The Sunday Mail
“A good marriage is made up of two people who refuse to give up on each other even when they have distinguished differences which cannot be amended,” said Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe in one of his books “The Values of a Woman”.
Russell “Russo” Chiradza dances with his bride Sthokozile Gumede at their wedding at Crowne Plaza Monomotapa last weekend
Could the above statement apply to Russell “Russo” Chiradza, a renowned music producer who had to endure being kept on the side lines for two years before the apple of his eye, Sthokozile Gumede, finally agreed to date him?
Russo, who never tolerated African movies before meeting his newly wedded wife is now an avid fan of the popular West African films – because she loves them. And as for the vivacious Sthokozile, she never dreamt of befriending, let alone marrying a public figure like Russo. She always thought they were “dirty”.
But they managed to mend their differences with love.
The two initially met in Marondera two years ago where they became friends with several differences.
“Initially, Sthokozile was merely a friend to someone I knew and I used to stalk her on Facebook until we bumped into each other in some supermarket in Marondera,” said Russo as he tried to mask his joy following a standout wedding at Crown Plaza Monomotapa in Harare last week.
He continued: “After the incident, we became close friends and she actually kept me in the ‘friends zone’ for a long time and that drew me even closer to her. I loved the fact that she was different from the other girls who loved being all over celebrities.
“While we were still friends, she used to tell me how she hated dating a public figure. She was always of a view that public male figures get too much attention from girls and believed she wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
The two were friends for two years (2012 to 2014) before agreeing to officially transform their friendship into courtship. For Russo, the process was long but worth it because it brought something priceless – a partner for life.
“I finally won her heart last year in March and I am really proud of myself for waiting that long for my number one girl. Love made me patient with her, showing and explaining to her how I work in this music industry and what comes with the profession,” explained Russo.
“Since I had known her long enough, it only took me eight months to propose marriage to her and she accepted. We engaged in November last year.”
The two love birds got engaged at Chengeta Safari Lodge and Russo paid lobola in April this year in Marondera.
Despite the frivolous differences, which they easily overcame, the two also discovered that they have more in common, leading to last week’s wedding.
“My wife and I are business minded, our minds are focused on progress and we both enjoy nature and going out. But honestly love can make you do crazy things. I have never imagined myself being a fan of African movies but love made me adjust,” said Russo with a chuckle.
Russo said the best thing about his wife is that she brings out the better and softer side of him.
He added: “Most people from my past knew me as a cold person but ever since I met the love of my life, I became a better man who is more loving. She showed me the meaning of love and today, I am the happiest men.”
Russo said Sthokozile is down to earth and has an amazing character — attributes that contributed to his decision to marry her.
