Yulisa ‘Ulisses’ Maddy, a four-time Muscle Mania world champion and prominent fitness influencer, shares insights into his Nigerian-Sierra Leonean heritage, his bodybuilding journey, and his endeavors to reshape fitness culture in Africa. Born to a Nigerian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, Ulisses identifies as both, cherishing his ties to both cultures. His early memories of Nigeria include playful visits as a child, mingling with the creative giants of the country, such as Fela Kuti. Growing up, Ulisses also spent time in Sierra Leone, learning the culture and language that further shaped his identity.
Ulisses ventured into bodybuilding motivated by his friends, who encouraged him to participate in local competitions given his impressive physique. Initially, he trained to build strength for American football but soon discovered a passion for bodybuilding that became more than a hobby; it transformed into a therapeutic journey for his physical and mental well-being. His competitive spirit led him to win multiple trophies, ultimately establishing a long-lasting career. Despite a break due to family commitments, Ulisses returned to competition, achieving the pinnacle of success by winning world championships.
Among his numerous accolades, one of the pivotal moments in Ulisses’s career was working with celebrities. While bodybuilding titles brought recognition, they lacked financial stability. He realized the importance of branding early on and leveraged opportunities with high-profile clients, including jazz musician Harry Connick Jr. This experience not only provided mentorship but also allowed Ulisses to pivot his focus toward building a sustainable business model around fitness that included training celebrities while investing in his own brand development.
With a remarkable following of approximately 17 million across various social media platforms, Ulisses emphasizes creating engaging content that resonates with a diverse audience. He believes in authentic communication and shares value-driven content through workout tips and lifestyle insights. By connecting with fans through interactive sessions, he cultivates a community that appreciates his advice and experiences, making fitness more relatable and accessible to everyday individuals. However, balancing his extensive commitments remains challenging as he manages multiple businesses, training clients, and a busy travel schedule, aided by a dedicated team that helps streamline operations and maintain focus.
Ulisses is passionate about promoting fitness awareness in Africa, where he perceives a significant gap compared to other regions. He is on a mission to alter the misconception that wealth equates to being overweight and believes that health should take precedence. He highlights the need for education on training and nutrition, especially among the youth who may not have the same access to resources as those in the West. To that end, he is planning a tour across several African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal to enhance fitness consciousness and inspire the next generation.
Reflecting on his journey, Ulisses identifies consistency as the cornerstone of any successful fitness endeavor. He advises newcomers to remain committed to activities they enjoy, regardless of duration, as this fosters mental well-being and promotes long-term physical health. Through personal anecdotes, he stresses the importance of individual initiative and persistence, emphasizing that hard work, even in circumstances that seem insurmountable, is crucial to achieving one’s goals. In looking forward, Ulisses is not just focused on personal growth but is also dedicated to uplifting others in the fitness community.
