Maintaining a healthy and passionate marriage doesn’t just happen. Additionally, there are no unique guidelines, manuals nor code of conduct; and definitely no 30-day trial period. In a society where “Until death do us part” becomes “Until I find fault” and “In sickness and health” becomes “I’m in this only for wealth”, rising on the matrimonial billboard is a task.
The term power couple is plastered on our television screens, broadcasted on our radios and hash tagged all over social media. The concept has become a real life aspiration and dare I say #relationshipgoal. Sure, a few couples may come to mind: Barack and Michelle, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Kim and Kanye, Jada and Will. Locally, there are a few couples doing big things and making epic strides. Take Emprezz and Steven Golding, for example. They manage family, fame, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. And how do they do it all? We got the inside story on the power of their love.
MEET THE GOLDINGS
Emprezz and Steven accommodated us at their very own Café Africa, a cozy African themed dining spot on Lady Musgrave road. An energetic and outspoken media personality, Singer/Actress, and the mind behind the Ackee Walk project and Talk up Yout, Emprezz has stolen the hearts of Jamaicans whom she affectionately refers to as ‘my people’. To the public, Steven, is the son of former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and presides over the Kingston Division of the UNIA, while being a radio partner and entrepreneur.
The two have been married for 5 years, are proud parents to 5 year old Kush, with another bundle of joy on the way. Their daily schedule is exhausting at the mere thought, making them a power couple in the truest sense.
Flash back to where it all started (depending on who tells the story), their tale could be a tale of a woman who got swept off her feet with charm or of a really persistent man who went after exactly what he wanted. They met 6 years ago at a vegetarian restaurant in Kingston, Jamaica, then crossed paths later that same day at another local Café as they each joined their friends on an outing. Some would call it fate but according to Steven, “I had to ask her if she was stalking me.” Discussions soon led to what was a stepping stone in their careers and love lives.
Steven invited Emprezz to be his co-host on his NewsTalk 93 FM radio program “The Corner” and for 4 years they journeyed across Jamaica together. According to Emprezz, “Things happen when you work with people” and so it did. Romance brewed between the two, posing the challenge of maintaining their private life off the air, especially when there was personal tension or disagreement. Listeners were really tuned in, maybe suspicious that there was more to the relationship than presented.
THE SECRET IS OUT!
No stranger to the public eye, Steven admits that his life in a political household makes him prefer a private personal life. On the other hand, Emprezz’s career demands her being in the limelight and she is more receptive about selectively sharing personal experiences.
The dynamic interaction between the two, and their differing personalities confirm the important elements of a relationship: similar passions, values and goals. Emprezz shared her thought:
“When you can find somebody who is in tune and in line with what your passion is and what your vision is and they are able to help execute it, it’s a different kind of connection and so definitely that is what drove me to do the show and that’s what drove me to him.”
The turning point in their love story came when Emprezz decided to visit Africa; she invited Steven along. The decision to get baptized in the Ethiopian Orthodox faith followed, fulfilling one of Steven’s long held dreams. According to him:
“Baptism in Ethiopia is not for the faint of heart; typically children in Ethiopia get baptized 3 months after they are born; you don’t find adults being baptized.”
As he unraveled the details of the ceremony, he shared the uncomfortable feeling of standing naked and being surrounded by priests and other babies; however, there was Emprezz, following suit. What was amazing to him?
“She didn’t bat a lash; there was no hesitation on her part. So that’s when I decided I was going to marry her.”
As fate would have it, Kush was conceived that very night and their beautiful marriage ceremony held a few months later.
THE GROWING GOLDING EMPIRE
Both are career driven. They are in constant motion, whether with projects, foundations or their next big idea. Alongside the daily operation of his café and duties as president of the UNIA, Steven lectures at varying universities and teaches Garveyism from the primary to tertiary level. He is also involved in prison work and various charities, one he refers to as a “half-way” home for males who are of legal age but can no longer be received in a boy’s home. These young men are provided an incubation period to get integrated into the larger society.
Emprezz’s Ackee Walk project is a Jamaican puppet show designed to engage and educate children on culture, values and attitudes. Her hats as media personality, motivational speaker, youth advocate and entrepreneur also keep her busy. Although engrossed in different projects they agree their shared visions for each task remains constant.
“Whatever we do has soul, it promotes our history, our culture and its purpose is to uplift and help youths” says Emprezz. According to Steven they automatically become involved in whatever venture the other is involved in. “It’s just a matter of supporting each other and lending your talent as best as it fits.”
Family dynamics are evolving. Couples no longer bind themselves into a set portfolio of running a household. Emprezz sees their relationship as “unconventional”; and when both parents share the title of ’breadwinner’, we can only agree. Include their hands-on parenting style and their roles alternate on any given day, as needed.
So does this power couple ever have a power struggle?
“Well, I like to manage things and he’s a hard man to manage.” Emprezz humorously commented.
“I’m not going to say that it’s all a bed of roses, it’s not a fairytale but it’s perfect in the sense that we tend to be so different that our relationship is colourful.”
Team work makes the dream work is the lesson from the Goldings; and let’s face it, any household where the woman is the ‘Minister of Finance’ is sure to be a success.
The two spoke excitedly about their parenting journey thus far and on the pending arrival of their second child. “I grew up thinking my parents were the law, now as a parent myself I realise they were just fumbling their way through”, Steven shared, admitting they are still learning. Neither Emprezz nor Steven refers to themselves as the disciplinarian but share the pride of having both ‘present’ in their child’s development.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #10, 2017 Issue.