CITIZENS COMPASS–In the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo meets Nigerian singer Rotimi and his wife Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee, in an exclusive first joint interview.
Born in the United States of America (USA) to Nigerian parents, Rotimi’s journey into the spotlight began with acting. His breakout role was in ‘Boss’, alongside Kelsey Grammer. He tells Madowo how this came about, “I was a struggling artist who was big in Chicago for music but had no money, and then my manager at the time was like, listen, man, you’re a real natural in front of a camera. Why don’t you just go try to get a commercial? And I had no resume, so no acting coach or anybody in Chicago wanted to take me and I got again by the grace of God.”
After this role, Rotimi gained more major roles, however he emphasises to Madowo that his real passion is music. He reflects on his favourite song he’s made, “Love Somebody is probably my favourite song that I’ve done, because if you even just go look at the lyrics, (…) it’s a conversation that God is having with you to remind you that everything that you want is right there, that love is that simple.”
In 2024 he released the double album ‘In My Heart In My Veins’, a combination of Afrobeats and R&B. Rotimi explains this decision, “You get two sides of who I am because it’s always been: is it R&B, is it Afrobeats. We literally gave a double album so that you have a whole list of songs here that are Afrobeats and have a whole R&B side.”
When CNN filmed with Rotimi in April, he was gearing up for a 30-city tour, and took CNN with him through all his preparations. However, his doctor advised him to postpone the tour for the health of his throat. Rotimi opens up about this to Madowo, “For me, it’s just wanting to see the fans, wanting to prove to myself. A lot of people can’t tour 30 cities and for me to not be able to because of something I really can’t control, it’s hard. You just have to now put more faith in God, that there’s a reason for this.”
From love centred music to wellness apps and bible studies, Rotimi and Vanessa Mdee are on a mission that reflects a deeper calling. Madowo asks them both about what’s in their future. For Mdee she answers, “I just want every time I step out and do something for it to be meaningful, purposeful and effective.” Rotimi highlights how his answer to this question has changed over time, “I used to say I want this in 5 years. I used to profess it and then I realised, who am I. Whatever it’s supposed to be, I just wanna be happy and full of joy.”
