Boma Akpore is one of the contestants on the Big Brother Naija (also BBNaija) Season 6 edition themed “Shine Ya Eye”. Akpore is a relatively successful actor and model who also doubles as a mixologist and masseur.
He is the first contestant introduced on the show’s sixth season, which premiered on Saturday, 24 July 2021. With a new twist to spice things up, the organisers chose to introduce all 11 male contestants on the first day and left out the ladies until the next evening.
With a prize of NGN90 million (or $218,712) up for grabs on the last day of BBNaija Season 6, Boma Akpore will be facing off with 21 other Nigerian youths. We explore details, facts and answer questions about the housemates as the show progresses and new details emerge. First, we kick it off with the eye candy model and actor.
10 facts about Boma Akpore
- Boma Akpore is a 34-year-old Nigerian model and actor born in 1987 and raised in Yaba, Lagos State.
- He is of Rivers and Delta State ancestry courtesy of his parents but he grew up in the care of his mother and grandmother.
- Before he became a model and eventually, an actor, Akpore wanted to be a professional footballer but he suffered a sever back injury which ended his dream.
- He had to pay his tuition fees in the university by doing several odd jobs and gigs, and he eventually dropped out a year before graduating because he could not afford the fees anymore.
- In 2003, when he was barely 16, Boma Akpore got his first modelling gig for a top Nigerian telecommunications brand and he featured on Nigeria Fashion Week in 2014.
- After dropping out of the university, he started working as a bartender and a masseur when he was not modelling until he saved up enough money for film school.
- Akpore starred in the 2018 Nigerian epic fantasy film “Orunsewa”, directed and produced by Desmond Elliot.
- He has made appearances in American TV shows such as NBC “Blacklist”, Marvel “Luke Cage”, “The Last O.G.”, Saturday Night Live, Ray Donovan, Law & Order, and more.
- Boma Akpore is on Instagram as @bomaakpore and his handle is already verified with more than 200K followers and counting.
- He was once married but his marriage failed and he has since split from his wife.
Related article: BBNaija reunion show 2021: What have 2020 housemates been up to?
Early life and education
Born in 1987 and raised in Yaba, Lagos State, Boma Akpore is of mixed ancestry with Rivers and Delta State roots, thanks to his parents. However, from childhood, his father has not been in the picture. We have not confirmed if his father passed or split from his mother, but he reveals that he grew up with her and his grandmother.
In his teenage years, Akpore had always wanted to be a footballer. He got into athleticism and fitness early in life and looked poised to cut it as a professional footballer. However, a critical back injury dashed that dream to pieces.
Things were tough growing up, and in his pre-show interview with BBNaija Season 6 organisers, African Magic, he said that he had to pay his way through the university. Eventually, the financial constraints got too tight, and he dropped out in his final year, failing to graduate. He says this is one of the most difficult decisions he has taken in his life.
Well, the silver lining in his story is that he did not give up after two major setbacks that early in life. Instead, he picked himself up and continued grinding. Eventually, he saved up enough to pay for film school. Things started getting better for him from then on.
Career
Modelling
One of the perks that came with his interest in playing football was that he was no slugger when it came to keeping fit. Soon, after professional football was off the table, Boma Akpore focused on enhancing his body. Several gym sessions over the years had him ripe and looking prime for the modelling world in no time.
In 2003, when he was barely 16, he got his first modelling gig for a top Nigerian telecommunications brand. Then, in 2004, at 17, Akpore featured on Nigeria Fashion Week as one of the male models showcasing breathtaking styles from designers.
Since then, he has gone on to bigger gigs, and his Instagram page is littered with photos and videos of him posing in different locations such as New York, Paris, Texas, Scotland, and more. His modelling career is still in full swing as we can see.
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Acting
As an actor, Boma Akpore has mostly done small roles that will need some pointing out for you to notice him. However, in the 2018 Nigerian epic fantasy film “Orunsewa” directed and produced by Desmond Elliot, Akpore played a more primary role as Prince Adeyemi. The film starred Sophia Alakija in the title role and other Nollywood veterans like Bimbo Ademoye, Rachel Oniga, Adunni Ade, and more.
You can watch the film here:
https://youtu.be/A7Va9gKkUHk
Akpore is also set to star in an afro-futuristic sword and sorcery trilogy set in ancient Kemet titled “Protector of the Gods”. Here is a complete list of Boma Akpore acting credits:
- Orunsewa (as Prince Adeyemi) – 2018
- Luke Cage (as one of Shades Crew) – 2018
- Ray Donovan Season 6 (Boxer) – 2018
- Saturday Nigth Live Season 44 Episode 5 (uncredited) – 2018
- Blacklist Season 6 Episode 16 “Lady Luck” – 2019
- The Last O.G. Season 2 (uncredited) – 2019
- Law & Order Season 20 Episode 22 “Diss” (uncredited) – 2019
- Protector of the Gods – still in pre-production
Read more: Ryan Haywood Rooster Teeth controversy: what happened to Achievement Hunter star?
Personal life
Boma Akpore was once married, but it ended in separation and divorce. The actor did not provide any further clarification on the details regarding his marriage, but its crash had a strong effect on him. He told African Magic that he suffered ‘bouts of depression’ from it. This was not the first time he was encountering the disease, as he had gone through it after he had the back injury that ended his career as a professional footballer.
If he had any child from his failed marriage, Akpore does not say, and we checked his verified Instagram account and found nothing about a child. Likely, it means that he does not have children. Although, it could also mean that he has chosen to keep that information away from the media. Regardless, he says that every setback he has faced in life has only built his determination to never give up hope.
