Former Big Brother Naija housemate and artist, Adeoluwa Okusaga, aka Saga, tells OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about his career and other issues
Since you left BBN, is there something you wanted to do that you are doing already?
I was a struggling artist before the Big Brother. Though I am a graduate of engineering, my results were not that excellent, so I did not think I would practise an engineer. I started painting as a side hustle since it was all I had until six months later when I got a job as an engineer. I had to drop art and focus on engineering. By 2016, some of my artist colleagues had gone international. The thought of it kept haunting me, particularly because I had constantly felt like I did not push my art career enough. When I went for BBN, I saw it as an opportunity to make up for the lost years. After the competition, I organised some events and exhibitions, both locally and internationally. I can now call myself a renowned artist.
What has been the hardest part of navigating the entertainment industry so far?
The highest part of being in the entertainment industry is the business part of it. Unlike many ex-BBN housemates who already had connections and ideas on what part of entertainment they wanted to go into while in the house, I was never prepared for the entertainment business. However, before that time, God had been preparing me for most of the things I am currently doing. For instance, before BBN, I started a fitness club. People used to laugh at me back then. I also started making content online, even though nobody was paying me for that. I only treated it as a side hustle then, because my focus was on engineering.
You have acted in different movies. On which set did you have your favourite experience?
I enjoyed acting in Uche Mbunabo’s movie titled, Life in Two Pictures, because it was the first time I acted in a movie. People often perceive ex-BBN housemates as being undeserving of their achievements, because they feel they did not work hard to achieve fame. For this reason, I put a lot of energy into learning and delivering my lines. At the end of it all, I got good reviews and everyone was happy. I was excited that my first experience was awesome.
You often act in interesting skits with another ex-BBN housemate, Liquorose. What is your relationship with her?
Liquorose and I are like best friends. Having a talented friend cannot just go to waste. After we made our first skit and got lots of positive feedback, we decided to make it a series for every Sunday.
What do you aim to achieve in the entertainment industry as an actor?
I want to be known as Africa’s number-one lover boy.
What was the highlight of your first art exhibition?
My first art exhibition was at Omeka Gallery at Ikoyi, Lagos, during my last birthday. It was a big one for me, because it took me years to put it together. The pictures that were exhibited were the ones I painted since 2017/18. Since it took a long time, it was an emotional one for me. Liquorose was one of my buyers. Even though it was after the election and brands were not really in business at the time, so I could not get as many sponsors, but it was successful.
When did you start as an artist and what is your long-term plan for your painting career?
I have always loved drawing, and I did not see it as anything special. I actually enjoy seeing art more than I like creating it. I used to be more of an art lover. However, after I graduated from school, I had nothing to do and I was broke. I also had a girlfriend then, and I did not have money to get her a gift for her birthday, so I had to make a painting of her. 2015 was the first time I painted a friend for practice, and she gave me N2000. That was the first money I made from painting. I then painted my pastor’s wife and when I gave it to her, she was emotional. That was when I knew I could make money from painting. I started making inquiries about where I could learn more, and I was introduced to an artist. I went on to have a six-day training with him.
My number one goal is to be a world-renowned artist. I also want to go into the business of buying and selling art, and eventually set up an art institute.
What themes do your paintings explore?
I enjoy painting nudes. I like the human body and form. Numerous stories can be told with the human form. I would call myself a nude artist.
What are some misconceptions people have about ex-BBN housemates?
The biggest misconception is that every lady in BBBN is a prostitute. That is a big lie. I know some of them that work so hard for their money, and they are doing great. So, I don’t like it when I hear those lies about them.
Some people also think that we are not talented enough, and that hurts because a lot of us are gifted.
Another misconception is that people think we did not make any sacrifices to get to where we are. However, participating in BBN is a sacrifice that takes a lot from one. BBN is not for everyone. Sometimes, I advise some people against going for the show because I know it is not for them. Fans actually send us gifts because they are inspired by the sacrifices we made. Anyone that goes on that show deserves any gift they get.
What is the most expensive artwork you have ever made?
Nude art is one of the most expensive pieces of art I have sold.
What was your life like before BBN?
Typically, I used to wake up and head to work by 7am, and return to the house by 4 pm. I would then head to the gym, attend to clients at my fitness club, and go home to do some paintings. During weekends, I usually painted, and trained people online.
Some people are of the opinion that men who keep fit last longer in bed. Is that true?
Lasting longer in bed depends on some factors. Sometimes, one’s body could be in control, but one’s heart would also have its timing. For men, sex is ‘blood work’, and it is the heart that pumps the blood. If one has a healthy heart, one would perform better in bed.
In what ways have members of your family supported your entertainment career?
My father did not support me initially. When I went for BBN, it was a blessing for me, because my father got to watch me in my real element. When I left the house, I thought we would have a fight, because I had an unfiltered discussion about my relationship with him on TV. Fortunately, it made us closer. Now, he supports everything I do. My father was the one who pushed me into engineering. But right now, I am making money and we are all happy, because that had always been the goal.
What three things can you tell us that people don’t know about you?
First, I did not have a girlfriend while my mother was alive, so I only had my first kiss at the age of 22.
Second, my favourite colour is black.
Lastly, I inherited art and fitness from my dad, because he always compared my fitness to his when he was my age.
What are your deal breakers in a relationship?
I don’t like dirt. My partner must be a clean person. Also, the person should be able to hold a conversation and be funny. I like people that have a mind of their own.
You seemed to be close to your late mum. What were the greatest lessons she taught you?
I am the last child and the only son. My mother was an amazing woman, and she did everything for me. She was my best friend until she passed on in 2014. It was tough, because I could not do much for myself. I spent most of my time at my mum’s place, because I was closer to her. She used to coach me every day on how to be a good husband.
