- During the pandemic, Vanessa Mdee met her now-husband Rotimi, and together they began a new chapter focused on faith, family, and healing.
- Living in Atlanta, Vanessa is now pursuing a life of purpose away from the spotlight, with growing speculation that she may soon enter Christian ministry—following in the footsteps of her mother, a pastor in Tanzania.
Tanzanian pop star Vanessa Mdee shocked fans when she announced that she was quitting music. This was not because she ran out of hits, but because the industry had taken a toll on her mental and emotional health.
Speaking in a recent CNN interview with Larry Madowo on African Voices, Vanessa opened up about her decision to leave the music scene behind. She described the entertainment industry as “toxic,” admitting it had left her feeling spiritually, emotionally, and mentally drained.
“I am no longer interested in charts or fame,” she said. “I stepped away because I needed to protect my peace and rediscover myself,” she added in an interview where she was joined by her husband, singer and actor, Rotimi.
It should be noted that Vanessa had made her mark as one of East Africa’s most beloved artists, known for hits like ‘Cash Madame’ and ‘Nobody But Me’.
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However below the glamour, she struggled silently with the pressures of the industry, which pushed her into depression and unhealthy habits as detailed in the interview.
Her turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she met Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi. Their bond grew quickly during the lockdown, and the two have since gotten married and welcomed two children.
As of today, Vanessa lives in Atlanta, where she focuses on family and a more grounded life. She says her journey now is about healing and purpose—not performance. Rotimi, who supported her through the transition, praised her decision and noted how it has helped their family thrive.
Now fans online are now speculating whether Vanessa’s next step could be religious ministry. She noted that she grew up in a religious family and her mother is a Pastor back in Arusha.
Larry Madowo even asked her and Rotimi if a church is next for them since they all have a strong Christian background.
While she hasn’t confirmed venturing into Pastoring, Vanessa’s shift toward spirituality seems to be a major part of her next chapter.
Vanessa Mdee’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always mean staying in the spotlight—it can also mean walking away.
Besides, she’s also proud of the door she kicked for other young female Tanzanian singers but for now, she says that the same industry she used to rise to stardom is the same she will use to serve God.
