Melvin Alusa: From Rejection by His Father to Raising Eight Children and Starring on Global Screens

Early Life and Struggles

Melvin Alusa, 45, born in Kakamega, is not only a celebrated Kenyan actor but also the brother of Sauti Sol’s Bien-Aimé Baraza. He spent his first six years in his village under his grandmother’s care before moving to Nairobi to live with his father and stepfamily. Growing up, Melvin struggled with a strained relationship with his father, often feeling unwanted and rejected. At one point, his father even told him he hated him, leaving a lasting impact on his childhood.

He attended several primary schools before joining Kakamega High School, where he captained the rugby team. While sports were his strength, academics were challenging, and after being expelled, he moved to live with his biological mother in Umoja. Eventually, his father relocated to the UK, and Melvin began working various jobs before discovering his passion for acting.

Career Journey.

Melvin’s journey into acting was unplanned but transformative. He started out selling furniture, working as a tout, and later at Woolworths. A failed attempt to become a flight attendant led him to auditions through a former classmate, where he landed his first acting role.

He gradually rose to prominence, featuring in Makutano Junction and representing Kenya on Big Brother Africa, aiming not for fame but for the prize money. His acting career extended internationally, with notable roles in Mission to Rescue, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Country Queen, and Salem, which he eventually left due to a toxic work environment.

Melvin dreams of making a mark on Hollywood stages and starring in Netflix and HBO originals, using his roles to inspire and educate audiences.

Personal Life and Fatherhood.

A father of eight—five boys and three girls, including two sets of twins—Melvin has navigated the challenges of single parenthood with resilience. Reflecting on his own difficult upbringing, he strives to provide emotional support and a loving environment for his children.

“I am a single parent. There are moments I feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but the love and joy my children give me supersede everything else,” he shared in a past interview, also noting how he manages finances through side hustles.

Reconciliation with His Father.

Despite the painful past, Melvin and his father have reconciled. He has spoken openly about the impact of rejection in his childhood, sharing on social media:

“A father’s love is the foundation of his children. I grew up facing great rejection and resentment from my father. I was fearful, felt unworthy, and longed for affirmation, but it only got worse to the point of being kicked out of the home at 17.”

Today, he continues to work on repairing their relationship while focusing on his family and career.