Millie misses the millions

Sometimes in life, all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets. Millicent's strong personality and approach to life, parachuted her from the near destitute to within days of claiming millions in BBA Reality contest. She spoke to STEVENS MUENDO

"Wassup!" Millicent Mugadi happily picks the call from the other end and immediately engages me in a lively chat.

She sounds ebullient and uncharacteristically buoyant for a person who just got booted from the Big Brother Amplified (BBA) House.

And before I even shoot my first question, she takes charge of the telephone interview, enquiring how Kenyans view her sojourn in the BBA House.

"Congrats, you did us proud," I interject.

Hearty but laced with wit, she laughs and chides; "Really...thanks."

Even though she puts on a brave face, the 28-year-old actress reminiscences on her 84-days in the BBA house. The Sh18 million pursuit is over.

It was only seven days to the prize but now it’s all gone with the wind.

But history it is, as fame and fortune still beckons the screen goddess. She grew up as an orphan, hustling through a humbling childhood, to become Kenya’s bravest fighter in the continental reality TV show.

Having been born at the back streets of Kariokor in Nairobi, hers has been a life of struggle since she lost her mother at a young age. She struggled through school and carried her acting passion with her to become one of the fast rising stars in the continental film industry.

Here is Kenya’s new celebrity girl, talking about life in Big Brother mansion and her future dreams.

Pulse: How do you feel reaching this far?

Millicent: Pressure. I knew Kenyans are hard to please yet I had to do it for Kenya since Nic was evicted. I am happy that I made history becoming the first Kenyan to reach this far.

P: Many people did not expect you to make it that far. Did you?

M: Honestly, I wanted to make it to the finals if not come home with the money. During the last few weeks, the competition was between Karen and Luclay. Since Luclay and I were put up for eviction, it was evident that Africa would kick me out.

P: It took time before you could pick up to the tempo in the house. Was that part of your strategy?

M: The problem was that most contestants thought I was acting and as a result, they kept pushing me to change. That was really hard for me.

P: Is this why you often sparred with Karen, now that you were the two strong women towards the finals?

M: Karen can really complain and she knew what she was in for with me. But let’s say it was just a game. I’m a forgiving person and I harbour no ill feelings for anyone I met in the House. Some, I will remember and others, I will forget as soon as I’m on the plane back home.

P: The men in there are going to great lengths to please fans including walking naked and getting under the sheets...

M: That’s not me. I had dignity in the House. I didn’t go in there to have sex. Am glad I am coming home with my head up, even minus the millions, as someone who portrayed the real image of a true Kenyan.

P: You consider yourself ghetto, I mean; the up town urban girl does not treasure playing football like you do?

M: Man! I am a fun-loving girl, who believes in the girl-child empowerment. My mum died when I was very young and growing up in Kariokor has taught me how to deal with the harsh realities that come with life. With the little money I make, I sponsor a women football club based in Nairobi’s Ziwani area.

P: Is it true that you also engage in other youth empowerment projects in Nairobi?

M: Yes. I was appointed a Peace Ambassador a while ago. I do charity activities and youth projects. We also run an anti-drugs campaign.

P: But your passion is in film, isn’t it?

M: I am an artiste with diverse skills. I acted in the TV drama series The Team, Behind Closed Doors and most recently Me, My Wife and Her Guru.

P: So what next for Millicent?

M: I will use my experience to reach the next level.