HARARE - Jerome “JJ” Arab, 23, who was among six fake housemates on Big Brother Africa (BBA), last year, is Zimbabwe’s second representative in this year’s edition of Africa’s most popular reality show.
JJ, who will join PowerFM DJ Butterphly Phunk in the race to land the $300 000 top prize, appears to be a romantic if his interview with Mnet is anything to go by.
“I love to talk to women. My personal motto is push, persevere so that success happens,” he said.
“I usually don’t lie. I probably wouldn’t give an answer. If there is an older woman involved I would probably chat her up and ask how old do you think I am and not give her the answer.”
“I haven’t broken anyone’s heart but I have had mine broken a few times. When I was young I fell in love at 18 and tried to get engaged but it never really worked out. I’m pretty easy going and I cook, they will like that.”
JJ also has a passion for singing.
“They can get annoyed because I love singing; it annoys my family so it might annoy them as well. I haven’t got a strategy, I’m going there to enjoy and learn more about people’s cultures. It’s a good platform for uniting Africa.”
He 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.
“It’s a necessary foundation for me to be able to produce my own music even if I don’t win the money,” he says.
If he wins the big $300 00 cheque, JJ has promised to expand his music career onto the international stage, refurbish his parents’ house and also donate to charity.
Not much is known about JJ, who will raise Zimbabwe’s flag along with DJ Butterphly Phunk on this year’s BBA season.
During his stint as a fake housemate last year, he was described as a Harare-born singer and songwriter who holds a media diploma.
JJ then described himself as “fun, ambitious, happy, loving and warm”, likes “happy, smiley people” but dislikes people who are “full of themselves”.
The fairly unknown BBA housemate also cited his father as his role model and Nyanga as his favourite destination.