Malonza: I love showbiz

After impressing us on the Big Brother  Star Game reality show, MALONZA CHEGE, 23, still graces our screens. He confesses to SHEILA KIMANI that he is in love

Tell us about yourself…

I am a chilled out, adventurous and adrenaline-junky kind of guy. I dislike confrontations and I always strive to make people around me happy. I also have a soft spot for animals and I would never let any of them get hurt.

What did you love about growing up?

Coming from a family of five, I definitely loved spending time with my twin brother Alex, my sister Waithera and my parents with whom I am still is very close.

Is that why you had to take your brother into the house?

(Laughs…) Yes! That was one of the many reasons why he was my house mate of choice for the Big Brother reality show. We also had a common interest, so working with him was easy and fun.

Have you guys always been together, even in school?

No. Though we were both born in Machakos and grew up in Garden Estate in Nairobi, we went to different high schools and colleges. I went to Njiris Boys High School and Marion Senior School and later to United States International University. My brother is currently at the University of Nairobi.

What were you up to before the Big Brother fame?

I used to help my mother in her home office. She is a veterinary doctor. I also spared time to bond with our five dogs and that is where I discovered my love for animals.

So you love dogs?

Yes, especially one specific crossbreed of German Shepherd and Rotweiller. She is very beautiful and jealous. In fact, I do not pat other dogs when she is around.

What about your social life before BBA?

Despite having friends around me all week, Thursdays were a bit different, as I would pass by a drinking joint next to school to quench my thirst. On weekends, I would work with my mother during the morning hours. In the afternoons, I would attend house parties, hook up with my friends for a drink or just sit at home and relax.

So what have been your achievements so far?

Being alive and enjoying the privileges of university education would be the most important. Another would be getting to be a contestant in the biggest reality TV show in Africa — BBA Star Game. This definitely opened doors for big opportunities.

Talking about BBA, how did you know about it?

After following it on TV last year, I loved it and definitely wanted to make it for the auditions. I, therefore, checked out for audition dates online and on DSTV, and that was when the opportunity befell my brother and I.

Why did you choose Alex as a partner and what was your strategy?

I felt that we would be strong as a pair and also if we were to win, we would split the money. Our closeness was our strength and the Lord was on our side. We had more fun than we anticipated.

What were your memorable moments in the house?

My best was the first day in the house. It was like an eternal house party. Meeting the other house mates and reminiscing about how we had qualified was a lot of fun. The worst moment was definitely when I got evicted. I keep wishing I had skipped that part.

What do you miss most about the BBA house?

The holiday mood, lifestyle and the cameras. I could relive that again and again.

If you were to choose a different BBA partner, who would it be?

I would still choose my brother because I believe a different choice would have hampered my chances of making it through the auditions.

Apart from being the star in BBA, what don’t people know about you?

That I have always wanted to be on television, which is finally becoming a reality.

What are some of the opportunities you landed after BBA?

The most important one is the number of important contacts I have established. The other is that I can easily approach people based on my BBA participation. I also have a few acting roles coming up. Watch this space.

Now that you are a star, how do you deal with groupies and stalkers?

They are not that many, but I just keep it clear and concise, especially when conversing. I also do not put myself in compromising situations. But honestly, it’s it is not easy to ward them off.

How has life been after the show?

Life after BBA is quite hectic because the coyness and good life at the BBA house is gone. One needs to maximise on what he/she has, and the pressure is immense. It is a good feeling, though.

How do you plan to stay relevant and what should your fans expect from you?

I am currently a brand and together with my brother, I intend to grow to greater heights. My fans should expect me on their television screens and I also hope to own a business and be a big shot entertainer.

So what have you been up to lately?

As I left the BBA house, I proclaimed my interests in acting and impressively, I got the chance to host the fifth episode of the Comedy Club, a local TV programme. I, however, admit that it wasn’t as easy as I expected. I will be a presenter in an upcoming youth empowerment TV show called Ideas Nazo.

How do you plan to empower the youth?

As part of the Ideas Nazo initiative, we will be searching for the next biggest film producer in Kenya. It is all about giving the youth a chance to air their ideas through brainstorming and helping them transform the ideas to TV shows.

How do you spend your free time?

I love swimming, watching movies, meeting new people, acting and participating in adrenaline-filled activities such as bungee jumping. I also love animals.

Finally…

BBA affected me in a strange way. Sometimes you can lose your mind without knowing, and going into a funk or slump is very possible. However, I definitely enjoy the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry and I appreciate everyone who has given me a chance to get this far. I can’t wait to do bigger things.