Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Correspondent
FORMER Big Brother Africa — The Chase housemates Hakeem Mandaza and his new flame Cleo Mulenga are painting Lusaka red as they rekindle their romance outside the house. Hakeem is living it in Zambia staying in top hotels and the couple can’t seem to be having enough of each other.
In an interview, Hakeem said it was too early to talk about marriage, adding that he wanted to give their relationship time to grow.
“I think it’s premature to talk about marriage considering that it’s now three weeks after the show and we can’t just rush to such a big decision. Rather we want to give each other time and learn about each other,” he said.

Contrary to media reports that Hakeem was not taking a keen interest in Cleo, he said the two had agreed to keep the relationship low profile, because they had so much they needed to work on apart from the affair.

“We love each other very well. After the show we had been communicating and agreed to keep a low profile especially with the media around us. We have a lot of other things to do right now and when the time comes, the public will know what we want them to know,” he said.
Hakeem, who has been in Zambia since last week, has already met some of Cleo’s family members.

“I have met Cleo’s brother Mubanga, sister Tamara, cousin David and her lovely three-year-old daughter Camilia. Today (Monday) I am going for lunch with her mother. They are good people and fun-loving,” he said.

The 23-year-old body builder, who is affectionately known as “Hulk” by his legion of fans, said apart from taking the relationship further the couple had several business plans they were currently working on.

“We are both business minded and talented musicians. I can confirm that we have already started working on our first single which is coming out soon,” he said.

“I have done Press conferences and radio interviews on the project and other issues. Actually I am enjoying my stay here, the fabulous lifestyle in Zambia is so amazing,” he said.

During his stay in Zambia, Hakeem is set to tour Livingstone, Kitwe and Kamwala, among other places in Zambia.
“I am happy to say that someone offered us a holiday package to go to Siavonga resort centre and we are looking forward, to that,” he said.
Hakeem said he will be returning to Zimbabwe in two weeks’ time, together with Cleo.