Gospel musician, Esther Smith, has advised media personality Deloris Frimpong Manso, popularly known as Delay, to resist societal pressure to get married, sharing that her own experience with marriage negatively impacted her career and personal vision.
Speaking on The Delay Show, Esther Smith stated that although marriage is often seen as a major life milestone, it can come with challenges that may significantly alter one’s life direction.
“Don’t let anybody put pressure on you to marry. As a senior sister, that’s my advice to you,” she noted.
Reflecting on her past, the singer opened up about her marriage to Rev. Ahinkan Bonsu, which lasted about four years and became public between 2009 and 2010.
According to her, that period coincided with a decline in her once-thriving music career.
“After ‘Ma Won Nsan’, marriage came into the picture. ‘Yesu Wo M’afa’ followed and I began to sink. It was a very hard time,” she disclosed.
She explained that her decision to marry was influenced by both family expectations and societal pressure, particularly conversations around age and settling down.
“My father spoke to me about marriage, that I’m the only daughter, I’m growing, age is catching up,” she said, adding that church culture also played a role.
Looking back, Esther Smith admitted that the timing of her marriage came at a personal and professional cost.
“My vision was dimmed because of marriage,” she admitted.
She further encouraged women, especially those in the public eye, to make independent life choices and not feel compelled to marry due to external pressure.
“Even if you’re not married, you can adopt a child. Don’t marry for someone to play with your heart,” she said.
The gospel artiste also offered words of encouragement to married women going through challenges, urging them to remain spiritually grounded.
“Be prayerful, but don’t let anybody push you into marriage,” she added.
Turning her attention to Delay, Esther Smith praised her independence and success, suggesting that her achievements might have taken a different path if she had rushed into marriage.
