Biggy 237 finally breaks out after several months of anticipation and planning. We at Cameroon Outlook must say there was a lot of hyping and watering of fans’ appetite before the final launch last Sunday on the 2nd of August 2020. It almost seemed like the hyping was bigger than the actual event. Almost!
Was the launch a success or a miss? Is the show worth it? Can Cameroonians, especially anglophones, take pride in the show, or is it a national disgrace? Many more such questions emerge from people’s reactions to the show but before we get to the root of all these, let’s understand what Biggy 237 aka Big Brother Cameroon is all about.
Biggy 237 Concept
It is not Big Brother Africa, neither is it Big Brother Naija- it is Biggy 237, a reality show straight from Cameroon.
Journal du Cameroon
The first edition of this much-anticipated show kicked off on August 2 with FCFA 10 million as prize money to be won.
“Biggy 237 aims at nurturing talent and inspiring hope in young Cameroonians. It is a talent driven show which brings out creativity, innovation and showcase the talent of its contestants. Biggy237 creates a platform to showcase the skills and talents of its contestants, while entertaining the public,” the organizers said.
Twenty-five young boys and girls under the age of 21 got into the ‘Biggy Mansion’ from August 2, as they began their chase to win FCFA 10 million, other prizes, as well as a trip to Dubai, plows along.
The show was initially scheduled to start months ago but was pushed forward due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
However, organizers say they had taken all the necessary measures to ensure barrier measures are respected while contestants adhere to the strict medical rules before getting into the mansion.
To that effect, all contestants had been submitted to the COVID-19 tests as well as other medical tests like HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia…etc. They had equally been on quarantine since July 18 before they finally got into the mansion on Sunday.
While in the Biggy mansion, the contestants are expected to express themselves in English (on Mondays and Saturdays) French (Tuesdays and Fridays), Pidgin (Wednesday), Camfranglais (Thursday), and English and French (Sunday). The presence of French is a show that seems to be purely anglophone has brought heavy criticism of organizers portraying inferiority complex, the most vocal being Mark Bareta.
The contestants will be given tasks daily which will focus on peace, living together as well as on the prevention of the COVID-19.
The organizers have created Biggy 237 TV HD which will screen the show to the public who are expected to vote for their favourite contestants.
What did people make of the “baby” 237 reality show’s first steps?
It is worth noting that many prominent media platforms including the BBC Pidgin English website took interest in Biggy 237 and reported the event. The show was however met with diverse reactions. Some expected it to be as big as Big Brother Nainja. While some are happy that the organizers could even get this far; others criticize every single flaw on the show. Some take rounds in mocking it on Facebook and Twitter.
If a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, did the tree really fall?
Whether mocked, criticized, or appraised, the fact remains, Biggy 237 has caught national and some level of international attention especially with Nigerians jumping at it. The show started really small but is not going away any time soon.
By the way, what’s your take on the on the show?