Maureen Odubeng
27 November 2008
He was one of the most energetic, free spirited characters in the Big Brother Africa 3 (BB3) housemate, and that seems to have paid off, as he is the one who ended up scooping the mouth-watering USD 100, 000 cash prize, which translates into millions in Angolan Kwanza.
Ricardo Venancio, fondly known as Ricco in the house, the ultimate winner of BBA 3 cash prize, was Africa's sweetheart from the onset and seemed to get along well with all the other housemates.
It was obvious from the onset that Africa had fallen in love with the young man, though Malawi's Hazel ended up giving him some tough competition towards the end. While other people in the house were being bashed, Ricco received many positive comments, with most viewers predicting that he would be the winner.
It was evident that Ricco stood a better chance to win the money as he was nominated for eviction several times and would come out with perhaps one or two votes, and quite a few times, he made his way back into the house with no votes.
As expected Ricco was ecstatic about winning the money, and the young man told Showbiz that like other contestants, he entered the house with the hope of winning the cash prize. However, while in the house he concentrated on building a portfolio for himself in terms of showcasing his talent on the African stage and beyond.
"I went into the house to have fun. I didn't think too much about the money. I went in there to show Africa what I can do," he said.He said winning was a big bonus because his intention was to create a name for himself.
Those who watched the show will no doubt agree that Ricco was one of the few entertaining characters and seemed to be a man of the people, as he got on well with all the housemates.
He seemed not be one to hold a grudge against any of the housemates, and his win did not surprise anyone. The young man from Angola, who is now a millionaire in terms of his country's currency, already has a rough plan of how is going to use the money he won in the M-Net reality show.
As he previously promised, Ricco intends to give part of the money to his mother to support her project, quickly pointing out that his love for his family cannot be measured in simple terms, describing his family as his major strength.
"I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my family," he said.
While in the house Ricco proved to be a compassionate person, he was always willing to listen to others and offered a shoulder for a few to cry on. The young man also shed a tear or two while in the house, and it is not surprising that he intends to give some of money to charitable organisations in Angola. He also promised to go a step further by engaging in charity fund-raising initiatives.
He revealed that part of the money will go towards the launching of a music group, with fellow housemate Munyaradzi Chidzonga of Zimbabwe, who was also in the competition's top three. Ricco told Showbiz, that they decided on forming a band together while in the house, and decided on the name A to Z.
He added that all that is left for them is to launch the group, confirming that their first single will be released in December."I love music, I was always singing in the house," he said.
While he admitted that he has a strong passion for music, the Angolan also has a passion for modelling and acting. "My mother is the one who encouraged me to go into modeling, and ultimately I got to enjoy it," he said.
He explained that acting is something he has always wanted to explore, and says that the exposure gained by entering BBA 3 has opened fresh opportunities for him to penetrate the acting scene. On the lighter side, Ricco often made statements in the house that he loves women, but he pointed out in the interview with Showbiz that it does not mean that he is a player.
He kissed quite a few women in the house, but he defended that as not intending to play any of the women. He revealed that while he never kissed Namibia's Lucille Naobes, she is the one woman he had strong feelings for in the house. BBA 3 was broadcast on DStv's channel 198 24/7 for 91 days and its winner (Ricco) was announced last Sunday.
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