Rotimi Opens Up About Fatherhood, Setting the Standard for His Daughter in Black Love’s Father Noir Series
by Black Love Team
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June 4, 2024

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Rotimi Opens Up About Fatherhood, Setting the Standard for His Daughter in Black Love’s Father Noir Series

Rotimi with his daughter, Imani, and son, Seven (Photo by Tommy Oliver)

Black Love is kicking off year four of its tentpole series highlighting Black fathers, with actor and singer Rotimi. Two years into fatherhood, he is a burst of love and wisdom. Black fatherhood is often shaped by negative stereotypes, but Black Love’s Father Noir series is here to share a different narrative. Created by Tommy Oliver, the co-founder of “Black Love,” this visual memoir celebrates the joys and triumphs of Black fatherhood, one beautiful image at a time. 

Rotimi is known for his roles in hit TV shows like “Power,” but he’s not just a talented entertainer. The 40-year-old is also a devoted father to Seven and Imani, with his fiancee, the Tanzanian songstress Vanessa Mdee. As Rotimi opens up about his journey into fatherhood, it’s evident that his heart is overflowing with love for his children.

“Being an entertainer and being on the road and just dealing with different energies, when you come home and none of that matters,” Rotimi reflects in the Father Noir series, rolling out across Black Love’s social channels. “Everything is just daddy’s home joy. Every time they smile, it’s the most beautiful thing. When they learn about themselves every day, when they figure out something new, or you hear them use a different word or start putting sentences together — you’re just seeing the evolution of a beautiful angel.”

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Rotimi finds sheer bliss in the simple moments shared with his children — their smiles, their discoveries, their evolving personalities. For him, fatherhood is a journey of constant learning and growth, filled with both boundless love and challenges.

“The hardest thing about fatherhood is having patience,” the singer admits. “Learning that these kids are learning life as well as we are. You remember that everything is in love, but yeah, they try to drive you crazy.”

Amidst the challenges, Rotimi finds solace in the profound impact he can have on his children’s lives. His aspirations as a father extend far beyond just providing for them; he aims to be their guiding light, their confidant, their closest friend and safe space.

“What am I looking forward to as a father? I think just always being their best friend and righting the wrongs of things that I’ve learned incorrectly, or things I wasn’t privy to,” Rotimi muses. “Making sure that they get the best parts of me, [and] they take the best parts of that and apply it to their lives…I think that in this type of generation, a father’s love and a father’s stance on things is so important.”

Rotimi’s dedication to being a positive role model for his children is unwavering. The actor, known for his roles in “Power” and “Coming 2 America” acknowledges the profound influence he holds as a father, especially for his 1-year-old daughter, Imani. He wants to set an example for her of what a loving man should be. 

“As soon as my son came out, it was like, ‘Oh yeah, you gotta boss up,’” Rotimi shares. “But [with] my daughter it’s like, ‘Oh no, you can’t play, man.’ You have to be the best version of you because I’m her first boyfriend. I’m her first best friend.”

Rotimi’s commitment to setting high standards for his daughter is evident in his everyday actions. From opening doors for her to taking her on little dates, he’s determined to set the bar high for the men she’ll encounter in the future.

“[There are] a lot of things that, as a man, I make sure Imani sees in terms of when she gets older,” Rotimi explains. “Nobody’s going to play with her; she’s got me and she’s got her older brother [Seven]. I’m just really excited about those moments.”

 

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As Rotimi looks towards the future, he’s brimming with anticipation for the path ahead. He understands that fatherhood is a constant evolution — a journey of growth, learning, and unyielding love.

“I won’t be the same guy when she’s 16 as I am now,” Rotimi reflects. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Black fathers are often misrepresented or overlooked. Rotimi’s candid portrayal of fatherhood in Black Love’s Father Noir series is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Father Noir is a reminder that Black love is fatherhood, and its beauty deserves to be celebrated, cherished, and uplifted. Stay tuned for more clips and stories on Black Love’s Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

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