Singer Sista Afia couldn’t hide her emotions when the conversation on The Delay Show shifted from her career achievements to her family life.
She had just proudly revealed that she has completed her own house and will be moving in this year — a six-bedroom storey building. For her, the milestone was more than brick and mortar; it was proof of sacrifice, discipline, and above all, the guidance of her mother.
“I thank my mum for her guidance,” she said, her face glowing with gratitude. “I’ll choose her in my next life. She’s very wise and advises me. I got a good mum…” She paused, then added softly, “…but I didn’t get a present father.”
Host Deloris Frimpong Manso leaned in. “Why, where is your father?”
The mood changed instantly. Sista Afia’s voice faltered.
“I wish we skipped this question,” she admitted. “I don’t want to tear up.”
Still, the questions came. Did she know him? Had she ever met him? Was he in Ghana?
With brief nods, she confirmed: yes, she knew her father, but he was not present in her life. Yes, she had met him — once, in the UK, when she was 18. No, he does not live in Ghana.
“Does he know you’re a star?” Delay pressed.
“Yes,” she replied, before conceding that his absence speaks louder than anything. “We’re growing so we know. We see when our mothers are there; we see when our fathers are there.”
It was a bittersweet moment — pride in what she has accomplished, pain in what she has lacked.
Her mother, Pertual Nyantah, became the anchor in the story. Not only did she encourage her daughter to invest in land, she also supported her financially in building the house.
“I’ve built six rooms. Storey building,” Sista Afia said, a hint of relief in her tone.
While the singer’s father may not have been present, her mother’s presence has shaped her journey — guiding her, grounding her, and standing beside her as she built both a career and a home.
