Vanessa Mdee is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality, and radio host who has made a name for herself in the African music industry and beyond.
She is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ and for releasing hit songs such as “Closer”, “Nobody But Me”, and “Niroge”.
She has also collaborated with many local and international artists, such as A.Y., Ommy Dimpoz, Reekado Banks, Mr P, and Rotimi.

In this article, we will explore Vanessa Mdee’s biography, age, family, tribe, education, career, ex-boyfriend, husband, child, salary, house, cars, and net worth.
Vanessa Mdee Profile Summary
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| 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 Hau Mdee was born on 7 June 1988 in Arusha, the third-largest city in Tanzania.
She grew up in a multicultural environment, as she lived in New York, Paris, Nairobi, and Arusha at different stages of her life.
She attended Arusha Modern High School for her secondary and high-level education and then pursued a law degree at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
However, she did not complete her studies, as she decided to follow her passion for music and media.
How old is Vanessa Mdee?
As of 2024, Vanessa Mdee is 35 years old.
Vanessa Mdee’s Family
Vanessa Mdee comes from a family with a total of 8 siblings.
However, her parents together have a total of 5 siblings.
Her father initially served as the press secretary for Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, before becoming the Editor-In-Chief of Daily News TZ.
Later, he worked as an ambassador in Tanzania’s foreign affairs department.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2007 while Vanessa was studying in Kenya.
Her mother, on the other hand, transitioned from being a businesswoman to becoming a Pastor.
Vanessa Mdee’s Education
Vanessa Mdee started her education at the Arusha Modern High School, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities.
She was the head girl of her school and participated in various clubs and societies.
She then enrolled in the Catholic University of Eastern Africa to study law, but she dropped out after two years to pursue her career in music and media.
Vanessa Mdee’s Career
Vanessa Mdee’s career journey began in 2007 with her groundbreaking win as the first-ever Tanzanian MTV VJ after auditioning for the MTV VJ Search in Dar es Salaam.
She went on to host several shows on MTV Base Africa, including Coca-Cola Chart Express, MTV Base Meets, and the MTV Africa Music Awards.
In 2012, Vanessa ventured into music, signing with B’Hits Music Group, where she released her debut solo single, “Closer”, which garnered significant success with over 30,000 downloads in its first week and charting for 13 weeks.
She collaborated with Tanzanian artists like A.Y. and Ommy Dimpoz, winning the Song of the Year award at the 2013 Kilimanjaro Music Awards.
Her musical journey flourished with subsequent singles and albums like “Nobody But Me”, “Niroge”, and “Cash Madame”, and collaborations with various African and international artists, showcasing her versatility.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first Tanzanian artist to sign with Universal Music Group, releasing her debut album, “Money Mondays”, featuring renowned artists like Reekado Banks and Cassper Nyovest.
However, in 2020, Vanessa Mdee announced her departure from the music industry due to pressure and depression.
She expressed her desire to focus on other aspects of her life, such as her podcast and personal relationships, while remaining grateful for her fans and the love of music that always remains within her.
Vanessa Mdee’s Ex-Boyfriend
Vanessa Mdee dated Tanzanian singer and songwriter, Juma Jux, for six years.
The couple was one of the most popular and loved celebrity couples in Tanzania, as they often collaborated on songs and performed together on stage.
However, they broke up in 2019, due to personal differences and misunderstandings.

Vanessa Mdee’s Husband
Vanessa Mdee is engaged to Nigerian-American actor, singer, and model, Olurotimi Akinosho, better known as Rotimi.
The couple met in 2019, at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, and started dating shortly after.
Rotimi proposed to Vanessa Mdee during their vacation in Haiti, and she said yes.
They have been blessed with two adorable kids.

Vanessa Mdee’s Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.
She has accumulated her wealth from her successful career in music and media, as well as from her investments and businesses.
She is one of the richest and most influential female artists in Tanzania and Africa, and she has won several awards and accolades for her work.
Vanessa Mdee is a Tanzanian star with many talents, who has made a mark in the music and media industry.
She is known for her captivating voice, rap skills, and vibrant personality.
She is also a role model and an inspiration for many young people, especially girls, who aspire to pursue their dreams and passions.