Atlanta, Georgia
CNN
–
When Nigerian-American actor singer Rotimi and Tanzanian pop star Vanessamdi first met in 2019, it was the beginning of a love story that neither of them had hoped for.
The first encounter six years ago could be directly from ROM-COM. They both just performed at the Essence Culture Festival in New Orleans, and ended with the same spot-filed after party. But there were other plans in fate.
“She was sitting on the pool table,” laughs Rotimi. “The light was shining and shining.
A friend of Rotimi’s introduced us, leading to a deep conversation for several hours. Within a few days they were unable to separate. A long distance relationship began between Vanessa in Tanzania, Rotimi in Atlanta, Georgia, and Rotimi in the United States. “I never left,” Vanessa says with a laugh.
Now, for a few years, their two children, and after their wedding, the power couple was held at CNN’s Larry Madowo in their first joint interview about love, heritage and life of deliberate faith.
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced much of the world into tranquility for Rotimi and Vanessa, but it has become a sacred era. “He really thanked God because he created an environment for us so that we could get to know each other on a very intimate and spiritual level,” Vanessa recalls.
With the encouragement of Rotimi, she booked a flight to the US for a mini vacation, but ended up having to stay extended due to travel restrictions.
“If I had been a day late, I wouldn’t have seen each other for more than nine months when the border was locked,” she says.
The lockdown has both become much-needed breaks.
“I came to the scene when I was 18, so at this point I was doing well into my 30s so I never took a break,” adds Vanessa.
The timing was also divine for Rotimi, who just released a hit “In My Bed.”
“For me, if the world had been open during that time and the ‘in my bed’ record had just come out, I would have been moving around the tour for the full run of that song.
The holidays say it allows something deeper than fame to grow, causing a journey to faith, family and purpose.
“God wanted me to sit down and heal a lot of things,” adds Rotimi.
Once one of East Africa’s biggest music stars, Vanessa made headlines when she left the industry at the height of her 2020 career. However, this decision was not impulsive.
“For me, the (music industry) was draining my mental, mental, emotional and physical health in many ways. I looked at many different evils that aren’t good for me as a person,” she says.
“It’s where the music industry has become so toxic to me. I’m not saying it’s everyone’s story. It’s my story.”
Today, she co-led with For To Bearth, a wellness app and community based on the couple’s faith, and she mentors women all over the world through biblical studies, prayer circles and now women’s conferences.
“I just want it every time I step out and do something meaningful, purposeful, effective,” she adds.
Rotimi, whose real name is Orlottimi Akino Show, continues to build his career in his current role as Pastor Charles in the Showtime series “Chee,” but embraced a life beyond the spotlight. While releasing new music.
“The job is to become a ship,” says the 36-year-old. “God works in a mysterious way. It’s not a cookie cutter approach. It’s more of a detour.”
Their love is bold and deeply rooted. Married in 2021, they call their relationship “kingdom marriage” and are based on their shared faith.
“We’re not perfect,” says Vanessa. “But we know who is at the heart of it: God.”
Together, they raise two children and navigate mixed culturalists in harmony with Yoruba, Swahili and American traditions.
“(The kids) know they are 50% Tanzanians and 50% Nigerians. They can defend that,” says Rotimi. “It’s about giving our children roots and wings.”
“To lay a strong foundation for children, you need to have a lot of time, commitment, and very present. You play with them, develop skills, and hone your craft while giving them a strong foundation,” adds Vanessa.
From love-centered music and wellness apps to Bible studies, Rotimi and Vanessa feel they are on a mission that reflects a deeper calling. However, when asked if there would be a ministry in the future, the couple were uncertain.
“It’s stupid to say no, but it’s too early to say yes,” says Rotimi.
“Whatever we do, we know that it will be for his glory,” adds Vanessa.
