Former Large Brother Naija housemate and artist, Adeoluwa Okusaga, aka Saga, tells OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about his profession and different points
Because you left BBN, is there one thing you needed to do that you’re doing already?
I used to be a struggling artist earlier than the Large Brother. Although I’m a graduate of engineering, my outcomes weren’t that glorious, so I didn’t suppose I’d practise an engineer. I began portray as a facet hustle because it was all I had till six months later once I obtained a job as an engineer. I needed to drop artwork and deal with engineering. By 2016, a few of my artist colleagues had gone worldwide. The considered it saved haunting me, significantly as a result of I had consistently felt like I didn’t push my artwork profession sufficient. Once I went for BBN, I noticed it as a possibility to make up for the misplaced years. After the competitors, I organised some occasions and exhibitions, each regionally and internationally. I can now name myself a famend artist.
What has been the toughest a part of navigating the leisure business to this point?
The best a part of being within the leisure business is the enterprise a part of it. In contrast to many ex-BBN housemates who already had connections and concepts on what a part of leisure they needed to enter whereas in the home, I used to be by no means ready for the leisure enterprise. Nevertheless, earlier than that point, God had been making ready me for a lot of the issues I’m presently doing. As an illustration, earlier than BBN, I began a health membership. Individuals used to snicker at me again then. I additionally began making content material on-line, despite the fact that no one was paying me for that. I solely handled it as a facet hustle then, as a result of my focus was on engineering.
You’ve got acted in numerous films. On which set did you’ve your favorite expertise?
I loved performing in Uche Mbunabo’s film titled, Life in Two Photos, as a result of it was the primary time I acted in a film. Individuals usually understand ex-BBN housemates as being undeserving of their achievements, as a result of they really feel they didn’t work onerous to realize fame. Because of this, I put numerous power into studying and delivering my strains. On the finish of all of it, I obtained good critiques and everybody was glad. I used to be excited that my first expertise was superior.
You usually act in fascinating skits with one other ex-BBN housemate, Liquorose. What’s your relationship along with her?
Liquorose and I are like greatest buddies. Having a gifted pal can’t simply go to waste. After we made our first skit and obtained a lot of optimistic suggestions, we determined to make it a collection for each Sunday.
What do you intention to realize within the leisure business as an actor?
I need to be often known as Africa’s number-one lover boy.
What was the spotlight of your first artwork exhibition?
My first artwork exhibition was at Omeka Gallery at Ikoyi, Lagos, throughout my final birthday. It was an enormous one for me, as a result of it took me years to place it collectively. The photographs that had been exhibited had been those I painted since 2017/18. Because it took a very long time, it was an emotional one for me. Liquorose was one in every of my patrons. Although it was after the election and types had been probably not in enterprise on the time, so I couldn’t get as many sponsors, but it surely was profitable.
When did you begin as an artist and what’s your long-term plan on your portray profession?
I’ve at all times cherished drawing, and I didn’t see it as something particular. I really get pleasure from seeing artwork greater than I like creating it. I was extra of an artwork lover. Nevertheless, after I graduated from faculty, I had nothing to do and I used to be broke. I additionally had a girlfriend then, and I didn’t have cash to get her a present for her birthday, so I needed to make a portray of her. 2015 was the primary time I painted a pal for follow, and she or he gave me N2000. That was the primary cash I produced from portray. I then painted my pastor’s spouse and once I gave it to her, she was emotional. That was once I knew I might earn a living from portray. I began making inquiries about the place I might be taught extra, and I used to be launched to an artist. I went on to have a six-day coaching with him.
My primary purpose is to be a world-renowned artist. I additionally need to go into the enterprise of shopping for and promoting artwork, and ultimately arrange an artwork institute.
What themes do your work discover?
I get pleasure from portray nudes. I just like the human physique and type. Quite a few tales might be informed with the human type. I’d name myself a nude artist.
What are some misconceptions folks have about ex-BBN housemates?
The most important false impression is that each woman in BBBN is a prostitute. That may be a massive lie. I do know a few of them that work so onerous for his or her cash, and they’re doing nice. So, I don’t prefer it once I hear these lies about them.
Some folks additionally suppose that we aren’t gifted sufficient, and that hurts as a result of numerous us are gifted.
One other false impression is that individuals suppose we didn’t make any sacrifices to get to the place we’re. Nevertheless, taking part in BBN is a sacrifice that takes lots from one. BBN just isn’t for everybody. Generally, I counsel some folks towards going for the present as a result of I do know it’s not for them. Followers really ship us presents as a result of they’re impressed by the sacrifices we made. Anybody that goes on that present deserves any present they get.
What’s the most costly art work you’ve ever made?
Nude artwork is among the most costly items of artwork I’ve bought.
What was your life like earlier than BBN?
Usually, I used to get up and head to work by 7am, and return to the home by 4 pm. I’d then head to the gymnasium, attend to shoppers at my health membership, and go residence to do some work. Throughout weekends, I normally painted, and skilled folks on-line.
Some individuals are of the opinion that males who maintain match last more in mattress. Is that true?
Lasting longer in mattress will depend on some elements. Generally, one’s physique may very well be in management, however one’s coronary heart would even have its timing. For males, intercourse is ‘blood work’, and it’s the coronary heart that pumps the blood. If one has a wholesome coronary heart, one would carry out higher in mattress.
In what methods have members of your loved ones supported your leisure profession?
My father didn’t assist me initially. Once I went for BBN, it was a blessing for me, as a result of my father obtained to observe me in my actual factor. Once I left the home, I believed we’d have a struggle, as a result of I had an unfiltered dialogue about my relationship with him on TV. Fortuitously, it made us nearer. Now, he helps every little thing I do. My father was the one who pushed me into engineering. However proper now, I’m getting cash and we’re all glad, as a result of that had at all times been the purpose.
What three issues are you able to inform us that folks don’t find out about you?
First, I didn’t have a girlfriend whereas my mom was alive, so I solely had my first kiss on the age of twenty-two.
Second, my favorite color is black.
Lastly, I inherited artwork and health from my dad, as a result of he at all times in contrast my health to his when he was my age.
What are your deal breakers in a relationship?
I don’t like dust. My associate have to be a clear particular person. Additionally, the particular person ought to be capable to maintain a dialog and be humorous. I like those that have a thoughts of their very own.
You appeared to be near your late mum. What had been the best classes she taught you?
I’m the final baby and the one son. My mom was an incredible girl, and she or he did every little thing for me. She was my greatest pal till she handed on in 2014. It was powerful, as a result of I couldn’t do a lot for myself. I spent most of my time at my mum’s place, as a result of I used to be nearer to her. She used to educate me day by day on tips on how to be an excellent husband.
