthur Nkusi (Rwanda), Ellah Nantumbwe and Esther Akankwasa (Uganda), Tayo Faniran (Nigeria), Permithias Owoseb (Namibia) and Nhlanhla Nhlapo (South Africa) made themselves comfortable. Soon a bigger part of the tent was filled up as the BBA Reunion party picked up. Each of the hotshots had their opportunity on stage to talk about their experience in the house, what they are currently doing and also answered questions from the public. Nhlanhla was the first on stage and the South African gushed about his impression of Rwanda and the hospitality he was accorded. The lanky star said that he was impressed by the tranquillity of Rwandans compared to his country where ‘things can get violent’ and of course the beautiful Rwandan girls. He vowed to return before the end of year to pursue different projects and business interests. Next was Arthur who cracked a few jokes, making light of his popular spat with Nigeria’s Tayo back in the house. Frankie Joe introduces his mother to the crowd. The comedian said that there can be no fight between him and the Nigerian model, who emerged the first runner-up, given their differences in size. Ugandan beauty queen Ella was next on stage and she was quick to clarify that there is nothing between him and BBA winner Idris, noting that she remains friends with the Tanzanian hunk who scooped the grand prize of $300, 000. She also talked about her projects. Esther, who in the house was christened ‘Small Pepe’ by Tayo, was next on stage and she spent the longest time than any of the housemates, in what turned out to be an honest revelation of her experience, having entered the house with no exceptional talent. Talking of talent, Namibia’s Permithias exuded loads of it as he sung and struck the guitar, exhibiting a great deal of musical talent. Later he would also become Frankie’s chief dancer. Tayo, Frankie’s ‘bestie’ in the house stepped to cheers from the audience. The hunky Nigerian talked about his lucrative exploits after Big Brother and his numerous feuds in the house, which he said were ‘real’. It was now Frankie’s turn to prove to his peers that he has a career outside Big Brother-singing. The model and singer belted out some of his songs including Alive to Love, Umusonga and Bably bably before he invited Kidum to sing their duet Kipenda roho. Revelers enjoying the show. (Courtesy photos) A delighted Frankie invited his parents on the stage as well as friends and well-wishers who have pushed him through his career. He then handed over the microphone to his mentor and friend Kidum and his band who wound up a night of entertainment and fun. The Burundian once again proved his musical prowess, belting out some of his popular hits which got the crowd on their feet. As mid night approached, the plug was pulled on the show as police enforced noise pollution guidelines. But for Frankie, as he would say after the show, a dream was realized. All the hotshots enjoyed a weekend trekking Mountain Gorillas, courtesy of Rwanda Development Board (RDB). editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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A happy reunion for Frankie and BBA hotshots