Pecohub Ambassador Jolly Nnenna Abani, has said many female artists lose relevance after marriage because societal expectations, spousal restrictions and cultural stereotypes often force them to abandon their careers and personal ambitions.
Abani stated this at a press briefing in Abuja while announcing the grand finale of the 40andFabulousNaija Reality TV Show, Season Three, where she addressed concerns about why several women who once dominated the entertainment industry quietly disappear from the spotlight after tying the knot.
According to her, many women rush into marriage due to age-related pressure, family expectations and societal stigma, often without considering the long-term impact on their careers.
She explained that some female artists marry men who insist they abandon their careers in favour of domestic roles.
“Once a woman clocks 30 or 35, the pressure begins. Everyone starts asking when she will get married. In that rush, some women jump into marriages that do not support their purpose or career.
“Some husbands will say, ‘I don’t want you to do anything, I want a housewife.’ And because of love, money or pressure, the woman agrees and sits back. But when the money disappears, problems start, and separation follows,” she said.
Abani also cited religion, cultural norms and negative stereotypes about female musicians as factors contributing to the decline of women’s careers after marriage.
“Some men believe musicians are irresponsible or always on the streets, so they forbid their wives from performing. Others blame religion or society. These things silence women and push them out of the spotlight,” she added.
She stressed that the core challenge is the failure of many women to rediscover themselves beyond marital and societal labels.
“We tell them to remove the titles -wife, ex-wife, celebrity, qualification and find themselves. When you know what you are called to do, even when it is painful, you will never give up,” Abani said.
Using Season Three of 40andFabulousNaija as an example, she revealed that one of the housemates was a successful musician in the past who shared stages with international stars before her career stalled after marriage.
“She was a star. Life happened. Marriage happened. And she faded out. This platform is announcing her comeback, and she is coming back strong,” Abani added.
Abani dismissed claims that reality television distracts Nigerians from pressing national challenges, insisting that 40andFabulousNaija is fundamentally different from conventional entertainment programmes.
She explained that the show includes entrepreneurship training, vision-board sessions, emotional healing through what is called the Healing Room, and deep personal storytelling where participants share real-life experiences.
According to her, the initiative is designed to help women aged 40 and above rebuild confidence, acquire sustainable skills and remain economically productive.
She announced that filming for Season Three has been concluded and the programme will air for two months as well as on YouTube for the first time to reach diaspora audiences.
The Season Three Grand Finale, she said, will be held on March 21 in Abuja.
Described as Africa’s first NGO-driven reality TV show, 40andFabulousNaija targets women aged 40 and above, offering training in entrepreneurship, health, counselling and personal development, with the message that age is not a barrier to purpose or relevance.
