Vanessa Mdee is a renowned Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and media personality. She gained immense popularity for her captivating music and charismatic on-screen presence. She was born on 7th June 1988 making her 35 Years old.
Vanessa Mdee Biography
| Full Names: | Vanessa Hau Mdee |
| Known as: | Vee Money |
| Date of Birth: | 7th June 1988 |
| Age: | 35 Years Old |
| Place of Birth: | Mount Weru Hospital – Arusha: Tanzania |
| Place of Growth: | Tanzania, New York, France & Kenya. |
| Profession: | Songwriter, Singer, Actress, Philanthropist, TV/Radio Personality |
Vanessa Mdee Early Life
After her birth, Vanessa Mdee stayed in Arusha – Tanzania for only 6 months then her father got a job in the United States of America resulting them to move to New York City.
They later shifted to France after her father got another job there.
Vanessa Mdee later returned to Africa, not to Tanzania but to Kenya, where she started her education.
Vanessa then returned to Tanzania, where she did her secondary education.
She later returned to Kenya to do her University education.
Vanessa Mdee Family
Vanessa Mdee is from a family of 8 siblings in total.
But from her father and mother alone, they’re a total of 5 siblings.
Her father’s first job was as the press secretary for Tanzanian’s first president; Julius Nyerere.
He then became the Editor-In-Chief of Daily News TZ.
He later worked as an ambassador in the Tanzania foreign affairs department.
He sadly passed on in 2007 while she was still studying in Kenya.
Her mother is a businesswoman who later became a Pastor.
Vanessa Mdee Education
Vanessa Mdee attended Greensteds International School located in Nakuru – Kenya where she did her primary education.
Vanessa then attended Arusha Modern High School located in Arusha – Tanzania, where she did her secondary education.
She later did her university education at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CEUA) in Nairobi – Kenya.
Vanessa Mdee later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the institution.
She has publicly admitted to not enjoying the law degree course.
Vanessa Mdee Discovery
In 2007, Vanessa Mdee auditioned for the MTV VJ search and became Tanzanian’s first ever MTV VJ.
By 2008, she had established herself all over Africa and also became known in the United States oF America and Brazil.
She hosted the MTV Africa Music Awards: Red Carpet Event for three years in a row.
In 2010, Vanessa Mdee became the host & producer of 102.5 Choice FM’s: ‘The Hitlist‘, where she played music of different genres from R&B, Hip Hop to Pop.
She interviewed many artists such as; Mac Miller, Rick Ross, Ludacris, Miguel, Camp Mulla and many more African and international acts.
She was also hosting her pan-African Weekly TV Show; MTV’s Base Select 10.
She proceeded to host numerous other award shows, talent shows, festivals and TV shows.
Vanessa Mdee Music Career
Vanessa Mdee launched her music career in 2012 with the single Me and You where she was featured by Ommy Dimpoz.
She then got signed to B’hits Music Group in late 2012.
She later released her debut single on 14th January 2015 titled Closer.
It was downloaded over 30,000 times in its first week of release, making her the first Tanzanian artist to achieve such a milestone.
The single remained in the charts for over 13 weeks.
It also received numerous award nominations.
The Singer was later dropped by B’hits Music Group in less than 8 months on the label.
The Tanzanian singer then released her second single; Come Over in June 2014.
It charted in Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya.
In 2015 and 2016, she released singles such as; Nobody But Me, Never Ever and Cash Madame among others.
Debut Album: Money Mondays
Vanessa Mdee then released her debut album on 15th January 2018 titled ‘Money Mondays‘.
She said that she titled the album before deciding on records to put in it.
It took her an on-and-off period of 2 years to complete the album.
It was released through her label: Mdee Music.
The album contained 18 tracks: 16 official tracks and 2 bonus tracks.
The album featured artists like Mr. P, Tahpha, Cassper Nyovest, Joh Makini, GNako, Radio & Weasel, Maua Sama, Tommy Flavour, Mohombi, Reekado Banks and Juma Jux.
It became East Africa’s Number 1 album on the Boomplay streaming platform.
Vanessa Mdee later got signed to Universal Music Group in July of 2018.
She has been featured in Coke Studio thrice with Burna Boy, 2 Face & Patoranking respectively.
She was also among the headliners in the Mombasa Rocks Festival on 8th October 2016 held at the Mombasa Golf Club in Mombasa – Kenya.
Other headliners included: US musician – Chris Brown, Nigerian – Wizkid & Tanzanian – Alikiba among others.
Vanessa Mdee has continued to numerously perform all over Africa and the world and also to release chart-topping singles.
Vanessa Mdee Acting Career
Vanessa Mdee made her acting debut on MTV Shuga: Down South as Stormi the glam madam.
She revealed that even though she was called for the role, she still had to do the auditions.
She acted alongside Nick Mutuma from Kenya, Thuso Mbedu from South Africa and Adesua Etomi from Nigeria among others.
The series was filmed in South Africa.
Vanessa Mdee on East Africa Got Talent (EAGT)
Vanessa Mdee was one of the four pioneer judges for the debut season of East Africa’s Got Talent.
She was joined by other judges such as Jeff Koinange from Kenya, Makeda Mahadeo from Rwanda and Geatano Kagwa from Uganda.
The show was hosted by Ugandan comedian; Anne Kubiryaba Kansiime.
Vanessa Mdee revealed that she first thought that she couldn’t do it, but she also thought that it was a perfect opportunity to share her knowledge and experience.
Vanessa Mdee Relationships
- Vanessa Mdee and Juma Jux
Vanessa Mdee’s first public relationship was with fellow Tanzanian Musician: Juma Jux.
They were in a relationship for 6 years before their third and final breakup in 2018.
They mutually agreed to keep it a secret before she revealed the news in an interview in 2019.
Juma Jux later revealed in an interview that his first breakup with Vanessa Mdee was a result of a picture of her with Nigerian Rapper; Ice Prince, with the two looking cosy.
- Vanessa Mdee and Trey Songz*
Vanessa Mdee was rumored to be in a relationship with American singer: Trey Songz.
She later denied the rumor in an interview.
- Vanessa Mdee and Rotimi
On 25th November 2019, Olurotimi Akinosho; popularly known as Rotimi or Andre in the popular TV series – Power, posted a picture of him and Vanessa Mdee posing in an elevator on a date night.
She later confirmed the relationship by also posting the same picture.
They first met each other at the Essence Festival: After Party in July of 2019, where they were introduced to each other by a mutual friend.
They talked to each other for a long time and later exchanged phone numbers.
She described that the love and attraction toward each other was instant.
She said at that moment she felt ‘butterflies’ in her stomach and peace of heart around him.
They later took a work break vacation to the United States.
She said that it took only her 2 days into the vacation to know that he is the man meant for her (husband).
She describes him as real, God-fearing, loving, knowledgeable, and always happy.
In a video posted on Instagram, they revealed that they both got tattoos of each other’s names on their bodies.
He had her name ‘Hau‘ on his right wrist and she also had his name ‘Rotimi‘ on her chest.
They also have matching tattoos of the number 1045 on their wrists.
She has also previously stated that their age difference doesn’t affect their relationship.
She is older than him by close to 6 months.
In December 2020, she got engaged to Rotimi in a beautiful surprise event.
Vanessa Mdee Children with Rotimi
On September 2021, Vannessa Mdee and Rotimi announced courtesy of People Magazine that they were expecting a child.
Later on 29th September 2021, they announced the birth of their baby boy named Seven Adeoluwa Akinosho.
Akinosho after Rotimi whose full names are Olurotimi Akinosho.
On 7 March 2023, they announced the birth of their baby girl named Imani Enioluwa Akinosho via Vanessa’s Instagram.
Vanessa Mdee Philanthropy
In 2008, she worked with the Staying Alive Foundation together with their then-ambassador; Kelly Rowland.
She also joined Malaria No More in their Zinduka Campaign aimed at eradicating Malaria.
She has also participated in numerous summits and conferences.
Vanessa is the founder of the Udada Foundation together with her younger sister and musician; Mimi Mars.
It is a non-profit sisterhood organisation that focuses on changing the narrative of the African girl child.
She also blogged on behalf of MTV Staying Alive and UNAIDS on her Dynamites Mission website.
Other Information
She is a certified deep-sea diver.
She can fluently speak three languages; English, French and Swahili.
She has worked with numerous brands such as Samsung, Airtel and Crown Paint among others.
She was featured in the 2015 issue of Essence Magazine; a popular US magazine, where she opened up about Tanzania, her music, inspiration and many more.
They hadn’t shot a cover in Africa since 1978.
They decided it was time, so they traveled to East Africa and photographed Erykah Badu, who is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and actress.
She was photographed in Zanzibar, Tanzania & Nairobi.
Vanessa Mdee's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Vanessa Mdee?
Vanessa Mdee is a renowned Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and media personality. She gained immense popularity for her captivating music and charismatic on-screen presence.
- What is Vanessa Mdee's real name?
Vanessa Mdee’s real name is Vanessa Hau Mdee.
- When was Vanessa Mdee born?
Vanessa Mdee was born on 7th June 1988.
- How old is Vanessa Mdee?
Vanessa Mdee is 35 Years Old.
- Who is Vanessa Mdee dating?
Vanessa Mdee is engaged to a Nigerian-American actor and singer called Olurotimi Akinosho popularly known as Rotimi.
- Who is Vanessa Mdee engaged to?
Vanessa Mdee is engaged to a Nigerian-American actor and singer called Olurotimi Akinosho popularly known as Rotimi.
- How many children does Vanessa Mdee has?
Vanessa Mdee has two children together with Olurotimi Akinosho popularly known as Rotimi.
Her first-born child is called Seven Adeoluwa Akinosho (A BOY) and her second-born child Imani Enioluwa Akinosho (A GIRL).
- What genres of music does Vanessa Mdee specialize in?
Vanessa Mdee is known for her versatility, excelling in various music genres, including R&B, Afropop, and Bongo Flava.
- How did Vanessa Mdee begin her career in music?
Vanessa Mdee’s journey in music began as a radio presenter, and she later transitioned to singing, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics
- What are some of Vanessa Mdee's most popular songs?
Some of Vanessa Mdee’s hit songs include “Hawajui,” “Cash Madame,” and “Niroge,” which have garnered millions of views and streams worldwide.
- Has Vanessa Mdee won any awards for her music?
Yes, Vanessa Mdee has received several accolades and awards for her outstanding contributions to the music industry, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
- Apart from music, what other ventures is Vanessa Mdee involved in?
In addition to her music career, Vanessa Mdee has also made her mark in the world of television and radio hosting, further showcasing her diverse talents.
- Has Vanessa Mdee collaborated with other artists?
Certainly! Vanessa Mdee has collaborated with numerous artists, both within Tanzania and beyond, creating exceptional musical fusions and collaborations.
- Is Vanessa Mdee active on social media?
Yes, Vanessa Mdee is active on various social media platforms, where she shares updates about her music, projects, and life, engaging with her fans worldwide.
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