How Motherhood Changed Rosa Ree: A Deep Dive into Her Postpartum Journey

In a recent candid interview on the new "HipHop" podcast with host Jabir Saleh, celebrated Tanzanian artist Rosa Ree, known for her powerful presence and lyrical prowess, offered a deep dive into her personal transformation.

She also shared how her pregnancy changed her perspective on life.

Marking her return to a long-form discussion with Saleh after several years, Rosa Ree spoke openly about evolving from her "gangster sister" persona to embracing motherhood and advocating for a more conscious direction in music.

The Butterfly Emerges: Motherhood and Mental Health

Rosa Ree revealed a significant personal shift, declaring, "I'm a butterfly now.” She candidly discussed her journey into motherhood, highlighting it as a "sacred" time requiring self-discovery and a deeper connection with God. Becoming a mother prompted her to reflect on the positive changes needed in her life, understanding that "whatever is inside me I will pour into my child.”

“Motherhood cannot be explained, I think it's something that has been taken lightly in society, it's seen as maybe something women are just supposed to do, something we were created for, but it's something that should be respected and it's a sacred time, a time when a woman needs to be very close to God and needs to search deeply to know herself and God's purpose for her,” she said.

She bravely spoke about the often-overlooked struggles of postpartum depression, describing it as "postpartum" – mental health changes affecting many women due to hormonal shifts, physical recovery, and the overwhelming demands of caring for a newborn.

She recounted societal dismissals of her struggles, with some attributing them to witchcraft or drug use, or simply labelling them as "artist antics".

Despite these challenges, Rosa Ree expressed pride in overcoming these stepping stones. She also addressed the physical changes during pregnancy, acknowledging that her appearance shifted significantly, to the extent that her sisters noted her pregnancy was on her face. Yet, she embraced these changes, stating she accepted this "season of my life" and was prepared for anything, fueled by her love for her child.

“Postpartum is a mental health condition that affects many women. It's all unexpected changes; we are learning on the job.”

“Many people said I was bewitched or 'these artists, we're used to them using drugs' or 'it's just antics. It's all stepping stones to build us and make us better in life. My pregnancy was on my face. I accept this season of my life,” she added.