Nobody made you judges –Afia Ayiwah to critics of divorced gospel acts

GOSPEL artiste, Afia Ayiwah, has clapped back at critics who judge Gospel artistes, especially the females, who have gone through divorce.

Her beef is that most of the critics who have no right to sit in judgement over these artistes are always quick to form opinions without knowing details of what might have caused the breakdown of marriages.

Speaking with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, November 26, Afia Ayiwah, who is married, pointed out that no one was expected to remain in an abusive relationship which could even end in fatality.

“Marriage is supposed to be enjoyed and not endured. Yes, it gets tough sometimes and you are expected to overcome the challenges. However, when it gets abusive and your mental health is at stake, you need to walk out of the fire.”

“Nobody deserves to die because of marriage. As a Christian, I’ve read the Bible and I don’t know which part of it that states that marriage is a requirement to heaven and that without it, you can’t make it to the City of God,” she said.

Earlier this year, Gospel artiste Ohemaa Mercy was heavily bashed when she disclosed that she was led by God through prayers to divorce her husband.

According to Ohemaa, her marriage was taking a toll on her music career, and was in a dilemma to either save it or walk out of her union.

She eventually chose the latter which didn’t go down well with critics when she openly talked about her divorce a few months ago. (Read also: Dancehall isn't the enemy of Ghana's music industry, says Stonebwoy, It’s difficult not to cheat in marriage – Mr. Macaroni)

Afia Ayiwah explained that Gospel artistes were human beings with feelings too and shouldn’t be dragged when they take bold decisions to save their mental well-being and in some case, their lives.

“When a secular artiste's marriage is on the rocks, people don’t make much of it and even tend to overlook it. But when a gospel artiste’s marriage ends, it becomes such a big deal. That’s how I see it.”

“As a Christian, the Bible requires that there should be peace in a marriage, but I believe if it’s not working, you can walk out of it. Why should you risk your life, mental health because of marriage?”

“Sometimes, people spread false information without knowing the facts. They don’t even understand what led to the collapse of the union, yet they put out unverified stories just to taint the artiste’s reputation,” she stated.