Award-winning actor and former Big Brother Africa contestant Melvin Alusa has shared a candid look into his life as a single father of seven.
Speaking on the Netwalking Show with Jacquey Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, Alusa detailed the domestic challenges of managing a large household.
A Mammoth Task
One of the most relatable yet exhausting tasks Alusa faces is grooming his children. He described the process of cutting their nails as a major undertaking that requires immense patience. With seven children, the numbers quickly add up to a daunting total of 140 nails.
"I have to wake up and figure out how their day will be," Alusa said. He recalled a recent session where the task became overwhelming.
“Jana nilikuwa nawakata makucha, nikafika mtoto wa 3 na bado niko na 4 nafaa niendelee kuanzia saa moja. Hizo ni vidole 10 za mikono na vidole 10 za miguu na watoto ni 7. Hapo ninakuwa nadeal na vidole 140,” he said.
“Kibarua ingine ngumu ni kama siku zile za grooming when I am taking my boys to kinyozi and my girls to salon, that’s an entire weekend I dedicate to their grooming.”
Navigating Fame and Fatherhood
Alusa’s journey hasn't always been easy. Following his stint on Big Brother Africa, he faced a period where work was scarce despite his increased public profile. He revealed that he faced eviction three times while living with his wife and children.
"Your value goes up in people's heads and minds," he explained regarding his time after the reality show.
"We can't afford him. He's come from Big Brother. He's too expensive," he added, describing the misconceptions he faced.
The actor became the primary guardian of his children after his marriage ended. At the time of the split, his youngest twins were only one year old. The next set of twins was three, while the other children were aged seven, nine, and ten.
The House of Alusa
Alusa is now documenting his experiences in a new reality show titled House of Alusa. The programme aims to show the authentic daily life of a single father. It will cover everything from school preparations to the "household chaos" of fights and reconciliations.
"What a child wants is love and a present from father or mother."
"I want to be a source of inspiration and encouragement," Alusa said. He emphasised that children do not care about material wealth.
"Their love is pure. Their love is just unique. They accept you the way you are," he remarked.
