Vanessa Mdee, the Tanzanian singer known for her hit songs and powerful performances, has recently opened up about the reasons she stepped away from the music industry, surprising many of her fans in the process. The 35-year-old singer, who has been a household name in East Africa, took a break in 2020, citing the toxic nature of the music industry and her need to reconnect with her faith and family.
In a candid moment on her podcast, Deep Dive with Vanessa Mdee, she shared her feelings about the music world, calling it “demonic” and admitting that it led her down a destructive path. Her decision to step back was motivated by her desire to choose a healthier, more fulfilling life. “I needed to choose my life. The music industry is demonic. People will tell you half-truths about what goes on,” she explained, adding that she wanted to be an advocate for honesty and self-empowerment.
This revelation shocked many fans who were already accustomed to her dynamic career. Vanessa had been a dominant force in the industry, with popular songs like “Niroge” and “Kisela,” and her fans were heartbroken by her decision to leave. But her explanation was rooted in a deeper purpose: her dedication to finding peace, happiness, and healing in her personal life. “I want to be a light,” she shared, offering hope to those who may be struggling with similar issues.
Vanessa further elaborated that, at the height of her success, she found herself exhausted and mentally drained. “I was depressed and exhausted. I kept going, but I was sick and a workaholic, suffering inside,” she revealed. Despite the outward success, her inner peace was shattered, and it was this realization that led her to step away from the limelight. Her ultimate decision to take a break was not an abandonment of music altogether but a much-needed pause to focus on her mental health, raise her family, and rediscover her spiritual connection.
Her break from the industry also allowed her to re-align with her faith. Vanessa spoke about rededicating her life to Jesus and how this moment of spiritual awakening has been the most significant turning point in her life. “I surrendered and said, ‘God, you can have my heart.’ Jesus blessed me, healed me, and continues to work on me,” she shared in a post on her social media. For Vanessa, faith became a source of true happiness and inner peace, replacing the superficial allure of fame and success. “My spirit wasn’t at peace, so something needed to change,” she noted, acknowledging that all that glitters is not gold.
While many fans were initially confused about whether she had truly quit music, Vanessa clarified in later posts that she had not given up on her musical career entirely. “This God-given gift is in my blood, and it’s something I can’t quit,” she stated, assuring her followers that her love for music remains unchanged. However, her focus had shifted. Instead of chasing fame, she now aims to use her platform to inspire others with her story of overcoming adversity and finding peace through faith.
Vanessa’s journey is one of personal growth, vulnerability, and faith. By stepping away from the music industry, she has become a symbol of the power of self-care and spiritual awakening. Her candid reflections on her struggles and triumphs continue to resonate with fans and anyone who has ever felt torn between their dreams and their inner peace. She now embraces her role as a “vessel,” using her experiences to speak truthfully to her audience and encourage them to face their own demons.
As for the music industry, it’s clear that Vanessa has not abandoned it; she has simply chosen to engage with it on her own terms. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes stepping away is the most powerful decision you can make for your health, happiness, and personal growth.
