Being Adora

It's difficult to find adjectives which appropriately define Adora Oleh, the delectable co-host of MTN Project Fame, arguably the biggest musical talent show in West Africa. Her unrelenting desire to defy stereotypes has helped her conquer new fields and reach for heights deemed unattainable, inspiring a generation of young women whose aspirations were long stifled by the glass ceiling. Olaitan Balogun reports...




Getting Started
Adora must have fantasised often about being the powerful and beautiful Oprah Winfrey, adored and held in awe across the world. It's no surprise; given that she possesses the sort of beauty and personality usually seen as infectious. Born and raised in Surrey, England, she imbibed the virtue of contentment early in life and discovered, also at a very young age, what her dream career was.
Thus was born a dream which she nurtured passionately. “It was there in school that I found love for performing and presenting programmes. I studied Law at University and hold a post graduate diploma in Media Law and Journalism as well as a Diploma in PR and marketing,” Adora explained.
To get a practical feel, she “worked as a broadcast journalist and TV presenter”.

Of MTN Project Fame and
the youth in general…
“In relation to top performing, the MTN Project Fame is a unique and fabulous show that definitely encourages the youths to live out their dream”, said Adora. Beyond the glamour of the show, West African youths are able to hone their talent through the platform offered by the programme. Speaking further on its prospects, she said: “The show was absolutely designed to celebrate talent, to enhance and polish all the contestants into world class performers and also teach them how to best package themselves after the competition is over”.
It's no wonder then that local talents are struggling to be part of this successful show. There are various elements in securing the success of a performer. Contestants have the honour of being taught the basic rudiments of music by the Project Fame faculty comprising some of the most accomplished music and dance artists across the continent. From Lagbaja to Asa and Samini, contestants receive mentoring that is incomparable to anything they might have experienced. “And judging by the hundreds of thousands of entrants across West Africa, it shows that it is a competition for all youth; and the skills taught go beyond Nigeria and West Africa”.


Thrills of Anchoring
“It is an amazing experience that couldn't have come at a better time for me and I'm so thrilled to be back hosting the third season. I'm fortunate to be working with Joseph Benjamin, my fantastic co-host. We are supported by a great team at Ultima Studios. So I really don't have any complaints. In fact, it would be criminal to say there are challenges. But having said that, maybe a slight challenge would be coping with elimination nights; it can be quite difficult when a contestant is upset about leaving the competition. Anyway, it can be very emotional,” she recalled.
Chiad Production
Last year, she devoted some time towards the transmission of her own TV show 'The Adora Oleh Show.' It was produced under her own television production company, Chiad TV Productions. “Chiad was formed with my sister, Chika Oleh who is a broadcast journalist and TV producer. Chiad Productions is a TV production outfit and also an events management company.
Over the years, the outfit has produced various TV shows and has also been involved in top-notch events including THISDAY Music and Fashion Festival, The Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival, The Mobo Awards, MNET Face of Africa, Carnival Calabar, Peace Festival and Miss Nigeria UK to name a few. “We are currently working on fresh productions”, said Adora.


A word FOR YouthS
Adora is committed to her job and attributes her sound work ethic and healthy lifestyle to the discipline she imbibed as a child. It's an insight she was willing to share. “I think that whether a person is privileged or not, if you want to pursue a career in any industry, you need to be driven. Challenges may come along the way at every stage but as they present themselves, try to remain focused and push through.
“It's also important to stay humble and always remember the struggle so you can value the good times. That way you will never become complacent and you will always keep appreciating what you've got,” she advised.