American songwriter Clarissa Zoe Arokodare has revealed that she hired a private investigator in Lagos to verify her Nigerian husband before accepting his marriage proposal, amid fears of romance scams. “The report confirmed that everything checked out,” she said, adding that she respected his honesty and transparency.
Clarissa, born in Dominica but raised in New York, said she met her husband through TikTok after being introduced by the brother of his late wife. She explained that she wasn’t looking for a relationship, but was drawn to him because of his family values and how he cared for his children.
They began talking in May 2024, and Clarissa visited Nigeria in October. What was meant to be a one-week stay became six weeks. “Our relationship moved differently from what I was used to in America. It felt natural, sincere and deeply connected from the beginning,” she said.
She said the cultural barrier broke when she learned that in Yoruba tradition, marriage involves the whole family. “In Yoruba culture, you don’t just marry an individual, you marry a family,” she explained. She also said her husband’s family welcomed her warmly, and Nigeria quickly became home.
Clarissa admitted her family initially had reservations due to past experiences, but said, “Over time, my husband proved them wrong.”
She described her husband as genuine, saying, “He showed me exactly where he lived even when he wasn’t proud of it. He told me plainly: ‘This is me. Take me as I am.’” She added that he never asked her for money and even refused her help early in the relationship, saying it was too soon.
After six weeks together, he proposed in November 2024, and they married in April 2025. Clarissa said their relationship is built on healing, respect and intentional love.
She also shared that her song “Rise Again” was inspired by her experience in Nigeria. “It’s meant to inspire and change negative perceptions about Nigeria,” she said.
