Melvin Alusa is a renowned Kenyan actor recognized for his dynamic performances in films, television, and stage productions both locally and internationally. Over the years, he has earned acclaim for his roles in several high-profile projects, showcasing versatility across genres from drama to action films. In addition to acting, Melvin has contributed as a producer and location manager, solidifying his multifaceted role in the entertainment industry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Melvin Alusa |
| Date of Birth | Circa 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Kakamega, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| State of Origin | Kakamega County, Western Kenya |
| Relatives | Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza (brother, Sauti Sol vocalist), Yuri Baraza (brother), sister in the US |
| Partner | Wife (name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Eight children: 5 boys and 3 girls, including two sets of twins |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer, Location Manager |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 to $2 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Born around 1982 in Kakamega, Western Kenya, Melvin Alusa spent his early childhood with his grandmother before relocating to Nairobi with his father. Raised in a family that placed a high value on education, his father was a respected academic and scientist.
Despite facing personal challenges and a difficult relationship with his father, Melvin excelled in sports, notably rugby, where he captained his high school team and played at the national under-21 level. However, after being expelled from Kakamega High School, he moved to Nairobi to live with his biological mother, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Career
Melvin’s journey to becoming an actor was motivated by a youthful desire to impress his childhood crush, which led him to audition for a musical at All Saints Cathedral despite no prior acting experience.
His passion for acting was ignited after performing in a biblical-inspired play, and under the mentorship of theatre director Jacob Otieno, he ventured deeper into stage and screen acting. His breakout role came as Solaris in the popular Kenyan TV soap opera Makutano Junction, where he gained valuable industry experience.
He transitioned to international projects with roles in films like The First Grader and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt to diverse characters, including mastering different dialects.
His acclaimed performance as Captain Baraza in Mission to Rescue, a film based on a true abduction incident, garnered him awards and nominations, including the Best Lead Actor award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
More recently, he starred in Kenya’s first Netflix original series, Country Queen, which tackled social justice issues and resonated strongly with audiences.
Melvin also gained continental visibility by participating in Big Brother Africa in 2014, where he was noted as the oldest contestant that season. Beyond acting, he has co-directed radio series and worked behind the scenes in production roles, reflecting his broad creative talents.
Personal Life
Melvin Alusa is a dedicated father to eight children, including multiple sets of twins, and openly discusses the joys and challenges of raising a large family.
His wife, whose name remains private, supports him through the ups and downs of his career. Melvin is also the elder brother to Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza, famed lead singer of Sauti Sol, a popular Kenyan Afro-pop band.
Despite public interest in this connection, Melvin pursues his own independent path in the entertainment industry. He has publicly shared experiences of overcoming familial and personal hardships and advocates for mental health awareness within the acting community.
Net Worth
Melvin Alusa’s net worth it is estimated to range between $500,000 and $2 million. His income derives from his work in film and television roles, commercial endorsements, production credits, and various side projects.
Filmography
Melvin Alusa’s diverse filmography spans over 30 screen credits:
- Films include Mission to Rescue, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, The First Grader, Lusala, Adisa, Married to Work, and The More Things Change.
- Television roles include Makutano Junction, Salem, Country Queen, Crime and Justice, and Subterranea.
- He has also done voice acting for video games and served as a location manager for productions like The Marshal of Finland.
Awards and Nominations
- Winner of Best Lead Actor at the Zanzibar International Film Festival, 2021, for Mission to Rescue.
- Nominated for Best Actor at the 17th Africa Movie Academy Awards, 2021.
- Received a nomination for an International Emmy Award in 2013 for his co-direction of the radio series Jongo Love.
- Nominated at the Kalasha Awards connected to his role in Mission to Rescue.
