When you hear the word 'Cars'what do you usually expect?There are some people who expect typical looking cars, those that can be seen cruising around the city or maybe in. All rights reserved.
In addition to his new project, Rotimi can also be seen on Starz’s top-rated series, POWER as well as across the country as the opening act for August Alsina’s Don’t MatterTour. The rising singer/actor also plays the love interest in Roc Nation songstress Justine Skye’s new video for her single, “Back For More.”
Rotimi during an interview in May 2019 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Olurotimi Akinosho |
| Born | November 30, 1988 (age 32) Maplewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | rotimimusic.com |
Olurotimi Akinosho (born November 30, 1988), known professionally as Rotimi, is a Nigerian-American actor, singer, and model. He is known for his role as Darius Morrison on the Starz series Boss, and starred as Andre Coleman on Power.
Early life and education[edit]
Rotimi was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, to Nigerian parents; his father an investment banker of Yoruba origin and his mother of Igbo origin,[1] working for the government.[2] He attended Columbia High School, where he was a standout on both the varsity basketball team and the honors choir. He continued his studies at Northwestern University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication with a minor in Business in 2010.[3]
Rotimi Songs
Career[edit]
Acting[edit]
At his first trial with acting, Rotimi auditioned and subsequently got his first acting role on Boss as drug dealer Darius Morrison.[4] Rotimi also appeared in three episodes of ABC's Betrayal.
Rotimi made his silver screen debut in the film Black Nativity (2013). Following this, he starred in Imperial Dreams at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, which later won for 'Best of NEXT'.[5]
Rotimi next appeared in the high grossing film, Divergent (2014). In 2016 Rotimi also acted in the movie Deuces alongside Lance Gross and Larenz Tate.
He was added to the cast of Starz' TV series Power as a series regular, in the role of Andre Coleman, the quick-tempered young protégé of the character Ghost.[6] Rotimi was also cast in a recurring role on Battle Creek as Danny.
Music[edit]
A contemporary R&B artist, Rotimi released two digital mixtapes, titled The Resume (March 8, 2011)[citation needed] and While You Wait (November 30, 2011).[citation needed] His videos have been featured on international and U.S. based entertainment media including MTV, MTV Base, and VH1 Soul.[citation needed]
Rotimi has performed on stage, opening for Jennifer Hudson, T.I., Estelle, and NERD; he also performed on BET’s show 106 and Park[7] and appeared in R&B singer Keyshia Cole's music video 'Trust and Believe' as Cole's unfaithful boyfriend.
Youtube Rotimi
Rotimi garnered music placement with “I’m the One” on the first episode of Boss. In 2015, American rapper and executive producer of Power, 50 Cent signed Rotimi to his label, G-Unit Records.[8] He also released his first G-Unit single 'Lotto' featuring 50 Cent.
In 2016, Rotimi released 'Doin it', a single from his 5-track project, Summer Bangerz.[9] In 2017 he released his debut EP called Jeep Music Vol.1.
In 2019 he released a single titled 'Love Riddim' which has garnered attention from both old fan and newly made ones.
Fashion[edit]
Rotimi is the lead model/spokesperson of rapper T.I.'s AKOO Clothing[10] 2012 Spring/Summer campaign, April 2, 2012.[11][12][13][14][15]
Discography[edit]
Filmography[edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Black Nativity | Officer Butch McDaniels | |
| 2014 | Divergent | Ezra | |
| 2015 | Darkest Before Dawn | Manny | Short film |
| 2017 | Imperial Dreams | Wayne | |
| 2017 | Burning Sands | Edwin | |
| 2017 | Deuces | Face | |
| 2018 | Acts of Violence | Frank | |
| 2020 | Singlehollic | Sam Bishop | Post-production |
| 2020 | True to The Game 2: Gena's Story | Vaughn | Post-production |
| 2021 | Coming 2 America | Post-production |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Cooper and Stone | Ty | Unsold pilot |
| 2011–12 | Boss | Darius Morrison | 18 episodes |
| 2013 | Betrayal | Lil' D | 3 episodes |
| 2015 | Battle Creek | Danny | 2 episodes |
| 2015–2020 | Power | Andre 'Dre' Coleman | Series Regular |
| 2017 | BET Experience | Host | Television special |
| 2018 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Mailk | Guest Star |
Tours[edit]
- Don't Matter Tour (with August Alsina) (2017)
References[edit]
- ^'FACTORY78: Rotimi talks about 'POWER' Signing with 50cent, and Collaborating with Nigerian Artists'. YouTube. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
- ^Hale, Andreas (October 23, 2015) 'Rotimi: Hustler, Actor, Musician, Jay Z Favorite', Rising Stars. OZY. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^'Rotimi Akinosho'. www.northwestern.edu. Parrish Lewis. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
- ^Rotimi Gives Power Season 3 Hints + Making Music with 50 Cent. YouTube (July 13, 2016). Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^Review: John Boyega Shines in ‘Imperial Dreams,’ One of the Most Overlooked Gems of Sundance (Screens Aug. 9 in LA) | IndieWire. Blogs.indiewire.com (May 13, 2016). Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^Deadline Team (September 17, 2014). 'Annika Marks Joins ABC Family’s ‘The Fosters'; Rotimi Akinosho In Starz’s ‘Power’'. Deadline.com. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^'Rotimi Jack of all Trades'. www.bet.com. Calvin Stovall. Retrieved February 16, 2012.
- ^50 Cent Signs 'Power' Star Rotimi to G-Unit, Drops 'Lotto' Single. Billboard (June 19, 2015). Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^Golding, Shenequa (July 17, 2016). 'Rotimi new song'. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^'Rotimi is a King of One Self'. www.globalgrind.com. Noel Walker. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
- ^'Rotimi Akinosho On His Role In Starz 'Boss' [EXCLUSIVE]'. The Urban Daily. November 10, 2011.
- ^'Cover: Rotimi Akinosho'. Northwestern Magazine. Summer 2010.
- ^Najah Goldstein, ' Rotimi Akinosho', Sheen magazine.
- ^'NIGERIAN-AMERICAN SINGER/ACTOR ROTIMI IS THE NEW FACE OF T.I'S AKOO CLOTHING LINE', Yenih's World, 29 March 2012.
- ^Spesh YH. 'Hottie Alert: BOSS actor & AKOO Model Rotimi Akinosho'. Speshs World.
External links[edit]
- Rotimi on IMDb