Grammy nominated American rapper and hitmaker J.Cole has been named by MNet, organizers of the Big Brother Africa reality show to headline the launch of its new season on May 6. The seventh season of Africa’s biggest reality show will see contestants doubling up to enter in pairs and with the hope of walking away with a cash prize of US$300,000. The 91-day reality show has over the years been the most watched television reality show in Africa and producers, Endemol, say this year’s edition, dubbed Big Brother Stargame, will even be bigger. “One of the main reasons for the success of Big Brother, in Africa and abroad, is that it creates its own stars from the minute housemates step into the spotlight,” Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa Managing Director said in a press statement. Biola continued that, “The show is built on the idea that, given the chance, anyone can be a star, anyone can find themselves shot to stardom. So this year, we’re honoring this essential element of the show directly in the title, putting the concept of rising stars and dreams of stardom right at the front of what is a challenging, fun, dramatic game.” Touching on the star performer for the launch, she said “we’re thrilled that we can kick off Big Brother Stargame with an international star whose incredible talent is making him one of the hottest names in music today. J.Cole is fast becoming a superstar, an amazing artist who is taking the world by storm. We are very pleased that he will be performing for the very first time in Africa on our stage!” The 27-year-old musician is scheduled to perform three songs at the event and his performance is being facilitated by Los Angeles-based One Entertainment, the same outfit that facilitated Busta Rhymes’ appearance at last year’s Big Brother Amplified launch. Born in Germany, Jermaine Lamar Cole, popularly known as J.Cole, was raised in North Carolina and is now based in New York. He is signed to Jay Z’s influential Roc Nation record label, which also represents songstress Rihanna, and his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story has gained him worldwide attention. Determined, creative and gifted, the producer/rapper has collaborated with Beyonce, Trey Songz, Missy Elliot, Drake and Elle Varner among others. He’s also appeared on Jay Z’s Blueprint 3 album on the hip hop anthem A Star is Born.