Vanessa Mdee: Resilience, Motherhood, and Overcoming Demons

[Vanessa Mdee/Taarifa News]

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In the ever-evolving world of music, artists often face personal challenges and crossroads that prompt them to make profound decisions, sometimes taking them on unexpected journeys. Such is the case with American-based Tanzanian singer Vanessa Mdee, whose sabbatical from the music industry was driven by a complex web of emotions, including her struggle with depression and a newfound focus on family life.

In 2020, Vanessa Mdee announced her departure from the music scene, a decision that left her fans and the industry in shock. At the time, her career was flourishing in her homeland of Tanzania and in Kenya, making her exit all the more surprising. In her podcast, ""Deep Dive with Vanessa Mdee,"" she laid bare the reasons behind her departure, offering a candid and raw insight into her life.

The singer described the music industry as ""demonic,"" highlighting it as the primary reason for her decision to step away. In the 29-minute episode, she revealed that she needed to choose life over the industry, emphasizing that she is on a mission to advocate for honesty, beauty, and the transformative power of confronting one's demons.

Vanessa Mdee's words reflected a deep sense of conviction as she shared her journey and the demons she had faced. She expressed, ""I don’t know who needs to hear this, but my mission is to be a light. I know that I would probably disappoint a few people, and that's okay. I know that my fans don't wanna hear this, but guess what, I am never too far away from you, trust me.""

Her decision was driven by her belief that the music industry harbors its share of darkness, often concealed beneath a glamorous façade. She was determined to be an advocate for authenticity, confronting one's inner struggles, and the transformative power of such an endeavor.

Vanessa's heartfelt explanation resonated with her fans, many of whom had been left wondering about her future in music. She clarified that while she deeply loves music, creation, and performance, her need to address her inner demons and advocate for truth took precedence. She reaffirmed her commitment to the art form, emphasizing that she was a vessel brought to this world for that very purpose.

However, the journey did not end with her podcast revelation. Vanessa Mdee embarked on a new chapter of her life, moving to the United States to be with her fiancé, singer and actor Rotimi. It has been three years since she last released a record, a period marked by transformation, personal growth, and resilience.

In a recent live Instagram session with her fans, Vanessa Mdee denied the rumors that she had quit music altogether. She clarified that her sabbatical was not a permanent exit from the industry. Instead, she had taken a break to prioritize her mental health and raise her young family.

""I took a break from music because I got into depression, and I needed a change, so I took time to take care of my mental health. At the same time, I wanted to raise a family, but to say I have quit music, that is not true. This God-given gifted music is in my blood; it's something I can't quit,"" Vanessa explained, addressing the misconceptions about her hiatus.

Her decision to step back from music was also influenced by a turbulent chapter in her personal life. She had undergone a painful breakup with her on-and-off boyfriend, singer Juma Jux. Jux later confirmed that he had been the one to get dumped, leaving Vanessa heartbroken. Shortly after this emotionally charged separation, Vanessa found love and solace in the arms of Rotimi, taking a step toward marriage and motherhood.

In a past interview, Vanessa delved into the dynamics of her relationship with Jux, explaining that it had reached a stagnation point, despite the years they had spent together. Their journey had not progressed to the next level, leading her to reevaluate the path she was on.

Her journey is a testament to her resilience, honesty, and her commitment to confronting the demons that can weigh down the human spirit. Her hiatus from music has been marked by profound self-discovery, and her openness about her experiences has served as an inspiration for those who face similar challenges. While her return to music remains uncertain, her unwavering dedication to authenticity and family life continues to shine as a guiding light in the ever-evolving world of music.