Vanessa Mdee, the beloved Tanzanian artist known for her chart-topping hits like Wet and Never Ever, has lifted the veil on the dark side of the music industry, sparking heated discussions about faith, morality, and the true price of fame. In a candid interview with Clouds Digital, the former Bongo Flava star described the industry as “satanic and ritualistic,” revealing startling truths about the hidden struggles behind the spotlight.
Mdee’s career, which brought her regional acclaim and a legion of fans, was cut short in 2020 when she walked away from music at the height of her success. The decision, she says, was a bid to reclaim her peace and spirituality after enduring years of what she calls a toxic and spiritually compromising environment.
“The music industry is very ritualistic. Watu wanatumia miungu sana (people rely heavily on gods),” she revealed. Vanessa shared that some players in the industry prioritize spiritual pacts over talent and hard work, painting a grim picture of what success can cost.
Mdee recounted an early conversation with a potential manager who insisted that her songs needed to be taken to waganga (witch doctors) before release to ensure their success. Shocked by the suggestion, she questioned the manager’s beliefs, only to receive an unsettling response: “We believe in God, but huu ni utamaduni wenu (this is your culture).”
She also revealed how some management teams explicitly restrict religious expression, even barring artists from mentioning Jesus in their music. “There are management teams that tell you outright: by signing with us, you are not allowed to mention the name of Jesus in your songs,” she said.
For Vanessa, this environment became unbearable, forcing her to choose between her faith and her career. “It’s easy to find yourself in covenants that are not of God,” she said, reflecting on the challenges many artists silently endure.
Now married to Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi, Vanessa has found solace in her faith and family. “I realized there’s more to life than fame, money, or power. That life wasn’t fulfilling,” she explained.
This isn’t the first time Vanessa has spoken out about the dark realities of her career. In 2020, she described the industry as “demonic” during a podcast announcing her retirement. At the time, she told fans, “I love music, I love to create, I love to perform. But I needed to choose my life.”
Born in Arusha in 1988, Vanessa’s journey to stardom began as Tanzania’s first MTV VJ. From hosting iconic shows to becoming a judge on East Africa’s Got Talent, her career was a whirlwind of success. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, she grappled with a world that clashed with her spiritual beliefs.
Today, Vanessa has traded the stage for a life centered on faith, family, and personal growth. With over 9 million Instagram followers, she now shares uplifting, faith-based content and family moments, showing the world a version of herself unburdened by the pressures of fame.
Her revelations serve as a wake-up call for many, shedding light on the sacrifices artists make behind the scenes. For Vanessa, stepping away wasn’t just about leaving the industry—it was about reclaiming her soul.
