The fourth season of Big Brother Africa (BBA) commences on Sunday, September 6, 2009, and  promises to be the biggest ever!
Tagged “the revolution,” this season’s stakes have ben stepped up a notch – the prize money, which was hitherto US$100,000, has been doubled; two additional housemates to bring participating countries to 14; plus 40 “all-seeing, all-knowing” cameras and 100 microphones to give BBA4 twice as much sight and sound capability than the previous editions.
It will be screened on an exclusive Channel 198 on DStv 24/7 for 91 days and will be available on the Premium and Compact bouquets.
Biola Adekanmbi, managing director, M-Net Africa, who announced the return of the reality show in Lagos recently, said, “The BBA4 is a product of hard thinking and a gift to the fans, to say thank you for their support,” adding that “Africa will be witnessing a dramatic revised format, which is bolder and more intense than anything audiences have seen so far. BBA4 will introduce new initiatives – the old rules banning conspiracy in the house have been lifted, as contestants will be free to forge alliances and discuss strategy openly. However, the rules strictly prohibiting violence in the house and firmly promoting the ideals of tolerance and respect subsist. Audience will be voting to keep their favourite housemates in the House contrary to rules in previous editions when they voted to evict. It’s all about being positive.”
Speaking further, she said, “BBA4 housemates will be drawn from Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ethiopia. Open castings for the Nigerian representative will take place soon in 18 cities on first come, first served basis to mark the widest BBA search ever.”
Joseph Hundah, MD, MultiChoice Nigeria, in his speech, said, “MultiChoice Nigeria and its content providers will continue to work assiduously to ensure premium content on its DStv bouquet.”  He expressed appreciation for the support given MultiChoice Nigeria over the years, promising to always bring to the homes of subscribers premium content to satisfy their entertainment needs. He added that for regulatory purposes,  DStv subscribers who wish to receive the BBA channel can request access by texting their smartcard number plus ‘BBA’ to 08036393788 before September 6. Alternatively, subscribers can also e-mail [email protected] or by completing a request form at the nearest MultiChoice Nigeria office or branch.
Mr. Segun Fayose, head, Corporate Communications, MultiChoice Nigeria, informed that BBA4 will have no ‘Shower Hour’ as well as ‘Edited Uncut’ version, but urged subscribers to employ DStv’s effective Parental Control functionality on their decoder to restrict viewership of the channel within their homes, as the reality television programme is not meant for people under the age of 16. He added that to qualify, a prospective BBA housemate must be over the age of 21, be fluent in English and must be a citizen of Nigeria with a valid passport.
Fayose assured that MultiChoice, in partnership with M-Net, will always ensure that content on DStv offers subscribers value for their money.
Meanwhile, the first leg of auditions for the Nigerian housemate comes up at Phillips Warehouse Ojota, Lagos on the 19th through 21st; Abuja, Protea Hotel Asokoro, on 23rd; and Port-Harcourt, Protea Hotel, Aba Expressway on 25th of June.