Big Brother Africa-An Afro-cultural Reflection

An attentive examination of the various versions of Big Brother Africa unmasks worrying traits of an alien culture served to viewers as African reality television show. Controversy continues to haunt the world franchise reality show particularly on the entertainment and cultural value of the programme. And to date the show has elicited a range of responses from various professions of concern. This research is spurred by the desire to examine the afro-cultural fidelity of the popular Endemol reality show. Using a critical observation method, the study found out that the Big Brother Africa show is neither African nor strictly a reality show. There is rampant inglorious depicture of African culture. Harlotry, excessive alcoholism, illicit sexual liaisons, nudity, foul language, self-indulgence among other vices are displayed to viewers the world over to portray a culture that is not sincerely representative of the African cultural philosophy. Instead the Big Brother Africa project is a showpiece of a western elite culture detached from the average African lifestyle. Realising the power of mediascape in affecting cultural attitudes the study recommends the screening of programmes that communicate a positive portrayal of the African culture.