Everyone can claim to know a thing or two about Rwanda’s representatives in the Big Brother house, but what people don’t know are the stories told by their parents. Patrick Ndegeye (Frankie Joe’s dad) and Kennedy Mazimpaka (Arthur’s dad) give us a glimpse into the unknown life of the two BBA Housemates.

Frankie refused to leave the village, says dad

What is your fondest memory of Frankie Joe?

I remember we went to the village in Nyakivala when Frankie was around two or three years old and he impressed his great grandfather. As soon as my grandfather heard him say Mpa’yinka Boniface, he called his wife and asked her to tell the herdsman to bring the cows and he gave him one.

Had he always wanted to be a musician, an actor and model?

One thing about Frank is that he has always been a bright young man, so talented that it was hard to place what he wanted to be. At university, he studied economics but when he told me he wanted to become a musician and actor and even a model, I couldn’t stop him.

What’s the most shocking thing he did as a child?

Frank has always loved the village. When he was in primary three, we went with him to the village and after drinking undiluted milk; he refused to leave the village. Everyone was shocked since he was a child who had been born and raised in Kampala. We left him there and he joined a school nearby till he was in primary six. After that, we brought him back to Kampala, although he didn’t want, he sat his Primary Leaving Examinations and passed well.

What was your reaction when he told you he was going for BBA?

I can’t say that I was shocked because I have watched BBA before. These days I haven’t been able to follow much of it except for the opening night. However, I didn’t see any problem with him participating in BBA.

Talking to his friends, how do they describe Frankie Joe?

One thing that is constant about what his friends say about him is that he is social, gentle and humble. At least that is what his friends have said about him since childhood.

Apparently he’s married. Any news about his family?

He got married in 2009 and has a son who is three and a half years old. I used to talk to them when he was still in Canada but I haven’t communicated with them of recent although I trust they are doing well.

What about his accent, it sounds American?

Haha….I don’t know how that came about but maybe it has something to do with his love for music. During his civic education training after S.6, he made friends with many soldiers because he could sing and most people thought he was an African American. That also came with certain privileges.

He’s up for eviction this week, are you scared that he might be evicted?

Not really but I’m told there are some bad elements that are de-campaigning him. I’m trying to see how we can increase his votes and I also request people to vote for him.

What are your expectations of him?

Well, as I said he is very talented so I expect him to be among the best or even the best. Anything is possible.

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Arthur wasn’t a stubborn child, says his father

What was Arthur like as a child?

Arthur was a considerate, responsible and soft spoken child. Actually, his siblings were more stubborn than him and he would excel at things he loved like football and making toy cars using wire mesh.

Growing up, what did he want to be?

At a tender age, we noticed his talent as an entertainer. When he was in baby class, he acted an adult role in a play before thousands of viewers and performed very well. He won a tea-cup which is still one of his loved possessions.

What do you think of him as a comedian?

He is a talented young man and I think he will go far as a comedian. We are both actors in Mashirika which gives an opportunity to monitor his talent and work ethic. He is also multi-talented; he is an emcee and also a radio presenter.

Any queer behaviour he had as a child?

Arthur was not stubborn like his older brothers. It is difficult to remember if he had any queer behaviour as a child.

What was your reaction when you found out he was going for BBA?

When Arthur told us that he was going to be in Big Brother, I was surprised because he never mentioned that he had auditioned. However, I have watched Big Brother before and didn’t think it was a problem. I sat him down and he told me in detail how he had gone to South Africa for auditions and passed. I counseled him as a parent and gave him my blessing.

Does comedy run in the family?

Yes, I can say that my whole family is involved in one way or the other in the entertainment industry. Personally, I’m an actor and the rest are dancers and musicians.

How far do you think he will go in the game?

I am not a fortuneteller but judging from the way he has conducted himself so far, I believe that he will go far in the competition.

If he wins, how would you advise him to spend the money?

It’s a lot of money, Rwf 200m; I would tell him not to be too excited and reflect on the road ahead. He should remember that he is still a student and has to first finish his education. And later he can venture into any profitable business but he would have to be calm and patient to achieve that.