His pedigree in the entertainment industry is unmistakable and deeply rooted; blessed with a strong, suave and stately personality, Melvin Oduah remains prominent in our heart after his sojourn at the Guilder Ultimate search, Mr Nigeria Contest and Big Brother Africa, emerging first runner in all competitions, years after, The Publisher of CITYSPY.NG, SOFOWORA OLADAPO, caught up with this handsome bunch of talent. Melvin, spoke extensively on his life after The Three Reality Shows, amidst other lingering issues. Excerpts
You have been in the industry for a while, can you evaluate how many years you have spent in the creative industry in Nigeria?
I have been in the entertainment industry since 2008. I started as a model, from my modelling career, I started my reality TV stands. My first reality TV show was Gulder Ultimate Search in 2009, but before then I was a model, I started that in 2008. After the Gulder ultimate Search, which, I was the first runner up, since then I delved into acting. The fact that I was in Gulder Ultimate search and I finished the second place gave me an edge. I was known, and I got called up for some acting roles. Two years later in 2011, I went for MR Nigeria, and I finished again in the 2nd place. I wasn’t happy about the position, but still, it helped me in my entertainment career. I was getting more modelling jobs and movie roles. In 2013, which is four years ago, I went for Big Brother Africa, and I finished as runner up as well. All these things has helped my entertainment journey. I have been doing a lot of movies which are not yet out, I have been hosting a lot of events. Something big is still coming before the mid of this year. If you check my social media handles, you will see them there. It’s been a nice journey so far and I thank God for it.
What are the constraints you have faced ever since you shot into limelight ?
The entertainment industry has a lot of constraints. First of all, the fact that you don’t have time for yourself, the financial benefits might not be so good. When you are starting up, you might not get the proper financial benefits. When you stand your ground and your name is everywhere, then you start earning some good financial benefits. Those are the two main constraints in the entertainment industry I have faced.
You have been a product of reality show. Would you say it’s a bait for young artist to showcase what they have?
Yes, I am a living example. Reality shows was a key role in helping me becoming who I am today. Going for reality shows has the advantage because it helps you show the world or Africa what you can do, who you are and what you are made of. It also gives you a platform, people watch reality shows at this part of the world. If you are a young aspiring entertainer out there. I suggest and advice you to go for it. When you see reality shows that suit your art in entertainment, go for it, give it a try. It does helps. It helped me a lot and I thank God for that.
When you left the Big Brother House, you had aspirations, have you actualized them so far?
NO! I am not where i want to be right now in the entertainment circle, and in life generally. But I don’t feel bad about that because it has only pushed me the more to hustle harder. I don’t think anybody would say they are exactly where they want to be, there is always room for improvement and get better in whatever you are doing. I thank God for where I am today.
Would you say you have leveraged well on platforms like the Big Brother, Mr Nigeria, and Gulder Ultimate Search?
I have leveraged on it very well because this reality shows I went for has helped me project my career to what it is today. I was known very well and showcase to the world via these reality TV shows and because of that, producers, lots of company and clients have seen me perform, they want me to be part of their project because they have seen things in me, especially when I am being called up for movie roles or modelling jobs. I deliver quiet well and that’s why I have been getting more roles and my first hosting gig. The producer of that event calls me for every other event he has. That means reality TV shows helped me to be recognized and my recognition help me show the world what I can do, same thing about movie. A lot of people saw me in the house and think I could fit into some roles. I was called up and I delivered. In cause of this, they have been calling me further to do more roles. So being part of Reality TV shows gave me the a recognition and it has helped me. I have leveraged on it and I am still leveraging on it till tomorrow.
I could remember vividly when you were at the BBA house, when you were announced as the first runner up, a lot of people were agitated about that same runner up position in two reality shows. Is there any spiritual attachment to it?
There is nothing spiritual about anything. It is just destiny. Probably who knows if I had became first in those TV shows I wouldn’t have been where I am today. I believe everything happens for a reason. So I can’t complain about that. It’s all about grace and hard work. God put me there for a reason and I did my best. I didn’t win. It was for a reason. People that won was destined to I was not. I believe so much in grace, hard work and destiny. Those things keep me up till where I am today.
What were the mistakes you have made in the past and would like to correct.
I think mistakes are inevitable, everybody makes mistake in life. Mistakes are made so that we can learn from it. So I would say there is no mistake I made in life that I regretted making. It has only made me learn more and work on that aspect. So in life, generally, everybody must make mistakes. I am only able to act better when the same thing occurs.
What were the things you think if you had done would have helped you win the BBA?
This question brings me back to the same thing I said earlier on. I did not regret anything I did. When I went to BBA house, I went there with the mindset of Originality. I am going to be Melvin, and I was going to be myself. I believe I had the personality to get me win the price. I didn’t come out with why and why not didn’t I do this. I went in and I was myself all through, I didn’t win but after 4years I look back at me being in the house and I can proudly say I did well, nothing I did in the house, I regret doing. If I am to go again tomorrow, I would still behave the same way I did, being myself, I will do it all over again. Yes, I cant be perfect, some things must have annoyed people or something might not have not gone well with people. It’s inevitable, you can never be perfect. So that’s why I said I am okay the way I behaved and I don’t regret any of my actions in the House.
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| MELVIN ODUAH |
BBA is not airing again. What would you think the problem is?
Well, I really don’t know about that. But I think they are trying to rebrand and repackage it so I would be bigger than it was before.
How are you finding the Nollywood world entirely?
Entertainment has always been my thing, being part of it is an dream come true. The movie world is a fantastic world. In this part of the world, we are not yet there yet in our movies. Nollywood is still fast rising, we are not where Hollywood is, we are nothing near Hollywood. We are improving very well. Look at our movies today and 5years ago. You can spot the difference. Its my passion, I learn everyday and I am still learning even till tomorrow. I love being part of it and will continue to enjoy being part of it.
Your relationship with the female fans.
I would say it’s quiet well.
Who is the lady rolling your chestnut now?
I am single and not searching.
So, definitely, someone might be somewhere.
Maybe. You would never know.
If you have a single opportunity to change anything about Nigeria Entertainment industry. What exactly would that be?
I would like to change the mindset of the public. I think we Nigerians or Africans generally should support the entertainment industry, especially the movie industry. We are way back in terms of technology. The support of the public would help us grow better and faster. I would love us as Africans-Nigerians to please support and stop criticizing the industry.
What should your fans expect from you?
They should just keep an open eyes. Before mid year, something big is coming up. It’s on my social media handles. And I have been doing a lot of movies. I have a script now. I am suppose to resume a movie very soon. Higher percentage of them are not out yet, So just look forward to see my movies and some media projects are coming up as well.
Who are the people that mentored you while growing up?
My biggest mentor is my dad. He is very supportive and I learnt so much from him growing up. In the entertainment industry, I have the mindset that you learn everyday from veterans and people that have been there before you. I look at the likes of Olu Jacob, Peter Edochie, Desmond Elliot, Majid Michael and several others. Even from the female actors, Genevieve as well. There are lots of people you look at, watch and learn some things from them. I am a very good fan of learning. I want to learn a lot of things.
Which of your BBA house mates do you still communicate with?
Beverly Osu, she is my sister, she is here in Lagos, We see very often. Delish, Maria, Selly, I had not spoken with Ellykem in a while but I know we can still pick up from where we left. Anabelle, Utama, Cleo. Those are the people I can remember for now.
A word of advice for aspiring actors , models and people who want to be the Melvin of tomorrow.
It is all about determination. I am a big fan of hard work, determination and prayers. Pray to God to lead and guide you towards the right part. You can’t just pray and expect manna to fall from heaven. After that, you have to work hard. Things might not just fall into place immediately, keep working hard. Be determined, have patience and endure. These are things every aspiring artist should have.
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