admin 
…African Voices Changemakers airs on CNN International on Saturday, 31st May 2025 at 07:30 WAT.
In the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo meets Nigerian-American singer and actor Rotimi, and his wife, Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee, in their first exclusive joint interview.
Born in the US to Nigerian parents, Rotimi’s journey into the spotlight began with acting. His breakout role came 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. 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 résumé—no acting coach or anybody in Chicago wanted to take me. And I got it, again by the grace of God.”
After this role, Rotimi landed several more major parts, but he emphasises to Madowo that his real passion is music. Reflecting on his favourite song, he says:
“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 fusion of Afrobeats and R\&B. Rotimi explains the concept:
“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 a whole R\&B side.”
When CNN filmed with Rotimi in April, he was preparing for a 30-city tour and took the crew behind the scenes of his process. However, his doctor advised him to postpone the tour to protect his vocal health. He opens up to Madowo about the experience:
“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-centered music to wellness apps and Bible studies, Rotimi and Vanessa Mdee are pursuing a mission that reflects a deeper calling. Madowo asks them both what the future holds. Mdee responds:
“I just want every time I step out and do something, for it to be meaningful, purposeful, and effective.”
Rotimi shares how his perspective has evolved:
“I used to say I want this in five 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.”
African Voices Changemakers airs on CNN International at the following times (WAT):
- Saturday, 31st May 2025 at 07:30 and 11:00
- Sunday, 1st June 2025 at 03:30 and 18:00
- Saturday, 7th June 2025 at 07:30 and 11:00
- Sunday, 8th June 2025 at 03:30 and 18:00
