Rotimi has never been one to follow the industry’s blueprint. Whether it’s balancing a career in both music and acting, resisting the pressures of viral fame, or prioritizing faith over temptation, he’s carving a path that’s uniquely his own. In a raw and introspective conversation on the Jay Hill Podcast, the singer-actor opened up about his spiritual journey, the cost of fame, and why music—not acting—has his heart.
Music Over Acting: The Power of Authentic Connection
Despite his breakout role as Dre in Power, Rotimi makes it clear that music is his true passion. “Music is the only way people can really know me,” he explains. Unlike acting, where he steps into different characters, music allows him to express his truth. “People will listen to a song 100 times, but they might only watch their favorite movie three times,” he says, emphasizing music’s lasting impact.
That dedication has paid off. His song In My Bed became a career-defining hit, but at the time, he had limited creative control. Now, with more ownership of his work and better business deals, he’s making more money than ever—despite being less visible in the mainstream.
Industry Pressures & The Reality of Fame
At the height of his fame, Rotimi found himself surrounded by what he calls “false relationships.” Moving to Atlanta after COVID helped him reset, allowing him to focus on real connections and eliminate distractions. He references his song Broski, which touches on the reality of fake friendships in the industry. “I’ve got three real friends now,” he says, admitting he’s much more cautious about who he lets into his circle.
Rotimi also rejects the industry’s obsession with clout. “I don’t do gimmicks,” he says. While many artists chase viral moments, he prioritizes quality over quantity, choosing authenticity over fleeting popularity.
Faith & Finding Purpose Beyond Fame
For Rotimi, his biggest challenge isn’t navigating the industry—it’s choosing faith over temptation every single day. “Dying to my flesh daily,” as he puts it. Raised in a religious household, he admits that despite having a praying mother, he had to find his own spiritual path. His wake-up call came after battling anxiety and unhealthy habits, leading him to a deeper connection with God.
“My purpose is to lead people to the kingdom,” he says, viewing his platform as more than just entertainment—it’s activism through faith. He stays spiritually grounded through Bible study and self-discipline, and encourages others to do the same.
Fatherhood, Marriage & Redefining Success
Becoming a husband and father has reshaped Rotimi’s views on love, discipline, and ambition. Raising two young children has pushed him to be more intentional, especially in the era of social media. “We didn’t grow up like this,” he says, acknowledging the challenges of parenting in a digital world.
Despite his ambitious nature, Rotimi has learned to redefine success. “For years, I never felt like what I did was enough,” he admits. But in the past two years, he’s shifted his mindset—success isn’t just about money, it’s about living life on his own terms. Now, he applies that wisdom to his children, teaching them the value of hard work while making sure they feel appreciated.
What’s Next for Rotimi?
Rotimi is currently on a 30-city tour—something he never could have pulled off earlier in his career. Between his growing fan base, balancing acting (The Chi), and his entrepreneurial ventures, he’s in a place where he feels more prepared for success than ever before.
