Rotimi, Celebrated Nigerian American Artist, Releases Sizzling Afrobeats Track
The Nigerian-American actor has made a significant mark in both the entertainment and music industries, known for his roles in popular US TV dramas like “Boss” and “Power.” However, beneath his acting success lies a passion for music, which he considers his true calling, aside from his affection for his partner.
His latest musical endeavor is a vibrant Afrobeats track titled “Sade,” featuring Nigerian artist Mayorkun and South African rapper Nasty C. Reflecting on the song, he expressed his desire to fuse various musical elements like Afrobeats, R&B, and Amapiano into one cohesive piece, embodying his rich cultural background.
Rotimi attributes his ability to create great music to his journey of embracing his mixed identity fully. As a person of mixed Igbo and Yoruba heritage, coupled with being light-skinned, he faced challenges growing up, including being labeled as “white” when he visited Nigeria. However, once he embraced his identity unapologetically, he found creative liberation, resulting in hits like “In My Bed” and “Love Riddim.”
Acting initially served as a means to support his music career, but Rotimi’s natural talent on camera propelled him into the spotlight, particularly with his role in “Power.” Despite his acting success, music has always remained his primary passion.
Rotimi’s ambitious nature, instilled by his driven parents, enables him to juggle multiple responsibilities seamlessly. Balancing the demands of his acting career with his musical pursuits requires him to work efficiently, often crafting hit songs within tight timeframes.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Rotimi shares a fulfilling personal life with his partner, Tanzanian singer-songwriter Vanessa Mdee, and their two children. The couple’s love story began at Essence festival, evolving into a deep connection despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship.
Rotimi and Vanessa consciously use social media to showcase their relationship, recognizing the importance of representing black love and familial unity in the entertainment industry.
Beyond personal achievements, Rotimi aspires to represent Africa on a global scale through his music, touring various continents and garnering success with hit songs.
Despite his accomplishments, Rotimi acknowledges the importance of maintaining integrity and self-discipline in the face of newfound fame, emphasizing the need to block out negativity and continually strive for personal growth.