Lomwe grateful to Malawians for support, no K1.5m
By Nyasa Times Reporter
Malawi’s finalist in the Big Brother Amplified reality television show Tendai ‘Lomwe’ Namate who missed the $200 000 (about K30.4 million) prize money with only three places has expressed appreciation to Malawians for the support he got during the show.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Malawians who supported me and that kept on voting for me to get to the finals,” Lomwe told a news conference in Blantyre after arriving from South Africa.
Lomwe (Tendai Namate) who came fourth after the winners Karen from Nigeria and Wendall from Zimbabwe as well as Luclay of South Africa who finished third, said contrary to reports the he would receive US$10,000 (about K1.5 million) following his qualification into the finals , he has not got any consolation prize.
The 28-year-old DJ at private FM 101 radio, made headlines for flirting with different girls, mostly Ethiopia’s Hanni, Zambia’s Kim and Nigeria’s Vina, said: “I have come home with nothing but I am not disappointed because I am also a winner.
“There are many ways to win and it’s not only bringing the prize money but being in the house for 91 days.”
MultiChoice Malawi Regional Manager Titania Katenga-Kaunda for the centre and north said the organisers never made that pledge and that there was no official communication from them to that effect.
Lomwe, who was twice head of the house, got a welcome befitting a celebrity with his mother Jane Namate-Nsanjama, Multichoice officials, friends, relatives and supporters forming the welcoming party.
He was then taken in an open roof Chevy Escalade, a limousine owned by business tycoon Mike Chilewe, waved a huge Malawi flag at the admiring fans.
Apart from Lomwe, Malawi was also represented by a 24- year-old marketer Felicia Ngoma who was evicted after staying in the house for 70 days.
This year’s reality show, dubbed Big Brother Amplified, drew 26 housemates—16 female, 10 males—from 14 countries across Africa.
Three welcoming parties have been arranged for Lomwe, with Friday night at Blue Elephant and on Sunday at Village Mandebvu in Zomba.
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