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Melvin Oduah is an actor and a model. He was the runner-up in Gulder Ultimate Search (2007) and also a runner-up in the Mr. Nigeria competition. All that, however, was before he participated in Big Brother Africa (Season 8).
Melvin Oduah Is a smart and talented young man that strives to get to the top. He is an actor cum model many people want to see onscreen. He radiates an impeccable taste that marvels people who know him very well. He can sometimes appear to be extremely unapproachable, but it is his modesty that weeds out every doubt about him. Having been recognized as one of the amazing contestants in the Big Brother Africa The Chase, it’s an established platform for him to be heard and appreciated in the society. Melvin was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Oduah. He has a twin sister, Melvina and they are the first born of their parents, followed by another set of twins, Tony and Tonia.
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He had his secondary education at the Lagos State Model College Kankon, Badagry, Lagos and attended the University of Port-harcourt where he obtained his B.Sc in 2007 before going to the Lagos State University where he got his PG in Business Administration. Melvin combines acting, modelling and presenting. When he’s on movie set, he pays full attention to the craft and when he has modelling jobs or presenting, he does that passionately.Image may be NSFW.
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The system works for him. He’s a multi-talented youth and has several awards to his credit. As a model, he’s been rewarded by the Nigerian Model Achievers Awards (NMAA) as the most promising model of the year. As an actor, he’s won the TAVA awards for his role in a sitcom, HAPPY FAMILY. He’s got other awards from some entertainment outfits. However, it is poignant to say that he has not been living under the shadows of anybody as many people think. He’s gradually creating his own world and hopes to live in it. Melvin, who has been an inspiration to many African youths and has a special flair for the entertainment industry.
His journey started years back when he participated in the Gulder Ultimate Search and came first runner-up; he proceeded further to do Mr. Nigeria beauty pageant and got rewarded as a runner-up. That’s a platform for him. Did he give up like an average youth would have done? That’s an emphatic NO! When the Big Brother Africa audition came up, he joined the crowd to be a part of those to be auditioned and was lucky to grab the opportunity to be in the big brother’s house with music vixen, Beverly Osu as Nigerian representatives.
During a long chat with him for the first time during the 9th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and he comes across to strike as flexible young man who really knows what he wants in the society and chooses to direct his life instead of letting the society and wide-ranging views decide for him. Currently, he’s leveraging on the platform of being one of the finalists that participated in the Big Brother, The Chase competition and has won the hearts of those that love entertainment because of his good carriage.
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He’s become a voice to lots of young people and that prompts him to always be fair and objective. His humble mien remains a surprise to many and that keeps getting him global recognition. On social networks, he hasn’t failed to appreciate those whose words were a part of impetus for going this far and his fans for their constant support and encouragement.
Not only is he a gentleman, he is equally a jolly good fellow. He opened up on his relationship with Maria Nepembe, who was one of the female contestants in BBA, as well as the misconceptions about his sexuality to YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s JULIET IKEOKWU. Enjoy…
What are you working on currently?
I’m acting, modelling and presenting as well.
How did you start modelling?
It’s funny how I got into modelling. I was teaching as a corper in Ajegunle and I had time; even now, the good thing about teaching is that it gives you time to do other things and I wasn’t teaching everyday. I have a friend named Rita. She was into modelling full time and she told me to do modelling. She told me to do modelling even while we were in school in UNIPORT, but I refused because of school. So, when I started serving, I realized that I had time. I met her and she put me through. She also took me to her agency and I did audition, and I started getting jobs and this was as far back as 2008/2009.
How did you start acting?
You know that in modelling, in some adverts, you have to act. So, a big part of modelling has to do with acting as well. So, the same Rita was already acting. She told me I can also act if I wanted. Soon, I was called for a movie audition for my first soap, Happy Family. I was given a script and asked to memorise it, which I did and the producer was very happy with me.
So, what was your parents’ reaction when they found out that you were not going to practice what you read in the university?
They were very supportive of my choice of career. When I contested for Mr. Nigeria, Gulder Ultimate Search and Big Brother Africa, they respected my decision.
What can you say about the fact that some people see guys that participate in pageants/modelling as homosexuals?
I’m not surprised that some folks see it as indecent, but I’m sorry to say that it is a wrong impression. Decent people participate in these pageants/modelling and they are making money off it, without compromising their principles. Everybody must not be gay to be able to contest. It’s a wrong mindset and I am happy that my parents don’t have that mindset.
How do you feel when people say you’re gay because you did not get involved with any girl inside BBA?
I am very aware of how it started. People were saying that all the girls were throwing themselves at this guy and he was running away. But I know that it’s one of the things you face when you are in the limelight. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt, but it will not make one to go to a corner and sulk. I’ve learnt to shake it off because I know I’m not gay, so it doesn’t affect me. Though, sometimes, it can make you feel really bad. But you have to live above it and I know that it’s the price you pay for putting yourself out there. And that is what I do.
Which is the most popular movie that you featured in?
Unfortunately, many of the movies that I’ve done are not yet out; about 85% of them. But from the ones released, I will say History Box. It was directed by Desmond Elliot and it featured Joseph Benjamin, Uti Nwachukwu, Ebube Nwagbo, etc. I got calls and recommendations and commendations for that movie.
Do you do anything else aside modelling and acting?
Yeah! I do business. I can do anything as long as it’s legal, and can bring cash. When I was in the university, I was working with my uncle, and I did a lot of network marketing for products like Forever Living, Swiss Guide, etc. I also have something that I’ve started, but I won’t talk about it now.
Would you advice your siblings to go for BBA?
I don’t have anything against BBA. As long as you know what you are going there for, why not? It’s about how you carry yourself while you are there. People have made a lot of money by participating in the show. You have to know what you want to achieve. So, go there and do what you have to do. I don’t mind that some people are saying that I did not sleep with any girl in BBA, because it is the same people that will say that I tarnished the image of the country. Even the other day, I went to Shakara’s event and Elenu made joke about how I did not do anything to the girls that were throwing themselves at me in the house and I did not win the money as well. But I’m used to it. Anything doesn’t move me at all.
After the show, there was news that you were dating Maria from Namibia, are you still together?
Well, we got along quite well, but it didn’t work out. But we are cool.
What can you say about the movie industry in Nigeria?
I’m proud to be part of it. It’s improving; even our music industry is also well recognized outside this country. We have improved in script writing and delivery as well. And now we are partnering Hollywood. AY featured many Hollywood artistes in his movie, 30 Days in Atlanta.
Do you see yourself getting involved in the music industry in future?
As a musician, never. But I can own a music label where I will manage artistes.
So, how do you relate with your female fans?
I relate well with them. Of course, you have to be nice to them. If they want picture, you pose for them to snap.
What do you dislike about fame?
I don’t hate anything about it because I knew how it was before I joined, so I will not call them disadvantages. I’ve gotten used to them already. Everything about you is out there. I don’t have privacy.
What do you consider your biggest success?
I would say being in Big Brother Africa. I was in entertainment doing well, but thanks to BBA, I am doing far better and I hope to get bigger and better with many endorsements.
Which African country do you like aside Nigeria?
I’ve been to many, but I won’t lie, I like the Southern part of Africa; I’m impressed with their level of development. I’ve not been to the eastern part, so I will love to go there. Also the Northern part. I hope to be there also. I love travelling.
Tell us about your educational background.
I went to primary school in Agidingbi, Ikeja. I attended Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry. I went to University of Port-Harcourt where I got my B.Sc in Pure and Industrial Chemistry, then my post graduate, LASU. I did Business Administration because I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket, so I decided to build my CV in case I don’t make it in the entertainment industry. I still intend to go further with my education.
Did you plan to be in entertainment with all these qualifications? It seems your journey into entertainment was an accident?
I have always loved entertainment, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t go to school. I acted when I was in primary three. My dad was transferred to Oshogbo, I was attending the staff school. There was a time we were doing a drama in the school and the boy that was acting was not getting it and I kept correcting him. They noticed and I was the only Igbo boy (Delta) there and they decided to give the role to me. Even in secondary school, I danced and acted. Also in UNIPORT, I won awards in my department. So, it’s been part of me, though I didn’t plan it. The opportunity came and I took it. And I love it because nothing beats making money from what you enjoy doing.
How is your relationship with Beverly Osu, there was a rumour that you had issues?
We are still close. She is like a sister to me, she is my personal person. When we heard about that rumour, we laughed because there was nothing like that. I don’t see us having any problem. Even if we have issue, we resolve it immediately. We did two movies together, one in Lagos, the other in Enugu. We like acting with each other.
What advice can you give to the people that look up to you?
It is not easy, but don’t give up. Frankly, when I started, I was bounced a couple of times. Sometimes you will be frustrated, but I was determined, I kept my drive, I was focused and consistent. It is the consistency that got me where I am today. When I went for Gulder Ultimate Search, I didn’t win, I did not stop, I went for Mr. Nigeria, I didn’t win. I came second, I still continued and went for Big Brother. The determination has always been there. Be faithful and trust God in everything you do.
Name the producers you like working with.
I will say Ifeanyi Onyeabor and Desmond Elliot.
Who is your role model?
My dad. I got my hustling spirit from him. He lost his dad early, but it didn’t stop him and I’m proud of him.
Which actor or actress would you like to work with?
Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, Genevieve Nnaji. She does block-busters. She doesn’t feature in any movie and I will love to act with her.
How do you relax?
I’m a very fun-loving person. So, I like to go out with friends. I watch films and video games.