“Power” Star Rotimi Shares His Insider Secrets To New York City

Photo Credit: Rowan Daly

Rotimi is leading a new era of game changers: stars that can do it all. The Nigerian-American singer-songwriter and actor is best known for his role as “Dre” on the critically acclaimed Starz series, “Power,” which returned for its fifth season on July 1, but prior to scoring the role, he was no stranger to the spotlight.

He got his start on the Starz series “Boss,” acting for two seasons alongside Kelsey Grammer, Sanaa Lathan and rapper T.I. He also had re-occurring roles on ABC’s “Betrayal” and CBS’s “Battle Creek.” Jumping into the big screen, Rotimi made his debut in Fox Searchlight’s 2013 Christmas movie, “Black Nativity” as officer McDaniels opposite of Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett and Jennifer Hudson. Rotimi later appeared in Lionsgate’s “The Divergent Series” with Ashley Judd, Kate Winslet, Zoe Kravitz and Tony Goldwyn. Add in that he’s also a contemporary R&B artist who has released two digital mixtapes, and has performed on stage, opening for Jennifer Hudson, T.I., Estelle, and NERD; and Rotimi is one to watch.

Here, this rising star shares his haute secrets to the Big Apple.

Photo Credit: Rowan Daly

Where were you born? East Orange, New Jersey

How long have you been in NY?: 4 years

Neighborhood: Brooklyn and Midtown

Occupation: Actor/Singer/Entrepreneur

Favorite Restaurant: My mom’s kitchen

Best Italian: The Chataria in Maplewood, NJ

Best dessert: Cookies and cream milk shakes

Best place for a power business meeting: The boardroom

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The SLS Hotels

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: I don’t really like shopping.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Don’t really have a favorite place.

Best Spa: The hands of my beautiful woman.
Photo Credit: Rowan Daly

Favorite Charity Event: Anything supporting kids.

Favorite Cultural Event: The World Cup.

Favorite Cultural Institution: The Nigerian Embassy.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: The New York Giants’ facility

Best Massage: The hands of my woman!

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Empire CLS

Describe your city in three words: Special, hustle, and opportunity

All-around favorite spot in New York: My house!

Best Aspect of New York: Endless possibilities