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I AM MARRIED BUT I AM SINGLE, THE OTHERSIDE OF SPOUSAL MIGRATION

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Nothing excites a couple more than to move beyond the fine ‘I love you’ rhetoric to saying “I do” to each other in the full glare of witnesses. It is a never-to-be-forgotten memory when you walk down the aisle together, hearts knitted together and saying I do to the man or woman you love and cherish.

It comes with it a new sense of fulfilment, a deeper joy of new beginnings, notwithstanding the higher call for commitment and responsibility. Such was the feeling of the authors- Emmanuel and Gina Idan who nurtured a relationship right from High School into marriage. They took their vows with passion and swapped smiles, hugs and kisses with verve. The excitement was at a crescendo, not entirely oblivious of the challenges that come with the institution whose certificate they had received even before they attempted to dot the I’s and cross the ts. Yeah, that is marriage.

When his wife Gina swore to submit (Ephesians 5: 22-24) in response to his promise to love (Ephesians 5: 25), all in the full glare of the witnesses, they both were convinced and ready to carry out their vows as husband and wife, dwelling together (1 Peter 3:7). But seven months later everything changed. The vows were at risk of being abandoned; their lives had
become a little boringly stale, a stark contrast to scenes at the wedding.

Unlike biblical Joseph who presided over seven years of plenty and seven years of lean season, the authors shared seven months of bliss immediately after the wedding, and awful lot of years of misery staying married but living single.

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It is these years of misery put together in a revealing riveting story of “I am married but I am single.” A great storytelling with simple, easy-to-relate narration, the authors from Chapter One, get the reader spellbound, treating a delicate issue of spousal migration in a way none other has.

The story behind my new three-piece suit I encountered Vid when I was 16 years old. She was my mum’s closest neighbour. We lived in the same compound house together. I ran errands for Vid and assisted her with domestic chores. Because she lived alone, I was the caretaker of her single-room apartment whenever she travelled. Vid was beautiful, peaceful, and kind, and I benefited immensely from her kindness as an errand boy. One day, she invited me to her room. ‘I have a special gift for you’, she said, but this time not in her usual bubbly self. She pulled a suit bag from her wardrobe and handed it to me. I opened it in her presence.

It was a beautiful new grey three-piece suit. I was excited. I smiled awkwardly and thanked her profusely. When my mother returned from work that night, I told her the good news. As usual, I showed her my new suit and asked her to thank Vid on my behalf. At this point, my mum recounted the story behind that beautiful suit, my newly acquired property.

When Vid’s husband first left for the UK, their communication was frequent and filled with love. Alex would write Vid heartfelt letters, send her thoughtful gifts, and provide financial support. However, two years later, the once vibrant communication became sporadic. The silence was deafening, and Vid couldn’t ignore the growing distance.

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Alex often blamed his demanding work schedule for the lack of communication, but little did Vid know Alex had started a new life with another woman.

After 5 years of Alex’s domicile abroad, Vid received a perplexing letter from him. The content of the letter was shocking and
heartbreaking. The content of the ‘divorce letter’ is paraphrased below:

“I apologise for disappointing you, but I cannot continue the marriage. To secure my stay in the UK and avoid deportation, I am married to a new lady. If you will not mind, should any man come your way, you can marry him. I will compensate you for the time wasted and the inconvenience caused. I am sorry!”

Several months after the devastating revelation, Vid decided to part with Alex’s wardrobe. The three-piece suit she had given me was Alex’s meant for their wedding, a dream now shattered. I became an unintended beneficiary of Vid’s broken marriage. Vid’s,” that was an excerpt in Chapter One.

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Was the gift of the three-piece suit a premonition of what would happen in the author’s life? What forced one of the newly wedded couple out of the country? What were the challenges, the experiences and the coping mechanisms living apart as a married couple? How did they manage the natural urge for sex when they did not share a bed for many years? What happened to the marriage? What lessons are there to learn from this?

All the answers to these and more you will find in; “I AM MARRIED BUT I AM SINGLE, THE OTHER SIDE OF SPOUSAL MIGRATION.

Authors: Reverend Emmanuel & Mrs. Gina Idan

Available on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Booknook.store,
Design Mandate @ Lapaz, close to Abeka Post Office-0539484599/0241021265

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Available on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Booknook.store,
Design Mandate @ Lapaz, close to Abeka Post Office.

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Watts, kWh, and Joules: Sinking or Swimming in Energy Lingo kilowatt-hour

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Watts, kWh, and Joules: Sinking or Swimming in Energy Lingo kilowatt-hour

When regulating energy consumption, managing energy-related expenses, and implementing energy-saving measures, it is essential to understand the terminology used when discussing energy measurements and sources such as watts, kWh, or joules. This article will cover nebulous concerns regarding these units, elucidate their operation and use, and outline how energy efficiency initiatives will benefit us.

Through comprehensive and straightforward explanations of energy terms, this article will assist anybody who wants to learn more about their energy bill or enhance the energy efficiency of their house.

Click to get in touch with the best Utility Bidder.

What is a Watt?

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The Watt, named after another great Scottish scientist, James Watt, is the standard unit of electric power that measures electrical energy power. Power has been defined in several ways, but the most common relating to the subject of this article is described as the rate at which energy is produced or consumed. The following formula is used to convert 1 joule per second to one watt:

1 W= 1 J/s

For instance, when turned on, a 60-watt electrical light consumes one joule of power in sixty seconds. Knowing how to calculate wattage is important to discover how much power is being consumed and how much electricity will cost on a mean basis.

Common Uses of Watts

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Watts is a commonly used unit of measurement to quantify how much electricity domestic appliances utilize. For example:

LED TV: Typically uses 20–100 watts of power.

Electric Kettle: 2,000–3,000 watts of power.

Fridge Freezer: Uses an average of 100–800 watts.

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Knowing how much energy your appliances use when operating is crucial to making energy-efficient decisions.

Kilowatts and Kilowatt-Hours

Kilowatt and Kilowatt-Hour: An Understanding

A thousand watts is referred to as one kW. The kilowatt hour (kWh) is one measure used to describe changes in energy use over time. Even the energy consumed for an hour by a 1,000-watt device may be described as one kilowatt-hour. This unit is essential to understanding energy bills since different power providers base their prices on the quantity of kWh used.

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Calculate Energy Consumed in kWh

The below-given formula is used to calculate an appliance’s energy usage in kWh:

energy (kWh) = power (kW) × time (h)

Example of kWh Calculation

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Assume that you have an LED TV that uses 100 watts of electricity and that you watch it for five hours every day. The amount of energy used per day would be:

100 watts×5 hours=500 watt-hours=0.5 kWh

Over a month (30 days), this TV would consume:

0.5 kWh/day × 30 days = 15 kWh

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Effect on Utility Bills

The specific supplier represents the amount of power utilized in kWh. An additional advantage of a service without a monthly fee is that you pay $0.12 for each kWh. Therefore, the monthly cost of operating the LED TV would be:

15 kWh × $0.12/kWh = $1.80

Joules: The Fundamental Unit of Energy

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The most common measurement unit in physics, chemistry, and engineering is the joule or J, the standard energy unit. One watt of power is used in one second to produce one joule of energy. Although people do not employ joules in their daily lives or practice, these units are essential in scientific astronomy.

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Energy Efficiency and Its Benefits

Energy Efficiency Programs and Incentives

Energy efficiency incentives programs include practical ways to reduce energy use, such as updating old, inefficient equipment or installing energy-saving products to insulate buildings. To encourage people to support these initiatives, incentives like tax credits and refunds could also be offered.

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Energy Efficiency Benefits

Reduced Energy Bills

By reducing energy costs, energy conservation helps you save money.

Enhanced Comfort

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It’s simpler to control the temperature in an energy-efficient home.

Enhanced Property Value

There’s a good reason why people find houses and businesses with energy-efficient features more appealing than those with higher energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency Technologies and Measures

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Modern homes may benefit from energy-efficient technology such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart meters. Simple adjustments like caulking gaps around the house, utilizing temperature-controlled air conditioners and heaters, and other daily habits can improve energy efficiency.

Proactive Energy Efficiency Measures

Many governments and organizations are beginning to advocate for energy efficiency improvements to encourage sustainable energy. Among these are methods of demand-side management, such as standardization and assistance for energy audits.

Understanding Your Energy Bills

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An Analysis of Energy Prices

The two main components of energy prices are a standing fee, which some bills include additional charges and taxes like VAT and energy usage charges expressed in units called kWh. It helps the customer understand where they might save on various product components.

Cutting Energy Expenses

Two approaches are necessary for cost-effective energy planning: lowering hourly kilowatts to increase efficiency and looking for new, more affordable electric power providers. This can take the shape of programs with reduced unit costs or user rewards for cutting back on power during peak hours.

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Conclusion

Chasing the stars energy-wise is no easy task, but understanding watts, kilowatt-hours, and joules is essential to controlling energy use. Additionally, energy efficiency reduces emissions, lowers energy costs for the business, and allows it to fight climate change actively.

This information empowers you to implement practical solutions that eliminate energy waste and lower your monthly bill when determining the energy use of a specific household appliance or researching ways to take energy-saving initiatives in your house or business place.

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Association of Professional Development Communicators-Ghana to be launched July 5

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The first-ever Association of Professional Development Communicators-Ghana (APDC-Ghana) will officially be launched to advocate for policies that will ensure meaningful development in the country.
The event scheduled for July 5, 2024 will be held at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra.

The association’s Acting Media Liaison & Communications Officer, Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri announced via a statement dated June 27, said APDC-Ghana aims to enhance how development issues are communicated to communities and the public through various forms and strategies.
“APDC-Ghana aims to foster collaboration, advocate for development issues, and promote behaviour change through diverse yet effective communication techniques,” he stated.
Some of the association’s key objectives, he noted, include researching and promoting best practices in communication for development, building the capacity of communicators, and advocating for marginalized voices.

“It will also utilise diverse methods through partnerships to address development challenges in sectors like health, education, agriculture and the environment.
“Our mission is to enhance development communication in Ghana, focusing on various sectors and issues confronting our beloved country,” he stressed.
According to him, the new association will also focus on community engagement and cross-cultural communication to drive behavior change for development.
Read a copy of the statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27TH JUNE 2024
LAUNCH OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATORS – GHANA
The Association of Professional Development Communicators – Ghana (APDC-Ghana) is pleased to announce its official launch on July 5, 2024, 10:00 AM, at the GNAT Hall in Accra.
APDC-Ghana aims to enhance development communication in Ghana, focusing on various sectors and issues confronting our beloved country, including but not limited to health, education, agriculture, environmental conservation, and governance. Our mission is to foster collaboration, advocate for development issues, and promote behavior change through diverse yet effective communication techniques.
Our objectives include:
Researching and promoting effective communication for development.
Building the capacity of development communicators.
Advocating for marginalized voices in development projects.
Fostering community engagement and collaboration.

Promoting behavior change through cross-cultural communication.
Utilizing diverse communication methods for development challenges through partnerships..

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We therefore call on our stakeholders to join us in this important initiative. Your support has always been invaluable, and we look forward to your participation.

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Yango and Guinness launch a nationwide ‘’Don’t Drink and Drive’’ Campaign with special focus on road safety in Ghana

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Yango and Guinness launch a nationwide ‘’Don’t Drink and Drive’’ Campaign with special focus on road safety in Ghana

An international ride-hailing service Yango, a part of a global tech company Yango Group, has partnered with Guinness Ghana PLC to launch a new safety initiative aimed at preventing drunk driving accidents, promoting safe mobility and ensuring both drivers and passengers are safe at all times. A continuous ‘’Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign’’ will include promotional events and activities to encourage responsible drinking habits by passengers and discourage drunk driving by partner drivers. This includes in app notifications, regular training, out of home marketing campaigns and many advertisements. 

The safety forum, which is a first step in the campaign, took place on Wednesday, June 26th 2024 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra and covered topics such as recognizing signs of impairment, strategies for preventing drunk driving, and how to use alternative transportation options such as ride-hailing services like Yango. The training was provided by certified instructors and was available to all Yango partner drivers and passengers free of charge. This was attended by over 150 participants which cut across Yango’s partners, partner drivers, passengers and authorities from many safety organizations across the country.

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As part of the ‘’Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign’’, Yango and Guinness organized a safety training to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence as well as highlight the many safety features Yango has provided for both partner drivers and passengers.

The ‘’Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign’’ will also include promotional events and activities to encourage responsible drinking habits by passengers and discourage drunk driving by partner drivers. This includes in app notifications, regular training, out of home marketing campaigns and many advertisements. Yango and Guinness are working together to create a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community

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“We are committed to promoting responsible road practices and ensuring the safety of passengers and partner drivers. By partnering with Guinness Ghana PLC , we hope to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and provide the community with the knowledge and tools they need to make safe and responsible choices. We are excited to contribute our quota in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the country. Safety is a fundamental need and plays a key role in our vision to create income generating opportunities for partner drivers while providing affordable and convenient transportation for passengers” said Mr. Ofonime Tom, Country Manager of Yango Ghana.

The Safety Forum also featured a panel discussion which had experts from the health and safety industry to speak on road ethics, crime, safety techniques and measures to ensure the safety and security of both the partner drivers and passengers. The panel consisted of Mr. Eric Komla Kwakuyi, Regional Safety & Security Officer at Yango, Lynessa Darko, Sustainability and Responsibility Manager at Guinness Ghana PLC and Mr. Damoah Emmanuel Nyarkoh, Director of Safety Campaign Ghana.

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Lynessa Darko, Sustainability and Responsibility Manager at Guinness Ghana PLC expressed optimism about the campaign and safety training while encouraging more ride-hailing companies to follow the footsteps of Yango in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their key stakeholders. 

She said ‘’Safeguarding our community is very important in national development. Ensuring that as brands and companies, we play our roles in providing adequate safety education and awareness to help drivers and passengers stay alert on the roads while knowing the dangers of drunk driving is the first step to achieving a safe and sound environment viable for economic growth’’.

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The beneficiary partner drivers received certificates of participation to confirm that they have successfully gone through the safety training and are fully aware of the many safety features provided by Yango for partner drivers such as display of passenger ratings, identity photo checks in special cases, display of alert zones and non-penalty configuration for drivers to be able to skip orders to the alert zones, display of passenger profile picture, rating form to evaluate riders and in-app calls to support.

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The passengers who attended the training also expressed their gratitude to Yango and Guinness for putting together this initiative and pledged to use the knowledge acquired to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. Some of the safety features available to passengers include rating form to evaluate trips, display of driver rating, safety center (this houses the share route, ambulance and police, trusted contacts and emergency situation buttons), SOS button, support team which acts promptly, drivers document checks among others..

This move is in line with Yango’s launch of the ‘’Safety Talk Series’’ last month which saw the company visit and educate students, faculty members and the general public at the University of Ghana during their SRC week celebrations. Yango and Guinness are working together to create a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community.

About Yango: 

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Yango is an international tech company that transforms global sourced technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we reshape and enhance leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions. 

Our mission is to bridge the gap between leading world innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences.     

Yango operates across 20+ countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Yango’s multilingual super app is available for free on Android and iOS.              

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DJ Liam and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Abigail perform on Joy Prime’s 4KidzParadise

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DJ Liam, born Prince Liam Lartey Sackitey, joined forces with Abigail, the reigning second runner-up of the 2024 edition of ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ for an extended version of Joy Prime’s 4KidzParadise on the Father’s Day edition. Their exciting performances thrilled viewers, leaving a lasting impression. (more…)

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12 Assumptions Slowing Down Your Performance (And How EI Can Come To Your Rescue) II

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Dr. Abiola Salami

Today, we are live in Mombasa, Kenya for Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp 2.0 where leaders are gathered to gain insights for driving transformational leadership with The Magic of Emotional Intelligence. 

Last week, we commenced a conversation on 12 Assumptions slowing down your performance and how emotional intelligence can come to your rescue. We looked at 4 of the 12 assumptions namely – Assumption #1 – More Meetings Are A Sign Of Productivity. Assumption #2 – Aptitude Is More Important Than Attitude. Assumption #3 – Everyone Understands A Brief and Assumption #4 – Training Should Be for Only Top Executives.

This week, we shall be looking at another 4 Assumptions as follows:

Assumption #5 – Underperformance Is Entirely An Employee’s Fault

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Without absolving an employee from taking personal responsibility, it must be said that productivity is a function of multiple causalities. Whilst an employee’s talent and work ethic is on one side of the equation, the kind of work environment leaders and team members create is on the other side of the equation. The question is, to what respective degrees are the employee and the organization responsible for a low level of productivity? An audit of key performance indicators, resources available to support those targets and the climate created by both parties determines performance. Organizational awareness is one of the critical skills of emotional intelligence where leaders are really committed to (i) discovering the kind of culture persists in the organization and (ii) developing a peak performance culture which demands high level performance from team members while also delivering a high level of service to these team members. 

Assumption #6 – Criticism Is a Sign Of Disloyalty

As much as team members should be aligned in their collective thinking, there should be room for different perspectives. Groupthink is one of the threats to productivity because everyone could be blinded by a seemingly great idea but it takes a divergent view sometimes to unlock super levels of productivity. Thus criticism may come from a place of concern, not that whoever propounded such is a dissent. It’s dangerous when everyone always agree on everything; boardrooms shouldn’t be diverse only in talent, gender and generation but also in thought-process. All feedback cannot be pretty; some can be harsh but it is better a team member calls something out, than for the market to call it out which may come with dire consequences. Conflict management is one of the critical skills of emotional intelligence where leaders commit to resolving differences without being vindictive towards those with different viewpoints.

Assumption #7 – Every Employee Has to Work the Same Way

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This assumption is founded on the myopic thinking where a leader assumes that every employee should adopt their workstyle. This is not about work ethic; this is about workstyle. Whilst everyone should adhere to organizational guidelines, there should still be room for personal creativity – else monotony will stifle productivity. The most important thing to a leader should be having team members deliver results with adherence to the general codes of conduct and meeting of key performance indicators. Policing employees on their methodologies (which doesn’t compromise quality or regulation) shouldn’t be discouraged. Inspirational leadership is one of the critical skills of emotional intelligence which empower leaders with the competence to guide their team to bring out their best – this includes in this case, allowing them certain freedoms when working. 

Assumption #8 – Working Longer Means Working Better

Some leaders assume that keeping their employees for longer than working hours somehow leads to higher productivity when they might just be keeping up appearances. Owing to the power-dynamics in an employer-employee relationship, employees play along without necessarily churning out more work. When we leaders try to squeeze more from a fatigued team member, the law of diminishing returns sets in with the team members delivering poor quality work with longer time investment. Influence is one of the critical skills of emotional intelligence which equips the leader with the competence to engage team members to get work done not because they have to, but because they want to. When you gain buy-in even if on occasion there must be longer working hours, much can be achieved by consensus rather than coercion.

Growth Opportunities

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To further position your leaders for peak performance, you can download a free copy of the latest edition of The Peak Performer Magazine You can also enrol your Mid-level  Leadership Team for the Made4More Accelerator Program and your Senior Leadership Team for the Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp 2024 We also have an upcoming training for leaders in public service 

About Dr. Abiola Salami

Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp and The Peak PerformerTM. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on [email protected] and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.

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Ghanaian-French Musician Tee Kae Set to Shine at Ghanafest Concert, Paris Olympics and Paralympics

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Rising Ghanaian-French musician Tee Kae is set to captivate audiences at the Ghanafest Concert, a highly anticipated event taking place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, as part of the Ghanafest Paris Olympics and Paralympics. With her unique sound and undeniable talent, Tee Kae promises to leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Discovering her passion for music at a young age through singing and leading her church music group, Tee Kae’s journey as an artist has been influenced by iconic musicians such as Alicia Keys and H.E.R. With a desire to create her own distinct sound, Tee Kae seamlessly blends elements of Afro-R&B/Soul, Indie vocals, and a touch of Trap with Alté rhythms.

Having initially gained attention for her exceptional vocal abilities showcased in acoustic covers of popular songs, Tee Kae embarked on a transformative year of introspection and growth.

Now, Tee Kae is ready to take the stage at the Ghanafest Concert in Paris, joining an impressive lineup of Ghanaian artists and cultural groups. She Will Share stage with Bessa Simon, Ras Kuuku, Kofi Kinaata, Sista Afia. Her performance promises to be a standout moment, as she showcases her unique sound and enthralling stage presence. From her sultry vocals to her captivating performances, Tee Kae is bound to leave the audience wanting more.

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The Ghanafest Concert is organized by Showbiz Global Concepts in collaboration with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), ensuring a high-quality event that celebrates Ghanaian culture and talent. Tee Kae’s participation in this prestigious concert solidifies her status as one of the most promising artists to emerge from the Ghanaian music scene.

As Tee Kae prepares to grace the stage at the Ghanafest Concert, fans, and music enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing her artistry and witnessing the evolution of her sound. With her unique blend of genres and heartfelt lyrics, Tee Kae is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music landscape.

Listen to her latest single “My Last” on all platforms here. Follow Tee Kae on Instagram | X



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