BBAS: Uti makes it two in a row for Nigeria

Staff Writer | Tuesday October 19, 2010 00:00

The M-Net show, which this time around went by the signature Big Brother Africa All Stars, ended on Sunday with Nigeria's Uti Nwachukwu becoming Big Brother Africa's latest millionaire.  After fighting off stiff competition from Zimbabwe's Munya Chidzonga, Uti was declared the winner of a whooping USD 200 000.  There was palpable tension as soon as host IK was beamed onto the House screens to make the announcement.  Both Uti and Munya, who had earlier professed how nervous they were, sat on the couch, their cigarettes in hand.

Uti stared into one spot while Munya bowed his head and held Uti's hand.  Munya stared at the ceiling in disbelief for more than two minutes.  He held his head in his hands and looked like he was holding back a bucket of tears.  As soon as Uti found out he had won, he jumped onto the couch and sang his country's National Anthem. 

He kissed everything he could lay his hands on and professed, 'I will miss you.'  Just then, Big Brother came onto the loudspeakers for the last time and told Uti to exit the House.  'Tell me you love me.  I will miss you Big Brother,' he said.  He stepped out of the House and strolled down the red carpet, as fireworks exploded by his side with every step.  He was clearly enjoying himself and would pull exaggerated poses. He then stepped onto the stage and danced, thrilling the crowd in the process.

Munya walked out slowly not believing what had happened.  When interviewed, Munya mentioned how he wanted to make it further than he did last time.  He saluted and did the Diamond Boy sign.  As soon as he saw his family, he fell into his mother's arms and burst into tears.

Uti, however, won by a very small margin as he got eight votes to Munya's seven.  He was saved by a vote from Rest of Africa, which comprises of other African countries not represented in the game.  Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and the Rest of Africa voted Uti, while Munya go support from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The other finalists - Mwisho, Sheila and Lerato - did not get any votes, as even their home countries voted for the strong contenders.  The show lasted 91 days, and was aired on DStv's Channel 198.