Kofi Siriboe Opens Up About His Views On Monogamy: "Sometimes It Feels Like Role-Play"
At one point or another, some of us have had to sit with the question, is monogamy really for me? Stay with me for a sec, I said some of us, not all of us.
Maybe you've been in a relationship where all the ingredients for love that lasts are there, but it still feels like it's missing something. Maybe you've watched couples around you try to go the traditional route despite the very visible cracks that etch its surface. Or maybe, in a day and age where situationships and no-label relationships are king and conversations around ethical non-monogamy are becoming more mainstream, maybe you're asking yourself, Do I want this because it's what I believe, or because it’s what I’ve been taught to want?
In 2025, dating looks different. The illusion of options is stronger than ever, making commitment feel both abundant and fleeting. Social media gives us a front-row seat to endless types of relationship dynamics, from high-profile polyamorous unions to couples who swear by traditional monogamy. And as we all navigate what love means in this modern world, Kofi Siriboe is doing the same, both in his personal life and in his latest role in Harlem.
In the final season of the Prime Video series, Kofi plays Seth, a charismatic MLB player who is upfront about practicing ethical non-monogamy while dating Quinn (Grace Byers). And while fans have long admired Kofi as a walking embodiment of melanated magnificence, anyone hoping to lock him down might want to manage their juuuust expectations. Turns out, his character’s approach to relationships isn’t too far off from his own evolving perspective on love.
In a recent interview with Level Mag, the Harlem and Queen Sugar star got real about his evolving views on relationships, monogamy, and what he truly wants when it comes to love. And let’s just say...art is might be imitating life. He shared:
"My first two real relationships lasted three, four, five years each. And then to fast-forward, my life changed. I started working every day. Then there’s the fame element, and the abundance of people and exposure. I’ve just had different shifts and different seasons where sometimes monogamy feels like role-play, and it sometimes feels restrictive. So there's an element of it that feels performative."
Kofi's take isn't an unpopular one for folks who've decided to opt out of relationships under the guise of traditional views. What's traditional and acceptable for most doesn't necessarily mean it's right for all, and though Kofi admits he questions the societal script, he doesn't downplay the value of committed partnerships. He continued:
"I understand the tradition of it. But then there's a part of me that just had questions. So I went through some phases where I’m like, well, why? Why do we do it like this? And is this how I want to do it?"
Expounding on his perspective about monogamy feeling like "role-play," he touched on observing couples and how they embodied their roles, including his parents, and noticing "blind spots." Still, that doesn't mean he is anti-monogamy, the 30-year-old actor added:
"Does that mean we have to throw away the whole system? Not necessarily. Like I honor the tradition and I love the simplicity of monogamy, and how can we still remain whole and still remain true to ourselves as individuals, as independent people and thinkers living this life while still honoring the safety and the principle and the tradition of you know loyalty or connection."
Kofi made it clear. His approach to love these days is more about intentionality and making sure that whatever dynamic he chooses, it’s one based on authenticity rather than obligation.
"Whatever you do, just do it wholeheartedly, and that’s what I respect about Seth (his character). He was ten toes about what he needed and what he wanted."
And isn’t that the real goal? Whether it’s monogamy, non-monogamy, or something in between, the key is choosing what feels right for you, not what tradition, expectations, or the illusion of endless options tell you to want.
Whether he’s redefining commitment, questioning traditions, or just blessing us with his reflective musings on life uttered from a jawline so sharp it could cut glass, Kofi is proving once again that a man who thinks deeply and looks that good is an undefeated combination.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube