The music industry is satanic - former Bongo Flava artiste Vanessa Mdee opens up

Dar es Salaam. Vanessa Mdee, the celebrated Tanzanian singer and songwriter, has always been known for her soulful voice and inspirational lyrics. However, her recent revelations about the music industry have sparked a nationwide conversation about faith, morality, and the lengths some people go to achieve success.

In the interview, Vanessa opened up about the darker, ritualistic side of the industry that she encountered during her career. “The music industry is very ritualistic. Watu wanatumia miungu sana (people rely heavily on gods),” she began, her tone reflective but firm. Her words painted a picture of an industry where some individuals prioritise spiritual pacts over talent and hard work.

A troubling history

Vanessa’s recent comments echo sentiments she shared during an interview with Clouds Digital. The former Tanzanian Bongo Flava sensation made headlines when she labelled the music industry as “satanic and ritualistic.” Mdee, once a household name with hits like Cash Madam and Nobody but me, spoke about the darkness that plagued her career and led to her unexpected retirement in 2020.

“The music industry is not as glamorous as it seems,” she said. “Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of darkness—satanic rituals, questionable practices, and a loss of self.”

Mdee explained that her decision to leave the industry stemmed from a desire to reclaim her peace and spirituality. “I realised I was becoming someone I didn’t recognise. The pressure to conform, the greed, and the manipulation are overwhelming,” she admitted.

A Chilling Encounter

Vanessa recounted one particular incident that left a lasting impression. While seeking management early in her career, she approached a potential manager who made a shocking statement. “The manager told me that before releasing music, it had to be taken to waganga (witch doctors) to ensure success,” she revealed.

Stunned by this claim, Vanessa questioned the manager's faith, asking if they believed in God. The response was unsettling: “We believe in God, but huu ni utamaduni wenu (this is your culture).” This moment became a turning point for Vanessa, who began to see the moral and spiritual compromises that some artists might face.

The Cost of Success

Vanessa also spoke about how some management teams explicitly impose restrictions on religious expressions. “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.

Such rules not only limit creative freedom but also pressure artists into entering covenants that may conflict with their personal beliefs. Vanessa described these agreements as "dangerous" and spiritually binding, often leaving artists feeling trapped.

Faith versus Fame

For Vanessa, the conflict between faith and fame is one that many artists silently endure. “It’s easy to find yourself in covenants that are not of God,” she shared. Her testimony highlights the hidden struggles faced by individuals in an industry often glamorised for its glitz and success.

Now happily married to Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi, Vanessa credits her faith and family for helping her escape the grip of the industry. “I found peace through God and family. I realised there’s more to life than fame, money, or power. That life wasn’t fulfilling,” she said.

Mixed reactions and broader questions

Mdee’s bold revelations have drawn mixed reactions. Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to either commend her courage or question the timing of her statements. Nevertheless, her claims have reignited conversations about the pressures and sacrifices demanded of artists in the music industry.

Her experiences raise important questions: What are we willing to compromise for success? How can artists protect their faith in a competitive and often morally ambiguous environment?

As Vanessa aptly put it, “Faith should never be sacrificed at the altar of fame.”

A Legacy beyond Music

Vanessa Mdee’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and rediscovery. Her decision to walk away from the limelight is not just a rejection of fame but a powerful reclaiming of her identity and values.

For now, Vanessa remains focused on her family, faith, and personal growth, content to leave the industry—and its shadows—behind. Her bold declarations, however, continue to cast a long shadow over the music world, challenging its stakeholders to reflect on integrity and authenticity in the pursuit of success.