Nigerian-American entertainer Rotimi Akinosho has opened up about how his path to stardom in acting which began after facing setbacks in his music journey.
Speaking during an interview on CNN’s African Voices Changemakers, Rotimi discussed his early struggles in Chicago, where he was known locally as a singer but was battling financial hardship.
His turning point came when someone close to him saw potential in a different direction.
“I was a struggling artiste who was big in Chicago for music but had no money,” he said.
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He recalled his then-manager encouraging him to explore acting.
“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?’”
Despite having no acting experience or training, Rotimi decided to give it a try.
“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 bold move led to his breakout role in the political drama Boss, where he acted alongside Kelsey Grammer. From there, his acting career took off, with appearances in Power, Divergent, Battle Creek, and Black Nativity.
Even with his growing success on screen, Rotimi maintains a deep connection to music.
“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, Rotimi dropped a double album titled In My Heart In My Veins, which he described as a reflection of both sides of his artistry.
“You get two sides of who I am. 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.”
The multi-talented performer had been scheduled to embark on a 30-city tour earlier in the year, but health concerns forced a delay.
“For me, it’s just wanting to see the fans, wanting to prove to myself,” he said. “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 his focus is on joy and being present.
“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.”
Back in 2015, American rapper 50 Cent signed Rotimi to G-Unit Records — a key moment in his music career that helped him reach a wider audience.
