It's show-stealing time as D-Day looms

Lights, camera, action. You're on, performers. Since they were all nominated for the first eviction on Sunday, that is what most of the 12 contestants in the Big Brother Africa house have decided to become.

In trying to get as much camera time as they could, idiot twins Stefan (Namibia) and Alex (Kenya) - surprisingly joined by Ghana's verbal funnyman, Sammi B (perhaps thinking pranks would get him more laughs) - yet again used the fire extinguisher to grab attention.

In the early hours of yesterday they set it up outside the girls' bedroom - not only to prevent anyone from leaving the room, but to release gas each time someone tried to force open the door.

It's understandable that tension is building in the house. And if you're not able to release them through sex or have the brains to find another outlet to amuse yourself, you will, I suppose, see stupid pranks as some sort of relief.

However, the rest of the more mature housemates have shown an ability to have fun without becoming silly schoolkids. But you be the judge ...

Yesterday morning saw Nigeria's Bayo up early as usual, doing the housework with Tanzania's Mwisho.

Birthday boy Mwisho, who later sported his worst hairstyle to date, made it clear he expected the BB "wish fairy" to provide him with smokes and booze for the occasion.

Instead, he got reasonably lukewarm wishes from most of the housemates and an unappetising-looking blue cake.

Being Youth Day, one might have thought BB would have given the day some sort of appropriate theme. BB did, however, provide some fine sounds, rousing the dance-loving performers, who all made a bid to lure the cameras in their direction.

It was something of a "Like what you see, then vote for me" campaign.

BB's announcement of the shopping session had housemates up and running to ensure they got the chance to order the goodies they wanted.

The fact that 75% was added to their budget for this week did not stop the usual loud and sometimes ugly arguments over who wants what, with this bunch demonstrating yet again that they aren't fond of sharing.

Mwisho, who is fast becoming a prima donna, whined about almost every decision, while Uganda's Gaetano nearly caused a riot over who should have how much money.

And the show goes on ...