Sean Paul at Big Brother opening

Jamaican Grammy-winning reggae and dancehall singer Sean Paul took the time on Saturday to wish former president Nelson Mandela a happy birthday.

The 37-year-old star - who is famous for his collaboration hit Baby Boy with singer Beyoncé Knowles and for collaborating with other musicians such as Rihanna, Blu Cantrell, Pitbull, Keri Hilson, Estelle, Chris Brown, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Eve, Snoop Dogg, Shaggy, Ziggy Marley and Beenie Man - said he was honoured to be coming to "perform on the same day as the former president's birthday".

"I didn't know I would be here and it would be Mandela's birthday. He's a huge symbol of freedom all over the world, and to be here on his birthday is a huge honour.

"I grew up hearing songs about him and his struggles . I remember when Mandela came to my country in the '90s to say thank all the musicians for all the music that had been made to help South Africa, and I've known (about) him since then," he said.

The singer, who arrived in South Africa from Casablanca in Morocco in the early hours of Saturday morning, is here to perform at the Big Brother All Stars opening that took place last night, where 14 contestants from 14 African countries including South Africa, were sent into the house, to stay for a period of 91 days, with only one winner able to take home the $200000 prize.

When asked if he would ever enter the celebrity BB competition even if it was for charity, Paul said he "would do anything for charity, but not that".

"I am all for doing things for charity, but Big Brother means I must sacrifice my privacy and my freedom, which I don't think I would ever be able to do."

Spotting a new-look mohawk haircut, a change from his long braided hair and bling, Paul said he would have "loved to come to South Africa during the World Cup and was sad he missed it".

"We were supposed to come during the semi-finals, but things didn't go as we planned. It would have been such a fun experience.

"I would have been supporting Brazil because Jamaica has that link with Brazil. Don't know why, but I think it must be because our colours are almost the same.

"I would have supported Argentina as well, because of Sir Maradona," he said.

"I have to give it up to Ghana for being the last African team to be in the World Cup. They played their hearts out."