LOMWE, LOOKING BACK; LIFE AFTER BIG BROTHER AMPLIFIED

Timve interviewed Malawian media personality Lomwe on his time spent in the Big Brother Amplified house and what his life has been like after the Big Brother experience. He shares moments he will remember, how the experience has changed him and his new project with former house mate from Botswana Zeus.

TM: Did representing Malawi in such a widely watched show make you feel differently about being a Malawian?

Lomwe: Not really, it just made me proud that I had the chance to alter any misconceptions that people from other countries have about Malawi.

TM: What was it like coming to terms with the fact that you were actually on big brother and you were being watched by your friends, family as well as millions of Africans?

Lomwe: It was more like, “it’s too late to go back now.” I had made a decision about it as soon as I got the application form, I was thinking if other people survived through it then am sure I can, if not do better.  I must admit at first the cameras were kinda intimidating and it was sort of an awakening that this is actually real. But after a while I got used to the environment, sometimes even forgetting there were so many people watching.

TM: When you agreed to participate in the Big brother reality show, what were your personal reasons for doing it?

Lomwe: Personally I wanted the exposure, I knew even if I didn’t win myentertainment background would benefit from the continental platform in so many ways.

TM: What were you hoping to gain besides the final prize and were you able to obtain it?

Lomwe: I got what I was looking for, the exposure has widened my fan base across many borders, and now I also have the opportunity to produce several spin-offs.

TM: What moment in the big brother house will stay with you forever?

Lomwe: That’s kinda hard coz there was so many moments; just stepping into the house for the first time was so memorable, the rap battle also, but I think celebrating my birthday was the most memorable. We had a ‘black and yellow’ theme party – the best birthday I ever had.

TM: What is the difference between the Lomwe who went into the Big brother House and the Lomwe who came out?

Lomwe: I am more driven and confident, because my Big brother experience showed me that you can achieve a lot when you believe you can.

TM: How has this experience changed your perspective of Africa in general?

Lomwe: It has shown me that even though we all come from different countries we are all really the same. We just have different variations of the same things. For example; Nsima is also there in Tanzania, in Zimbabwe they call it Sadza, in South Africa they call it Pap.

TM: Would you do it again?

Lomwe: Yes and no. Yes if I got paid to do it and I wasn’t too busy. Otherwise … no.

TM: If there was something you wanted to say to the nation at this point in your life what would it be?

Lomwe: In as few words as possible, thank you! I would also urge the government and the Malawian corporate world to be more patriotic towards their flag carriers.

TM:  If there was something you wanted to say to your friends or family looking back on this experience as well as your life in general, what would it be?

Lomwe: wowza, um… I would thank my family for the support, coz I hear at some point there were rumors going round that I didn’t have one. As far as looking back at my life, it’s been a rollercoaster ride and I am still on it. As they say death is certain, it’s all about the journey and I can’t wait for whatever’s next.

TM: Do you think Malawi can be capable of hosting a show like big brother?

Lomwe: No way! …wait okay, maybe in a very, very distant future.

TM: What now, where to from here? What does the future hold for Lomwe and all his new found fans and supporters?

Lomwe: After coming out of the Big Brother house I have been endorsed by the Malawi ministry of tourism as their ambassador and have also been endorsed by the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) as a goodwill ambassador. I have already been at work with the UNDP at numerous colleges and high schools talking to students, encouraging them to join the UNDP volunteer programme.

I have also teamed up with my friend and house mate from Botswana, Zeus, to release a joint CD titled ‘Double Wowza’. The title track has received great reviews by fans all over Africa and has thousands of downloads. The music video was shot in Botswana and will soon be on all popular music video channels such MTV Base and Channel O.

Lomwe says he looks forward to continuing his radio and music career and that he plans to also get into TV after the great response he received from Big Brother.

Well Lomwe, you did us proud and we were cheering for you all the way till the end. We are proud of you as your friends, fans and countrymen and we wish you all the best in everything you do moving forward.