The Gospel music industry seems glamorous from the outside, but according to singer Selina Boateng, the journey behind the scenes has been far from easy.
The musician revealed that her rise in the Gospel space has been filled with challenges, especially as a young woman trying to find her feet.
Selina Boateng explained that in her early days, it was common for certain industry players to try to take advantage of her whenever she sought opportunities.
“I would say this work is not easy. Sometimes, when you want to get a chance at a place to do something, the person will love to misuse you because you are beautiful. Yeah, they just want to take advantage of you. It’s a normal thing.
“I think so far as you are a woman who is nice and looking very beautiful, everybody would love to have you. But to the way I do my things, I realised that’s not how God wants me to do my thing.”
Selina Boateng
She also mentioned how hard it was to secure a music producer in the early years of her career. According to her, most producers had their own “conditions” before they agreed to work with female artists.
“Also, one thing I faced was when I was growing up, it was difficult for me to get a producer as a woman. Because all of them have their own way of choosing you to produce you. And me too, what I wanted was different from what they wanted. So, it was very difficult to get a producer. But now I’m doing it myself.”
Selina Boateng
Selina Boateng on Pressuring Individuals Into Marriage
The Ghanaian Gospel singer cautioned against the societal practice of pressuring individuals into marriage, stressing that it often leads people into unions they are neither mentally nor emotionally prepared for
The award-winning singer explained that marriage requires a high level of maturity, particularly in handling challenges that may arise between partners.
According to her, many people enter marriage without being fully prepared to deal with issues such as a nagging partner, an abusive spouse, or even one who struggles with alcoholism. “It takes very mature people to deal with some of these things in marriage,” she emphasized.
Selina Boateng further noted that those who mount pressure on others to marry are sometimes the ones battling with unhappy marriages themselves.
She stated that such people often hide their struggles, presenting their marriages as perfect, while encouraging others to rush into wedlock.
The singer’s advice comes on the heels of her revelation that her six-year marriage has ended in divorce. She disclosed that questions about marital struggles no longer weigh her down since she is now single.
According to her, she would not change her name for marriage again and sees nothing wrong with being a divorcee.
Selina Boateng explained that she does not feel bad or stigmatized as a gospel artist for walking out of her marriage. On the contrary, she revealed that she already has admirers showing interest.
“My line is choked… I have suitors. I am ready. As to whether I will marry a pastor again, only time and God will tell.”
Selina Boateng
She urged young people not to give in to societal pressure to marry but rather take time to evaluate themselves and their partners before making a lifelong commitment.
According to her, many people hide their true character before marriage, and certain attitudes cannot be changed. “Be very vigilant… God has given us free will; use it wisely,” she cautioned.
The gospel singer tied the knot with Isaac Berchie on December 7, 2019, at the Church of Pentecost (Magazine) Maakro Central in Kumasi.
READ ALSO: Foreign Investors Slash Debt Holdings to GH₵13.4bn, But Pump Billions into Stocks
