The Chase: Dillish Got USD300,000 Prize, But Melvin Is The Big Brother

AT the last eviction show, where South Africa’s representative Angelo and Ethiopia’s Bimp were evicted from the Big Brother Africa, observes tipped Nigeria’s Melvin and Namibia’s Dillish for the big prize. Forget their fine faces, both housemates have a lot going for them. With that on mind, everyone waited for that moment when both Melvin and Dillish would be the only ones left in the House.

But at the grand finale, the results were different; it was a shocker for many. Nigeria’s second contender Beverley was the first to be evicted from the house; to many, that was expected. However, no matter the way you see Beverley, the young lady has set a record that would take a very long time for anyone to break; the only housemate in BBA The Chase that was never up for eviction. Whatever kept her in that ‘crazy’ house that long without her name coming up for once, our girl deserves to take a bow!

However, the big surprise for viewers all over the world, especially in Nigeria where the reality show commands large followership, was the eviction of Melvin as the second housemates to leave the house. Immediately his name was mentioned by the presenter IK, who was obviously surprised that the Delta State native was eliminated at that stage, the social media went on ‘fire’; Melvin’s fans went gagger, twitting and facebooking their disproval of the result. Obviously, the fact that Melvin was leading the poll the previous day, must have contributed to the outburst from his fans; how that result changed overnight, is still the question on the lips of many. However most viewers, who queried that result, actually didn’t vote; in Big Brother, votes count.

Having taken Nigeria’s contenders out of the house, IK, who kicked off the show with a spectacular dance routine, headed into the house to evict Ghana’s Elikem, leaving Dillish and Cleo in the house to ponder their fate. Few minutes later, ever dramatic IK broke the bad news for Cleo, leaving Dillish as the winner of the season 8 of the Big Brother Africa reality show.

Other contestants took turns to greet tearful Dillish, who had always dreamt of buying a gigantic TV set; they couldn’t wait but rushed into the house to congratulate the ‘queen’. Her man, Steven, crowned the evening by presenting Dillish with a tiara crown.

“Dillish, it’s official, you’re rich,” proclaimed Big Brother Africa host IK, as fireworks and streamers signaled the end of 91 days of drama and intrigue. The stunning 2-hour Finale, which was screened live on Africa Magic Entertainment and Channel 197 and 198 on DStv, kept viewers enthralled and amazed, with some of the continent’s hottest entertainers lighting up the stage as the tension built.

New Media specialist Boity Thulo joined IK on stage to remind viewers that they could relive all the magic of The Chase by visiting www.bigbrotherafrica.com to watch all the video highlights, from day 1 to 91. She also announced the winner of the ‘Most Romantic Gesture’ – Elikem, for making breakfast in bed for Pokello. He won an amazing holiday package: a 5-night all-expenses-paid trip for two, to the Sarova White Sands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, two return tickets from RwandAir and some spending money – all valued at USD10 000. He made no bones about the fact that he’d be taking Pokello along as his ‘plus one’!

Meanwhile, the stage was rocked by some of the continent’s hottest performing artiste, including Nigeria’s Ice Prince, who performed Aboki, Ghanaian duo R2Bees rocked with Life (Walahi), while Ugandan rap superstar Keko registered his presence with See Ya. There was also spot for evicted housemate Sulu to make an appearance, performing Ruby Ruby, featuring Salma. South African DJ Ganyani played out the show, as guests moved for the after party.

And so, the curtain came down on 91 days of romance, suspense and pure entertainment, Big Brother: The Chase, sponsored by Airtel and produced by Endemol South Africa.

Nigeria’s representatives at the just concluded show Beverly Osu and Melvin Oduah have since arrived home and met with the press yesterday in Lagos. Both arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International airport on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 around 8pm, two days after the grand finale, in company of show host I.K Osakioduwa. They were welcomed by a crowd, which included friends, family and fans.

An over-whelmed Beverly shed a few tears as she was received by her mum, TV presenter, Denrele Edun and close friends. But nice guy Melvin held his head high, as he greeted fans, who waited for hours, just to receive them.

Though Namibia’s Dillish got the prize money, Melvin Odua remains the Big Brother; his behavious in the house was outstanding. A true Nigerian, Melvin has proved to the whole world that character makes a man. Despite the intrigues and politicking in the house, especially the perceived ‘attack’ on West African housemates, Melvin carried everyone along like a big brother. Never quick to anger and a perfect gentleman, his performance in house will surely influence other well meaning Nigerian youths to entre for the show, which was before now viewed in many quarters as ‘immoral.’

Recall After his swap decision that sent Hakeem packing, an emotional Melvin was still haunted and he didn’t want to face the same situation of guilt again. But still his guardian decision was and is still the last thing any chaser could do at that early stage of the game with other heads still in the house. He was one of the housemates, who found it hard to nominate a fellow housemate with a valid reason; he even reached an extent of nominating himself.

“After witnessing Hakeem being saved two times by Africa, I thought that he was to be saved this time too but I was shocked when he got evicted,” Melvin said remorsefully.

Again, on the night South Africa’s Angelo was evicted from the house, Beverly, his lovebird, cried out her eyes. While she was sobbing, Melvin, who was always quiet in the BBA house, went to Beverly Osu’s bed to console her and gave her a sweet message.

“You still have me; you will be fine. I will still be here for you. My bed is the biggest in the House; you can share it with me.” What a brotherly love!

Oh yes, Dillish won the price money, but Melvin Oduah is a Big Brother Africa with true Naija spirit.