Comeback after a long break is real struggle — Mavis Asante

For creatives, particularly musicians, staying relevant in the music industry is often tied to their consistency and visibility. 

A brief absence can create space for emerging talents and, in a highly competitive industry, even risk erasing a once-prominent name entirely.

This reality is something gospel musician Mavis Asante knows all too well, having stepped away from the scene for over seven years.  

Mavis Asante, who rose to fame through TV3’s Mentor Season 4, was once a household name with gospel songs such as Obaatan, Aseda Nnwom and How Far. However, at the peak of her career, she took an unexpected break to focus on what she described as a divine calling to shape her ministry and personal growth.  

Last year, she made a comeback—but she admits that the industry she left behind is vastly different from the one she has returned to.  
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview, the gospel singer opened up about the difficulties artistes face when they return after a long break.

“The industry has changed in so many ways. Music distribution is no longer what it used to be, consumer preferences have shifted and even production techniques have evolved significantly.

“Back then, artistes relied heavily on CDs and radio play. But now streaming platforms and social media dominate the industry.

If you’re not digitally visible, it’s like you don’t exist.

“Taking a break, no matter how brief, can lead to missing out on significant opportunities and changes in the market.

While it's true that some songs may remain timeless and continue to appeal to certain audiences, consumer preferences are constantly evolving.

“To stay relevant, one must be willing to adapt and study the market to understand these shifts,” she explained.  

Efforts

According to Mavis, adapting to these changes requires more than just talent; it demands a complete rebranding, networking and learning new ways to engage with audiences.  

“My absence from the scene has made me acutely aware of the challenges of re-entry.

The landscape has changed dramatically, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and the increasing importance of streaming services.

These are the new realities of the industry and artistes must be willing to fit in or risk being left behind.

“In the past, it was about the music alone. But now, it’s about the brand, social media engagement and consistency.

You can’t just release a song and expect it to catch fire; you have to push it, promote it and make yourself seen.

That’s the real struggle," she emphasised.  

Despite these challenges, Mavis Asante is determined to reclaim her place in the gospel music scene.

She is not only working on new music but also actively engaging with fans on social media and collaborating with contemporary gospel artistes to reintroduce herself to a new audience.  

"It’s been humbling, but I am learning and embracing the changes.

I believe my music still has a place, and with faith and hard work, I will find my footing again. I'm poised for a comeback, and I'm working diligently to get up to speed with the latest trends and technologies. 

“My goal is to not only fit back into the market but to also regain my footing as a relevant and influential artiste.

It won't be easy, but I'm committed to putting in the work to succeed in this new era of the music industry”, she stated.

New year resolution

Since making her debut in the music industry, the songstress has yet to organise and headline her own concert.

However, she is determined to change that this year.

For her, hosting a concert is more than just a musical performance—it is an opportunity to relive her journey, create unforgettable memories, and give her fans a heartfelt experience where they can come together, engage and connect with her music on a deeper level.  

She disclosed to the Daily Graphic that her primary resolution for the year is to make this long-held dream a reality. She shared that preparations are already in motion to ensure the event comes to fruition.  

“I’ve never organised any programme before, not even an album launch, so that’s what I’m looking forward to this year,” she said.

“Aside from that, I’ve asked God to totally take the wheel and direct me in the path of righteousness.”  

Mavis Asante

Mavis Obeng Asante, popularly known as Supremelady, is a Ghanaian gospel musician, reverend minister and marriage counsellor from Anyinasu in the Ashanti Region.

Born on July 7, 1985, she is the second of three children. Her passion for music began at an early age when she sang at conventions hosted by the Church of Pentecost in Kumasi. 

Her breakthrough in music came in 2008 when she participated in TV3’s Mentor, a music TV reality show, where she gained public recognition, although she didn’t win the ultimate prize. In 2009, she released her debut album, Obaatan, with the hit song Aseda Nnwom, making her a household name.

After she got married to Prophet Christopher Asante Mensah in 2011, she took a break from music for family and education, studying journalism and theology.

She later launched her TV show, The Wives, on Yes TV. In 2016, she released her second album, How Far, which featured songs such as How Far and M’ema W’amo. 

Mavis Asante was ordained as a Reverend Minister and consecrated as a Prophetess in 2020 after graduating from the Living Faith Theological Seminary.

Over the years, she has received numerous awards, including the Ghana Youth Music Awards for Gospel Female Artiste in 2021 and Fashion Icon of the Year at Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards in 2023.