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Q&A with William: Puleng March from growing up in a poor home in South Africa to taking on stages around the round

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Growing up in a poor home and community where people thought nothing good could come out from, Puleng March believed her God and stood her feet to man the challenge even at the time when people said to her she’s a failure and nothing good could come out of her. With little to no education, she has managed to carve a niche for herself in the densely populated South African Gospel scene.

Offered to play the lion king movie lead role in Singapore, the award-winning singer gradually is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the South African Gospel scene. Not only has the mother of two shared the stage with international gospel legend Kirk Franklin and world-renowned preacher T.D Jakes but also performed on many international platforms in
Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Dallas, Swaziland, New York, New Jersey, and a host of others.

Today, the celebrated singer, mother, and entrepreneur are fast spreading her wings beyond borders and it’s just, unbelievable. For her, the only report you should believe as a Christian about your life is God’s, not man.

She hopes to someday collaborate with Joe Mettle and other Ghanaian sensational female musicians in the coming years.

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Today, the South African’s most celebrated choir, Joyous Celebrations Alumni takes us on a journey of her life, Joyous Celebration, Marriage, Album, and what she’s doing in her small power to change the world. She bares it all on Q&A with William.

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself, where you grew up and how that shaped the Puleng March we know today?

A: I was born and raised in the Northern Cape in Kimberley. I was raised by a single parent, my mother is a Pastor so my whole life was just church and singing everywhere you meet me. I have siblings, two sisters. I am a born again Christian and I love the Lord dearly. I was raised in the house of the Lord, started singing at a very early age, I sang at church in the streets, weddings and funerals…I was raised by a God-fearing woman, she raised me to be strong, God-fearing, and a hard-working woman.

Q: How easy or difficult was it for you growing up as a child and how did that influence the kind of music you do now?

A: I was born in a poor area and nobody believed that something good can come from the location I was born in.
I was surrounded by negativity, but I thank God for my mother who stood strong in teaching me about Christ…Christ saved and shaped the Puleng you know today, I was able to grow and become something or someone everybody is looking up to. Thankfully, I inspire young and old.

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Q: Let’s talk about Puleng and JC… How did you join Joyous Celebrations and what was the feeling like when you were first chosen to be part of JC’s big family?

A: I Joined JC in 2011 after coming back from Singapore, from Playing Nala in the Lion King, I was approached by Mr Mkhize to come and join the choir but I had to finish my contract with Disney before I can join, so after Lion King, I joined JC…I was very happy, I loved every moment.

Q: What was the one thing that made you say, ‘I want to join this group’?

A: One thing that made me agree to join was the love to praise and worship and believe the Platform was amazing to do that for the Lord.

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Q: The first time you were told you’ll be leading a song at JC. How was it like for you and which song was it?

A: I was scared at first when I was given a song but later excitement crept in when I saw the amazing reception from everybody, especially the audience and testimonies from people. And the song was Motho Mang Leng.

Q: What was your most challenging moment with Joyous Celebration?

A: My most challenging moments were rehearsing till late hours, as a wife and a mother, it was very challenging but God kept me.

Q: Would you agree that Joyous Celebration has added some “value” to your brand and ministry?

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A: Yes, I agree that JC added value to my brand and ministry because it introduced me to the world and I grew because of what I have learned in JC.

Q: Walk us through Makoti Enkosini and what inspired your decision to form such an initiative?

A: I’m the founder of Makoti Enkosini (wives in the Lord). This is a ministry that effectively empowers wives and future wives to connect to their spirituality through the word of God. It is a ministry that empowers wives to overcome obstacles or challenges through God-given strength. The decision was truly inspired by God after I got married. God laid this in my heart to bring wives together and just pray together, support each other, help each other as wives. Help to build our homes, with the guidance of the holy spirit because we learn so much from each other as wives and the word of God is also teaching us a whole lot through this.

Q: How do you juggle between family and ministry and all that you do, considering the fact that you’re a wife and a mother?

A: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He helps me to be able to juggle through everything and the support of my husband is really everything…

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Q: Tell us about your album ‘Marching On’ and what went into that amazing album?

A: I released a beautiful, spirit-filled album “Marching Marching”, I thank God. It wasn’t easy but it was all worth it. I worked with amazing musicians like Soyanqoba Mthethwa who is the Producer of the Album. The band, Snikiwe, QhubekaniFrank, and magic hand and God really honored me with amazing backing gifted singers from Joyous celebrations, the likes of Buhle Thela, Xoli Mncwango, Nhlanhla Zofo, I also worked with Johny Vilakazo another amazing and gifted singer.
With no help from big companies, it was only me, my husband, and Boikutsos. Thankfully, we managed to bring out amazing work. I am proud of what I have done with the little that I had and as an independent artist.

Q: When you first announced the establishment of your own record label, you sort of gave a long caption on social media which says “As a black child don’t allow anybody to tell you that, you can’t and won’t make it”. Did someone ever tell you that you can’t make it in life?

A: Yes I had people who said I won’t make it. It is hard out there, it’s expensive plus you are a woman…but I chose to believe in what God was saying about my life.

Q: Generally, what do you think has become a stumbling block for Gospel musicians in Africa when it comes to growth?

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A: I think what becomes a stumbling block is not believing in yourself and your craft but rather trusting someone else to do things for you.We want things to just happen for us, yet we do not want to put effort and slave through to make things happen for us. We need to fall in love with our work first before we expect the world to love us…You can block your own growth, nothing should be able to block your growth.

Q: Do you think Urban Gospel in your part of the world would ever be accepted by South Africans as they have with the traditional Gospel?

A: I think Urban has already been accepted and it’s growing gradually, the traditional gospel will always take the first place as it is in all other countries. You fall in love with what you are and know first, what you grew up listening to, then all others will follow.

Q: As an award-winning artist, what do you think needs to be done to enable African Gospel music to travel worldwide like the other genres?

A: I think we as African artists need to collaborate, work together and conquer Africa together first before we go to the world. The world will be attracted to our sound when we make enough noise together, the noise will be so big to shake the world.

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Q: Which Ghanaian Gospel artiste would you like to collaborate with?

A: Joe Mettle,and any Gospel female artist.

Q: For a woman in your position, it seems it is all work and no play. So what do you do at your leisure time?

A: In my leisure time, I spend time with my family, I love cooking, so I cook and after, I go through my kids’ projects.

Q: I know it will be difficult but before we go, name five (5) of your favorite singers in JC?

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A: Puleng March 2.Buhle the 3.NGod’Skazi Mnsomi 4.Mkhululi Bhebhe 5. Sbu Noah.

Q: Finally, any advice for the many youth and upcoming ministers who look up to you?

A: Make sure you stay in prayer, you only hear God’s voice, shut your ears to the many voices outside that may distract you from hearing God speak, Believe and love in your craft first. Be humble.

Interview by: William Lamptey

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OldSwat features Unsigned and Talented artist; Quame Rhymz on “Obrefour”

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Obrefour

Ghana-born Belgian music producer known as OldSwat has started an initiative to give unheard, talented and unsigned artists the platform to share their stories with the world. “Obrefour” featuring Quame Rhymz is the first single off this project. The 14-track project titled “The Discovery” album features 14 talented up-and-coming artists from Ghana. (more…)

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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD Leads GHS 600 million Note Programme Listing for Kasapreko Co. PLC on Ghana Fixed Income Market

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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) in a strategic partnership as a joint lead arranger has lauded Kasapreko Co. Plc, an indigenous beverage manufacturer, for its ambitious growth plans following the official listing of the Series 1 GHS 600 million Note Programme on the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM).

The funds raised will bolster Kasapreko Co. Plc’s working capital, financing capital expenditures such as operational expansion, and refinancing short-term debts.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Accra, the Managing Director of CBG, Mr. Daniel Wilson Addo, emphasized the significance of the transaction, indicating that this is the first time an indigenous Ghanaian Bank has worked with an indigenous manufacturing company to raise funding from local pension funds in the public market. This signifies fostering strong partnerships among indigenous companies to overcome financing challenges innovatively. 

He added that the funding which is at a cost significantly lower than the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) for borrowing will cushion Kasapreko Co. Plc’s operations significantly.

He underlined the importance of addressing risks associated with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) while encouraging financial institutions and industries to develop financial structures that meet the evolving risks effectively.

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Mr. Addo stated, “This transaction is a testament to our overriding ambition to make an impact in the communities in which we operate. We stand with you in good times or in bad times”.

According to Mr. Addo, the support for Kasapreko Co. Plc highlights the economic impact of CBG’s lending philosophy.

The Managing Director of Kasapreko Co. Plc, Mr. Richard Adjei, welcomed the innovative financing source, describing it as a relatively cheaper capital and sustainable solution for business growth.

Mr. Adjei expressed his gratitude towards CBG for enabling them to explore alternatives beyond traditional Banks. With the infusion, Kasapreko Co. Plc aims to expand production capacity and enhance its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), having already exported products to Kenya and South Africa.

In attendance were Management members of the Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) including the Deputy Managing Director of Operations and Technology, Mr. Thairu Ndungu; Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Resources, Madam Nana Ama Poku and Director of Finance and Strategy, Mr. Charles Appiah and other senior executives of the Bank.

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Mr. Gregg Pitt, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Humphrey Hessel-Appiah, Finance Director; Mr. Gerald Bonsu, Commercial Director; and Mr. Isaac Adjei, a Board Member, all of Kasapreko Co. Plc were also present.

Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana and operates as a universal Bank with 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana. The Bank has strong government support, a large SME client network, and a pool of diverse talent.

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Telecel Ghana Network Update

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Telecel Ghana has multiple sources of internet services through SAT3, WACS, ACE, and submarine fibre links to other international providers.

On the 12th of March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet capacity provided by WACS subsea cable, and immediately switched to ACE to maintain service.

On 14th March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet connectivity from its remaining providers SAT3 and ACE due to a cut in their undersea cables. This resulted in the disruption of data services on Mobile and Fixed networks.

Telecel Ghana has now secured new internet capacity and is progressively adding more capacities through local and international partners, including other Telecel subsidiaries. This, is in addition to local caching solutions which are enabling access to some content services such as YouTube, Facebook, Netflix etc.

Telecel Ghana sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of its customers during this period. All customers will be refunded accordingly. 

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Please note that information circulating on social media platforms about the disconnection of Telecel Ghana due to debts owed is false and should be disregarded.

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SuperSport to air 13th African Games on DStv & GOtv from March 19

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SuperSport International have confirmed that the ongoing 13th African Games will telecast on DStv and GOtv from 19th to 23rd March 2024.

The broadcast will cover a wide range of sports disciplines. Given that this is also an Olympics year, the athletics, track, and field which began today may be the most significant sport fans across the continent would love to follow.

Currently Nigeria and South Africa, led by Egypt (first), are ranked second and third, respectively, on the medal standings.

Ahead of the live feed on your DStv and GOtv starting tomorrow 19th March 2024, SuperSport is streaming live the games on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps.  Subsequently from tomorrow the broadcast would be open on DStv 248 (Variety 4) (DStv) and GOtv channel 131 (Select 2).

The 13th African Games are already delivering unforgettable experiences, reconnect your decoder to be part of a celebration of diverse sporting talent and cultural unity live from Accra Ghana.

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Hollard Ghana Empowers Student Entrepreneurs with Second Edition of Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.

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Hollard Ghana, the country’s favourite insurer, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life, awards Jnelp Innovations, a student entrepreneur, with GHC 40,000 as funding at the just-ended Hollard Streetwise Finance Entrepreneurship Business Challenge held at the University of Cape Coast. 

In collaboration with the University of Ghana Business School and the University of Cape Coast, the grant-based program showcased ten talented student-led businesses that presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges in a bid to secure funding. Zenags Organics won the second-place prize of GHC 20,000, and Career Path won the third-place award of GHC 10,000.

Speaking on the essence of the event, Alexander Osei Mensah, General Manager of Operations at Hollard Insurance, described the initiative as a testament to the insurance group’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among the youth.

“As a company that does well by doing good, our purpose is to bridge the gap between the corporate world and academia. Being an entrepreneurially driven company, Hollard believes in enabling its community to create better futures. Since universities are essential in nation-building and the training ground for business leaders, we focus on engaging tertiary students to ensure they are enabled to succeed in the future with Hollard’s support. In doing so, we aim to inspire more students to explore opportunities that will lead to successful employment upon graduation, particularly through entrepreneurship,” Alex added.GROUP HSBC

Portia Sackey, the founder of Jnelp Innovations, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s outcome, stating, “We are thrilled to be winners of the Hollard Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.   We are grateful to Hollard Ghana for this opportunity to help small businesses thrive. With this funding, we will expand our business by investing in research and development for our skin product and purchasing a tricycle and two extra automatic filling machines to enable us to meet the demanding markets with our products”. 

The success of the second edition of the Streetwise Finance Business Challenge reinforces Hollard Ghana’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders. The company remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. Student startup businesses participating in the competition include Overseas, Gamkrib, Delsoy Foods, Shuttle Track, Prifrimps Food, Geia Technology, and Firefly I.O.

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Keren Arthur, PhD, the Director of the D-Hub, urged the winners to be strategic in their decisions while remembering that entrepreneurship is an experimental process. 

“Adopt a step-by-step process for using funds and know that entrepreneurship requires a small-scale pilot before major investment. To the other businesses who competed, don’t give up. This event has added to your story, and I hope this will make you stronger and even more committed to taking the ideas forward. The doors of the D-Hub are always open to help you chart the next chapter of your story,” she added.

 

The country’s favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market, having previously operated in Ghana for 25 years as Metropolitan Insurance, with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand in 18 countries worldwide. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, travel, home, and more, and can be reached via 0307000599. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, www.melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs.

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Team South Africa withdraws hockey from African Games due to poor pitch conditions

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South Africa’s hockey teams have decided to withdraw from the 2023 African Games hockey competition due to concerns regarding the poor quality of the pitch at Theodosia Okoh stadium in Accra. (more…)

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