TAWANDA MARWIZI
While marriage is seen as a fulfillment of some of society norms, it has on several occasions affected the performance of career women more so in the music industry.
Music careers of most divas end up in smoke as they succumb to the demands of the institution.
Gospel musicians are the most affected and a quick survey by Life & Art confirms the assertion.
Names that quickly come to mind are Mercy Mutsvene, Ivy Kombo Kasi, Ammanda Sagonda, Olinda Marowa and Donna Chibaya just to mention a few. These women managed to raise the bar high before marriage, but could not maintain the momentum after.
Some have tried to come back but they have on several occasions been overtaken by events.
However, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Bethan Pasiwanawako-Ngolomi and Olivia Charamba have managed to release music after and their husbands have been supportive because of their musical background.
In that light, gospel musician Jeniffer Maneni who recently tied the knot with executive producer Ricky Mayer, who is based in the United Kingdom, has vowed to keep balancing the two institutions.
Maneni who has worked with Fungisai as a backing vocalist said it was a blessing that she got married to a person who understands the dynamics of music.
“My husband is very supportive of my music career, and as my executive producer, he had great plans. He is pushing for the release of my new album that will be coming soon and to me it is a bonus because of the musical background he has,” he said.
Last year the gospel singer released a single “My Testimony” which was well received by gospel lovers.
