Online Reporter
IN today’s edition of your favourite newspaper, we have a story about songstress Pauline Gundidza who has seen it all in her 20 years in the tough trenches of the music industry.
Pauline has battled alcohol abuse, depression and has also been a victim of gender-based violence.
Half her life has been spent in the trenches and under the public spotlight.
She gained fame as a co-founder of the popular group Mafriq, alongside Tunga T and Discord.
The group made a name for itself for their hits like “Ndomuudza Sei” and “Chizevezeve.”
This thrust Pauline firmly under the spotlight and it also meant that her battle with alcohol abuse, depression and being a victim of gender-based violence also played out in the media.
It was a tough period for Pauline and that she found a way to deal with everything which was thrown at her is a sign of her amazing character.
Next month, Pauline will turn 40 and she is no longer the girl whose voice touched many when she was part of the group Mafriq.
She has gone through the mill and, being a fighter, she found a way to deal with all the challenges which were thrown her way.
She spoke to us yesterday and said that turning 40 on July 8 was a milestone which was worth celebrating.
She said the challenges made her stronger and all the challenges she has faced will be woven into her new EP which will be released on her birthday.
Pauline said she has successfully recovered from alcoholism and was now campaigning against substance abuse.
She said her EP features seven songs, symbolising a rebirth as she steps into the music industry as a solo artist.
The EP is titled “Ndauya” and it is meant to commemorate her remarkable 20-year journey in the music industry.
She is a remarkable fighter and her powerful story which has seen her battle the demons which were trying to pull her down, is very inspirational.
The good thing about Pauline is that she accepted that she had a problem and sought help to try and deal with those challenges.
She understood that without that acceptance, it was going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for her to conquer the demons which were stalking her.
She is a symbol of resistance and resilience and many young female artists, who have just emerged on the scene, need to borrow a leaf from her journey.
The reality is that these artists will also face the same challenges which Pauline had to deal with.
These artists will be told that alcohol and superstardom go hand-in-hand and they will be offered every kind of alcohol brand which is available.
They will be told that it is fine for them to be abused by some powerful male figures in the industry because that is the only way their success can be guaranteed. This is what Pauline faced and had to deal with.
She deserves love and praise.
Mathew Masinge