Ghanaian musician Mzbel, known in private life as Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, has come under criticism on social media after saying she would consider dating a 19-year-old man if her current relationship ended.
The 46-year-old musician made the comments during an interview with media personality ZionFelix, where she discussed relationships, attraction and age differences.
Mzbel said she did not consider a significant age gap a problem, arguing that a person’s behaviour was more important than their age.
“I don’t see anything wrong with the age difference. It depends on the person’s behaviour,” she said.
Asked whether she had any concerns about the 27-year age difference, Mzbel said she personally did not attach much importance to age when it came to attraction.
“For me, I don’t care about age difference. If I find you attractive and I like you, why not?”
She clarified, however, that she is currently in a relationship and would not pursue another relationship while still with her partner.
According to her, she would only consider dating the 19-year-old if her current relationship came to an end.
“He’s cute, but that’s just it. I don’t know how to do two people at a time, maybe if the person breaks up with me,” she said.
Social media backlash
Her comments have triggered debate online, with some social media users questioning the appropriateness of a 46-year-old woman expressing romantic interest in someone who is 19.
Some critics have also drawn comparisons between her comments and her 2005 hit song “16 Years,” which addresses the sexual exploitation of a young girl by an older man.
They questioned whether her current views on relationships with much younger partners conflict with the message associated with the song.
Others, however, have focused on the fact that a 19-year-old is legally an adult, while acknowledging that the substantial age difference raises questions about maturity and power dynamics.
Mzbel recounts abusive past relationship
During the same interview, Mzbel revealed that her first serious relationship was with a man who was 28 years older than her.
She said the man discovered her talent and helped her begin her music career, but the relationship later became abusive and possessive.
“He was also abusive. He used to beat me and seize my phone, so when I got a little money, I ran away,” she said.
Her revelation has added another dimension to the discussion, with some people revisiting her own experience with a significant age-gap relationship.
The controversy has consequently reignited wider conversations in Ghana about age-gap relationships, consent, maturity and power dynamics, particularly where the partners are from significantly different generations.
Mzbel remains one of Ghana’s outspoken entertainment personalities and has frequently attracted public attention for her views on relationships and other social issues.
