Rotimi Reveals Acting Began as Plan B After Struggling with Music

Image: Google 

Nigerian-American entertainer Rotimi has opened up about how acting became a turning point in his career after facing setbacks in music.

Speaking on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, the singer and actor shared personal stories about his rise to fame and his relationship with Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee, his wife.

Rotimi told CNN’s Larry Madowo that his first acting opportunity came during a difficult period in Chicago, where he was struggling to break through as a musician despite local popularity.

“I was a struggling artiste who was big in Chicago for music but had no money,” he said.

He recalled how his manager encouraged him to try acting.

“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?” he explained.

“I had no resume, so no acting coach or anybody in Chicago wanted to take me, and I got in by the grace of God.”

That leap of faith led to his breakout role in the political drama Boss, where he starred alongside veteran actor Kelsey Grammer. From there, Rotimi went on to appear in major productions such as Power, Divergent, Black Nativity, and Battle Creek.

Despite his success on screen, Rotimi insists that music remains his first love.

“Love Somebody is probably my favourite song that I have done,” he said. “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 unveiled a double album titled In My Heart In My Veins, fusing Afrobeats and R&B.

“You get two sides of who I am,” he explained. “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.”

Rotimi had been gearing up for a 30-city tour in April but was forced to postpone it after receiving medical advice concerning his throat.

“For me, it’s just wanting to see the fans, wanting to prove to myself,” he shared.

“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.”

Now, Rotimi says he’s focused on living with purpose and letting life unfold naturally.

“I used to say I want this in five years,” he said. “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.”

Rotimi, who was signed to 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records in 2015, continues to navigate both music and acting, embracing the journey that began with a simple suggestion and a leap of faith.

#Rotimi

#Acting

#EntertainmentDaily