Tanzania
Laveda
Age: 23
Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences graduate Laveda was born in Dar Es Salaam. Shes single and describes herself as eccentric, loving, caring, simple and fun. Laveda is the eldest of three children and she has a younger brother and sister. She says her mom is her role model, because she has moulded her over the years and inspired her in different ways through the struggles and joy of life.
Laveda says her favourite foods are pasta and minced meat, and prawns. She loves to read John Grisham novels and enjoys the music of Shakira, DBanj, Miriam Makeba, P.Square, Rihanna, Beyonce, Tiwa Savage, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Brenda Fassie. Shes a mean entertainer herself, she plays the saxophone, sings, acts and dances and thinks shed make a potential presenter. Lavedas favourite movies include The Notebook, Titanic and Avatar.
She entered Big Brother Hotshots to be a role model and act as a voice for Africas youth. Laveda says that viewers can expect massive entertainment from her and that if she wins, shell give her mom some money, surprise disadvantaged children, travel and invest the rest.
Tanzania
Idris
Age: 21
Idris is a photographer from Arusha in Tanzania. His favourite books are anything by Dan Brown and he enjoys watching The Colbert Report, Drunk History, The Daily Show and The Ellen Degeneres Show on TV. His musical tastes are quite varied: Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Usher, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lana Del Ray and Nina Simone are his favourites.
Idris says he doesnt have one specific role model, choosing instead to take the best from every successful person he meets. That said, his Mom has influenced his life most. Hes most proud of the respect hes earned by showcasing his skill and creativity in photography.
He was inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots because he wants to inspire people and make a name for myself in the process, he says. He feels thrilled, excited and accomplished, totally special that the continent will be watching him on the show and describes himself as smart, charming, funny, flirty and creative.
Uganda
Esther
Age: 23
Pint-sized student Esther hails from Ugandas Nsambya . She says she entered Big Brother Hotshots to connect with people from different countries, and to help her expose her talents, something she sees as a very big inspiration. Shes looking forward to giving Africa the chance to see her true self and describes herself as meek, bubbly, creative, truthful and loving. Esther likes the fact that shes bubbly, friendly and outgoing.
Her favourite foods are mashed potato and chicken tikka masala, her favourite book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad and her favourite musician, Rihanna. She likes The Wendy Williams Show and her favourite actress is Zoe Saldanha. Esther says that Jinja is her favourite place in Uganda, which she describes as the pearl of Africa. Outside of her home country, she sees California as the place of dreams and fun.
The most influential person in Esthers life is her brother Fred, because he has been there for me and he always will be.
Esther promises viewers unique skills, entertainment and being myself always. If she wins, she plans to invest some of the money, donate some to charity and support her family and career.
Uganda
Ellah
Age: 23
Ellah is a Sales Assistant with a BSc in Business Computing from Nsambya, Uganda. She lists her favourite foods as ravioli, rice and chicken and her favourite books as Think Like A Man, Act Like A Lady, and Nice Girls Dont Get Rich. She enjoys watching Reality shows like Real Housewives of Atlanta, New York and Orange County. Her favourite singers include India Arie, August Alsina, Beyonce, Rihanna and Sam Smith.
Her favourite place in Uganda is the Lake Bunyonyi Resort and she says the best thing about Africa is the warmness of the people. Outside of her home country, she says Cambodia is a hidden gem and somewhat a free country. Ellah has 12 brothers and sisters and says her Mom is her role model: her strength and character captivate me.
Ellah is most proud of having become Miss Uganda 2013/14 because it was a stiff competition and a strong test for me. She was inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots because of the fact that it unites Africa and also is a platform for me to advance. She says shes super excited and is looking forward to being on the show.
She describes herself as charismatic, bitchy, outspoken, loving and sophisticated and says that shes strong and determined. She values honesty, charisma and joyfulness in others, but dislikes lies and fakeness. If she wins the grand prize, Ellah will buy cars for her mom and invest the rest in real estate.
Kenya
Alusa
Age: 33
Actor, Radio Drama Director and MC Alusa from Nairobi, Kenya, is married and has three children. His favourite food is ugali with chicken stew and traditional vegetables. His favourite book is TD Jakes He-Motions and he likes watching National Geographic, The Exes and Nigerian movies on TV. On the music front, he enjoys listening to Sauti-Sol, Mafikizolo, P.Square, Youssou NDour and Salif Keita. One of his favourite films, Training Day, features one of his favourite actors: Denzel Washington.
Describing himself as ambitious, spiritual, out-spoken, generous and mysterious, Alusa likes people who are detailed and who have a good sense of humour, because he likes to laugh. He doesnt enjoy people who emit negative energy.
He entered Big Brother Hotshots for the exposure, as well as the intrigue of living with total strangers in a closed environment and the desire to share his lifestyle with a huge audience. Alusa is looking forward to having the continent watching him: Im an artist, a performer, so I love attention. Im not in the least bit intimidated, in fact, Im thrilled
Alusa lists Mombasa and his village of Kakamega as his favourite places in Kenya, because theyre both very exotic in their ways and rich culture. He says the best thing about Africa is the people. Africans are both beautiful in form and diverse culture, he says. Outside of Africa, his favourite place is Brazil. Rich culture, beautiful women, sweet samba music, festivals, food I could go on and on, he says.
Zimbabwe
Butterphly
Age: 24
Butterphly is a Radio, Television Presenter and Producer from Harare. She lists her favourite foods as meat, pasta with cheese, black-eyed peas and eggs. Her favourite books include the Bible, The Firm, The Long Goodbye, and the Sherlock Holmes series. She likes to watch Chopped, 24, Intelligence and Big Brother Africa.
Butterphly entered Big Brother Hotshots because shed always wanted to be part of a national sports team, but never got the chance. Being on Big Brother Africa will allow me to take the opportunity to market myself and expand my brand. She says she wont use backstabbing and cheating or immoral and unethical methods to get the prize. If she wins, shell send her sister, brother and kids to really good schools, start a chain of unique food, social and fashion hangout joints and take her mom shopping.
Describing herself as unique, feisty, mysterious, fun-loving and witty, Butterphly says that people are always shocked when they discover that shes humble, compassionate and kind. She likes other people with a sense of humour, honour and truthfulness, and dislikes dishonesty and people who pretend to like a person.
Her mom is her role model: she put her life on pause so ours could play. Shes the hardest working woman I know. Butterphly says he draws influence from all sorts of people. Ordinary, young, dead, legends in everyones life story I try to extract important lessons like resilience, faith, strength etc. I learn as much as I can from the people I meet or read about, she says.
Zimbabwe
JJ
Age: 23
JJ calls himself an entertainer on the back of his work as a singer, rapper, actor, songwriter and director. His inspiration behind entering Big Brother Hotshots is the platform the show provides. Its a necessary foundation for me to be able to produce my own music even if I dont win the money, he says.
He says that viewers can expect to be entertained, and that theyll also have a gym partner every morning. If he wins the money, hell fix up his parents house, invest in his career by working n his first international album and give some money to charity.
JJ loves Italian and Japanese food, his favourite book is Shakespeares Macbeth and his favourite TV show is Elementary. His favourite musicians are JP Cooper, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and MiCasas J.Something. His all-time favourite films are 300, The Vow and American Gangster, with his favourite actor, Denzel Washington.
He believes that the best thing about Africa is that the people are all full of life. His favourite place in Zimbabwe is Inyaga, and outside it, Manchester in England, home of the greatest football club and where I found my feet and my passion, he says.
Botswana
Goitse
Age: 22
Bachelor of Fine Arts theatre student Goitse hails from Mahalapye in Botswana. Home, Sweet Home is her favourite place the comfort, a home-cooked meal and my family just make it my favourite, she says.
She says the best thing about Africa is its history: its so rich with history of what our forefathers have gone through. South Africa is her favourite place outside of Botswana because she has met great people there who have become family. They also have a range of interesting official languages, which are similar to those in Botswana.
Goitse says she entered Big Brother Hotshots for the adventure. People from different countries in Africa, all under one roof, no contact with the outside world in any way? Now thats amazing! she says. In her quest for the prize, she wont pretend to be someone shes not and if she wins, shell use the money to open a dance studio. That will be a dream come true, she says. I havent decided on what else.
She says her mom is her role model shes a fighter and a survivor. Shes been through a lot of hardships, but she stands tall and strong. She always pushed me to be the best I can be, no matter how challenging it can get.
Goitse describes herself as carefree, free-spirited, fun, energetic and motivated.
Botswana
Sheilla
Age: 21
Sheilla is a student from Gaborone in Botswana, currently studying an AAT Diploma. She entered Big Brother Hotshots because she believes that its a platform for people like me who were born for the spotlight. It puts us out there to succeed in our careers in my case, my music career. Shes excited that the whole continent will be watching her: it is like interacting within the house with someone invisible, or a ghost, and the thought of what they think just gives you an adrenaline rush.
She says her best quality is that she analyses things before overreacting in certain situations. She likes people who are communicative because it helps her see what they think of her and how she should behave around them. She dislikes bossy people and people with similar strands of personality to me.
She likes to eat prawns and rice, as well as pap and beef. Her favourite book is In The Meantime and her top TV shows include Big Brother Africa, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and How Do I look? She enjoys the music of Beyonce, K.O., AKA and Tamela Mann and says her favourite actors are Cameron Diaz and Dwayne Johnson. Her favourite films also include The Hunger Games, Wrong Turn, The Break of Dawn and Mean Girls.
Sheillas favourite part of Botswana is the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and says that the best thing about Africa is the diverse but highly-principled cultures which Africans tend not to leave behind. She says that Las Vegas is her favourite place outside of Africa, because it is a crazy, forever jolly holiday destination.
Ghana
Kacey Moore
Age: 29
Born in Accra, Kacey Moore is a married poet and songwriter, with a daughter. He enjoys banku and okro stew and says his favourite books are the Bible, the dictionary, and the thesaurus! Kacey Moore also likes the music of Usher and Lauryn Hill.
Kacey Moore describes himself as a go-getter, as well as punctual, a leader, a creator and a voice. His favourite quality, punctuality. It is important to him in both himself and others.
He entered Big Brother Hotshots as a business decision, seeking exposure to the rest of the world. Kacey Moore promises viewers a real person with no fakeness. If he wins the grand prize, hell buy houses for his wife and mother and set up a recording studio so he can record and release his own album under his own label.
Ghana
Mam Bea
Age: 25
Ghanaian Mam Bea lists her occupation as Acting Trainee Manager/Fashion Designer, and has a diploma in Management Finance. Her favourite foods are yam and nkontomere stew, fufu, palm nut soup and jolof rice. Mam Bea likes music by Sarkodie, Mafikizolo, John Legend, Wizkid and DBanj.
Her favourite place in Ghana is Aburi Garden and she says the best thing about Africa is that it expresses diversity through colours and we are not ashamed to exhibit that. Outside of her home country, her favourite place in the world is South Africa: it offers so many opportunities and it offers young people the opportunity to study and become great people in the world.
Mam Beas role model is her mom, because she is strong, humble, God-fearing and puts her family first.
Inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots by her talent and the unity of all African countries coming together as one to learn and share, Mam Bea also lists making it onto the show as her proudest achievement so far. It will give me room to showcase my personality and influence young, gifted youth out there, she says.
Describing herself as a driven, humble and respectful self-starter, Mam Bea says that viewers can expect her true self, her fashion sense, sense of humour, cooking skills, intelligence and wise words to shine through on screen. She says shes humbled and overwhelmed, knowing that the continents eyes will be on her.
Nigeria
Lilian
Age: 22
Known as SexyLeeLee to her friends, Lillian is a model, actor, presenter, and tax collector! She entered Big Brother Hotshots for the platform it provides and the publicity that comes with it, and the money. Shes not willing to sell herself short to win the grand prize. If she does win, shell invest in her talk show, which is about helping upcoming talents and get herself a house.
Lilians favourite foods are rice and plantain and she likes watching Baggage on TV and listening to 2Face Idibia. She doesnt have a favourite book, but likes movies like Think Like A Man, Blended, Friends With Benefits, Bridesmaids and Twelve Years A Slave. Her favourite actor is Angelina Jolie, because shes creative and can switch between roles.
Her favourite place in Nigeria is Lagos, and she says the best thing about Africa is its cultural diversity. Outside her home country, shed like to visit California for the opportunities she believes it would provide her to improve her career.
Lilians role model is Oprah Winfrey, because of her strength, and the person who has most influenced her life is her mother, because she has always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams.
She describes herself as spontaneous, easy-going, focussed and confident and says her best assets are that shes ambitious, a good listener, flexible, persuasive, competitive, independent and original.
Nigeria
Tayo
Age: 28
A 1.93m-tall model with a Higher National Diploma in Maritime Studies, Tayo, from Nigeria, certainly stands out in a crowd. He lists his favourite foods as Eba an Okra Soup mixed with fish stew, his favourite musicians as 2Face Idibia, Beautiful Nubia and DBanj.
Tayo says his favourite place in Nigeria is Oyo Town, his place of birth. Thats my home, where I started life. It reminds me of who I am now and how far Ive come in life, he says. He says the best thing about Africa is culture and pride and that his favourite place outside of Nigeria is South Africa, which he calls his home away from home.
He entered Big Brother Hotshots because he believed in himself, and was also encouraged to enter by others. I like to be seen and to be heard, he says. Tayo says hes not willing to change who he is or disgrace his family and friends to impress viewers or his fellow Housemates. If Tayo wins the grand prize, he says hell, set up his life and give himself a life of luxury.
Malawi
Mr 265
Age: 23
TV presenter, Mr 265 is single and currently studying Purchasing and Supply Management. He entered Big Brother Hotshots because he always thought he could win it, when he used to watch it. Its easy to criticize people on different things, especially when you dont know how its like being in their shoes, he says. I have watched Big Brother for a while and I have always told myself I can win the show, I can do better, but I dont know what really goes on. So I have given myself a challenge to now step into the shoes I wasnt wearing before and see how I will walk with them.
Mr 265s favourite food is crispy fried chicken, his favourite book Screw It, Lets Do It and his favourite singer, P.Square. He enjoys watching, CSI Miami, Big Brother Africa and Suits on the small screen, and 300, The Bourne Identity, The Dark Knight Rises and The Italian Job on the big screen. His favourite actors are Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel and Robert Downey Jnr.
He wont pretend to be someone hes not, to win the grand prize. Its very disappointing to get booted out and know that you werent your real self. I would rather lose the money at the expense of being myself. Then I can say I tried my level best. Everybody has his own morals, says Mr 265. Asked about his feelings on knowing that the continents eyes will be glued to their screens 24/7, he says hell feel the pressure. Pressure is and will be there for the first few days. I am taking it like a new job.
He says that the best thing about Africa is that its very rich in natural resources, with Mangochi as his favourite place. Further afield, his favourite place is the USA, because its a big country and has a mixture of different people with different cultural backgrounds. Raw talent is an asset, he says.
Malawi
Sipe
Age: 24
Hairdresser Sipe is from Lilongwe and has an MSCE and ICM Hotel and Catering Management qualification. Her favourite foods are nshima with chicken and okra, pizza, Thai food and a bit of Indian cuisine. Her favourite TV shows include Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Say Yes To The Dress, How Do I Look?, Jerseylicious and Idols. Her favourite musicians are Beyonce, Brandy, Sam Smith and Zahara and her favourite actors are Idris Elba and Angelina Jolie.
Sipes favourite place in her country is Lake Malawi, because it relaxes her. Her favourite place outside of Malawi is Paris. Its the most beautiful place in the world and I always imagine spending time on my honeymoon there, she says. Its the City of Love!. She says the best things about Africa are the people, the landscape and the food.
She lists Beyonce as her role model because shes hardworking and she makes it look so easy. Id love to be like her. Sipes Mom played a huge role in her life too. She raised three children on her own and it hasnt been easy for her, but she managed to see us through school. Shes a very strong woman, she says.
Mozambique
Mira
Age: 21
Mozambican student intern, Mira, likes to eat pap and beef stew, the music of Sia and Miley Cyrus and watching Lost and Covert Affairs. Her favourite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and her favourite actor is Adam Sandler because I trust him to get a chuckle out of me. She has one older sister, and a younger brother and sister.
Her favourite place in Mozambique is Maragra. She says the best thing about Africa is that its the Motherland you feel the warmth here. Her favourite faraway place is the United States, because she loves the diversity there.
If she wins the grand prize, she says shell build her parents a retirement home, open a soup kitchen and shelter in the heart of Maputo and start a business to create more employment opportunities.
She describes herself as fun, honest, reliable, fair and considerate and says that shes laid-back and easy to talk to. She enjoys people who are considerate, honest, reliable, fun and opinionated, but doesnt like rude and judgmental people.
Mozambique
Trezagah
Age: 31
Hip hop singer Trezagah studied Civil Engineering. He doesnt have a favourite food, because he says he loves eating and I eat everything! The classic Hardy Boys books are his favourite, while he enjoys the Discovery and National Geographic channels on TV because he likes to watch crocodiles and sharks attacking.
Trezagah was inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots by watching previous seasons. He is both happy and nervous at the thought of having the continents eyes on him. He says the best thing about Africa is the culture each country preserves and says his favourite place in Mozambique is Yofo Beach. He likes the Caribbean Islands because hes a great fan of nature.
His role model is Jay-Z, because he knows how to dress, how to be on stage, how to behave and has good business control. His parents have played an incredibly influential role in his life because they always showed him what was right and what was wrong.
He describes himself as happy, active, wise, serious and calm and says the best thing about himself is the way he treats people indiscriminately, saying he can be a friend of a poor person or even a person that sleeps on the street.
Zambia
Macky2
Age: 29
Hip hop musician Macky2 is from Luanshya in Zambia. His favourite book is 48 Laws of Power and his top TV shows are Suits, Crisis, Game of Thrones and Idols SA. His favourite actor is Denzel Washington, because hes able to play so many characters and bring each one to life.
Jay-Z is both his favourite musician and his role model the latter because hes one of the most successful entertainers of our generation. His father has also played a huge role in Macky2s life.
He entered Big Brother Hotshots because he believes that people naturally fall in love with my personality, so I know I stand a chance of winning that grand prize and changing my life. Macky2 says he wont lose himself and what he believes in, along the way.
Describing himself as a natural entertainer whos loveable, he says he always pushed himself and is never discouraged by setbacks. Im confident and I truly believe I can do anything I set my mind to, he says.
Zambia
Resa
Age: 25
Lusaka-born Resa is an Event Planner, MC and Public Speaker. She entered Big Brother Hotshots in the hope of winning the grand prize and being able to pay off her mothers debts. She has moved heaven and earth to ensure that I get my honours degree and in the process she has incurred debts, says Resa.
Shes extremely nervous, but delighted at the same time at the prospect of having the continents eyes on her 24/7. She says the viewers can expect realness from her. No pretence, Im an open book, I dont hide my struggles because theyve shaped me into who I am and Ive used them as stepping stones, she says. Also, lots of dancing and definitely lots of laughter!
Resa describes herself as unique, colourful, bubbly, random and hyper, saying that her inquisitive nature means that she wont suffer in silence. Im apologetic, my outspoken nature, Im a go-getter, open-minded and spontaneous, she says.
Namibia
Permithias
Age: 25
Professional sushi chef Permithias unsurprisingly lists sushi as one of his favourite foods, alongside pizza. He doesnt have a favourite book, but enjoys watching The Originals on TV. A fan of animation, Permithias favourite films are Turbo and Happy Feet, while he also likes the music of Chris Brown, James Blunt and Joe Tomas.
His mom is his role model, because she provided for the family with nothing but blood, sweat and tears. He is the eldest of five children; he has three sisters and a brother. Permithias says that becoming a chef is his greatest achievement so far, because it opened a window for himself and his family
He was inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots because hes been watching the show for years but wont sell his soul or lose his self-worth in the process. Asked how he feels knowing that the whole continent will be watching him 24/7, he says: scared, but it will all come together the way it should. If he wins, hell take care of his Mom and open his own restaurant.
Permithias says hes easy-going, open-minded and down for whatever is fun and enjoys others who are also open-minded.
South Africa
Nhlanhla
Age: 24
Nhlanhla is from Witbank in South Africa, and is a Business Analyst, Actor and Model with an Honours degree in Information Systems. He loves fresh butternut soup, lamb shank & vegetables and cottage cheese pie. His favourite books include Animal Farm and The Great Gatsby and he enjoys Game of Thrones, Shameless, Suits and Heroes on TV. He lists Brad Pitt and Will Smith as two of his favourite actors.
His favourite place in South Africa is the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria and the best things about the continent as a whole are the people and their strength & resilience. Amsterdam made a big impression on him at a young age when he went there and learnt a lot about himself and personal growth.
His mother is his role model, because she sacrificed a lot to get him where he is today and taught him a great many things. Together with his Grandmother, she has influenced his life a great deal because they were always strong-willed and gently guided him through life.
Nhlanhla entered Big Brother Hotshots because hes been a fan ever since he saw his first season on DStv. I just knew that I wanted to be on the show myself, and wanted to take the opportunity to have my personality spread all over the world. He thinks having the continents eyes on him 24/7 will be nerve-wracking, but says its a great feeling knowing hell be watched by the continent and can influence the viewers.
He describes himself as crazy, eccentric, narcissistic, energetic and spiritual and enjoys the fact that hes always positive and optimistic, and always sees the beauty in others.
South Africa
Samantha
Age: 29
Self-employed former law student Samantha is from Potchefstroom in South Africas North West Province. She loves sushi and Indian food and her favourite TV shows include 2 Broke Girls and Person of Interest, and she likes the music of Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Davido and Drake.
Her favourite films include Ice Age, Madagascar, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and This Is Forty, with Angelina Jolie her favourite actor because shes strong, yet feminine and an amazing actress.
Her favourite place in South Africa is Johannesburg, and she says the best thing about Africa is the diversity of the people and the cultures. Her favourite city outside the continent is Jerusalem, which she calls a beautiful place. Samantha says her sister is her role model, because shes inspired me to be so much more and has played a huge role in my life.
Samantha was inspired to enter Big Brother Hotshots, something shes wanted to do for a very long time because she finds cultures fascinating and the thought of spending time with so many people from so many backgrounds is awesome.
If she wins the grand prize, Samantha will help the orphanages she volunteers at and take her sisters on holiday, before investing the rest.
She describes herself as adventurous, random, witty, caring and honest the final trait being her favourite. Its also something she values in others, despising dishonesty and rude people.