American songwriter Clarissa Zoe Arokodare has shared the unusual but honest steps she took before accepting a marriage proposal from her Nigerian husband, revealing that she hired a private investigator in Lagos to confirm his identity amid fears of romance scams.
According to Clarissa, the investigation report confirmed that everything checked out, adding that his openness and transparency deepened her respect for him.
Born in Dominica and raised in New York City, Clarissa said she met her husband on TikTok, after being introduced by the brother of his late wife. She stressed that she wasn’t searching for love at the time but was drawn to him because of his strong family values and devotion to his children.
The pair began talking in May 2024, and Clarissa visited Lagos in October. What was meant to be a one-week visit turned into 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.
Clarissa noted that the cultural gap disappeared when she understood Yoruba marriage traditions.
“In Yoruba culture, you don’t just marry an individual, you marry a family,” she explained.
She said her husband’s family welcomed her warmly, and Nigeria quickly began to feel like home.
Although her family initially had reservations due to past experiences, Clarissa said her husband’s consistency eventually won them over.
“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 said, adding that he never asked her for money and even refused help early on, saying it was too soon.
After six weeks together, he proposed in November 2024, and the couple got married in April 2025. Clarissa described their union as one built on healing, respect, and intentional love.
She also revealed that her song “Rise Again” was inspired by her experience in Nigeria and aims to challenge negative perceptions about the country.
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