Smash Afrika will host ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ season five. Picture: Supplied.
“Big Brother Mzansi” season five is set to kick off with a bang when it premières on January 12 on Mzansi Magic.
And with this year’s theme being Umlilo, which means "fire" in isiZulu, the channel promise viewers they are in for a wild ride.
They said they can expect heightened competition, fierce rivalries, unforgettable moments, sizzling personalities and heated drama, which promises to be bigger, bolder and more explosive than ever before.
Meanwhile, the show’s new host Smash Afrika (real name Afrika Mdutyulwa) is also set to bring a new dynamic to the show as he takes over presenting duties from Lawrence Maleka, who hosted the popular reality show for two seasons.
The 36-year-old Bloemfontein-born media personality has earned widespread acclaim over the years for his various stints on TV and radio, including hosting shows on 5FM and YFM.
He also presented “Massive Music”, which aired on Mzansi Magic and Channel O, and has MC’d some of Mzansi’s biggest events such as Rocking the Daisies, Black Coffee’s Block Party and the DStv Delicious Festival.
Meanwhile, Mzansi Magic’s head of marketing and publicity, Christinah Mazibuko, said in the statement that Afrika will take the show to a whole new level and that they are thrilled to see how his charisma sparks more fires in the house.
Afrika said in a previous statement that he is excited to be a part of the show.
“I’m beyond grateful and honestly speechless because this opportunity was always meant to be.”
“Looking back at my journey in radio and TV, it feels like everything I have done has been leading to this moment. I may not have shouted it from the rooftops or had it on a vision board but deep down, I knew something big was coming.”
As the new host, Afrika will guide viewers through every challenge, elimination and the show’s dramatic moments.
He said that he was hyped for the experience and that he can’t wait to bring his energy to the audience and the housemates.
“Big Brother Mzansi” has been a riveting success as it sees a group of people as they live in isolation from the world in the Big Brother house.
Known as housemates, they are under constant surveillance and are given various tasks and twists to challenge and surprise them.
The previous season, with its S’ya Mosha theme, was won by 25-year-old Mcjunior Zondi from Durban, who walked away with R2 million in prize money.