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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.

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.

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.

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?

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…

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?

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.

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?

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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Betty de Mould @ 70

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Betty Mould

Leading up to the 2008 elections, the NDC political party had gained “notoriety” from people especially the opposition parties as being abrasive and aggressive.

I’m sure the party did an introspection analysis and decided to give a fresh face to the party and also introduced some fresh faces as spokespersons.

The likes of Dr. Alex Segbefia, Hon. Hanna Tetteh, Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu amongst others.

I’m till this day spellbound anytime Mrs. Iddrisu speaks. Her great command of the queens language. I mean she is from British Accra (James town) what do you expect?

Her grace, charm and class always comes through. Such an @awula” her French tips finger nails 💅 was one to notice.

When NDC annexed power in 2009, she served the country in various capacities. Last I heard of her politically was when she contested for NDC Party Chairmanship.

Last week March 22nd 2023 marked her platinum jubilee as she turned the big 70 a septuagenarian par excellence.

The day was marked with a brunch at her residence and hosted friends and family to a high brow dinner at the plush Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday the 25th 2023.

Here to share some pictures of what went down to mark the day.

I wish her the best on this 70th milestone. I say three hearty cheers 🥂

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An exceptional Lawyer with a rich experience in the legal field.
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Beautiful 😍
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With Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang.
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With husband Alhaji Iddrisu
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Dazzling
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Go Betty
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The face beat is on point 💄👌🏾
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The dinner menu… It screams bougie!
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Omg this is gorgeous
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Joyce Bawa Mogtari, leading member of the NDC
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Former Attorney General, Hon. Marietta Brew
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Emefae Hardcastle, member of NDC legal team.
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The chief organizer herself 🙌🏾 Obuobia
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Edudzi Tamakloe and Obuobia, boogie down!
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Victoria Hammah and JB

Written by Nana Kwesi Acquaye

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Pura Collaborates With The Metropolitan Museum Of Art On A New Collection Of Fragrances

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Today, smart fragrance company Pura announces their collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to introduce a collection of six fragrances. The scents were developed to enable customers to experience art across time and cultures through fragrances inspired by extraordinary pieces at The Met.
The Pura smart fragrance diffuser plugs into any wall outlet and uses wifi and Bluetooth technology to connect to an accompanying app that allows customers to adjust fragrance intensity, set schedules and timers, switch between scents, and more with fragrances that are clean and safe. Founders Richie Stapler and Bruno Lima designed Pura to be a sleek enhancement to any room while capturing the power of fragrance to make life better and more memorable.
When creating the scents, Pura’s Chief Fragrance Experience Officer Mara Dumski said, “We were so excited to work with The Met to develop scents connecting back to their inspiring collection of art. Aiming to evoke moods and tell a story, our collaboration offers an entirely new way to experience The Met collection of 5,000 years of art while also creating a sense of home and personality through art-inspired fragrance.”
“As fans of Pura, we are excited to launch this unique home fragrance experience which adds a new dimension to art appreciation,” said Josh Romm, Head of Global Licensing and Partnerships at The Met. “Art has the power to create connections and transport people across time and place, and this program provides a new and exciting opportunity for fans of The Met to experience art, history, and cultures of the world from the comfort of home.”
All compatible with the signature Pura smart fragrance diffuser, the fragrances included in this collection are:
  • Blue Water Lotus: This refreshing, floral fragrance represents the beauty of lotus flowers depicted in carvings on the Temple of Dendur. Notes of blue water lily, blooming jasmine, and grounding undertones of frankincense and myrrh beautifully round out this efflorescent scent.
  • Egyptian Sandalwood: This musky, woody fragrance recalls the Egyptian landscape and pays tribute to the significance of art and architecture in Egyptian rituals and culture. Cardamom and Ancient Egyptian incense blend with papery papyrus, rock rose, sandalwood, and cedarwood, creating a warm and inviting scent.
  • Bamboo Forest: The structure and order of the Astor Court contrasts beautifully with the flora found within. Fresh notes of bamboo blend with orchid and plum blossom. Cooling Chinese eucalyptus soothes the senses as sandalwood and patchouli ground in this calming scent.
  • Spiced Woods: This woody fragrance draws inspiration from a serene mountain retreat, highlighting the juxtaposition of a man-made structure nestled in an organic location. Himalayan azaleas blend with Indonesian balsam, cypress, and sandalwood, creating a warming, spiced scent.
  • Terracotta Rose: This earthy yet refreshing fragrance represents the detailed work of Greek artisans with salt and mineral notes blending seamlessly with earthen terracotta. Geranium and muguet bring floralcy and brightness as herbal undernotes of rock rose and cypress give beauty and balance to this tranquil scent.
  • Perfume Immortelle: This uplifting fragrance represents Roman artisans’ dedication to detail, movement, and humanity. The sweet immortelle flower, which never fades nor wilts, represents the enduring quality of the magnificent Roman marble statues. Bergamot and olive flower lend a bright freshness, blending with a base of cypress and myrrh.
Each fragrance retails individually for $21.99, and sets retail for $89. The collection will be sold on Pura.com, part of the Impact affiliate network, and at The Met Store and online at store.metmuseum.org.
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Kati G Responds to Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide In Ghana

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Kati G spearheads Suicide Awareness Ghana

Finally suicide can be acknowledged as a mental health issue and not a criminal act that would land you in jail or persuade an individual to commit the act of suicide to avoid jail time .

It was obvious why real cases of attempted suicide haven’t been recorded properly or why most people have feared to come out and declare their own personal mental health struggles. Being jailed for a mental health struggle is not a solution.

Like others I celebrate and commend parliament for taking the right steps and actions to decriminalize suicide and focus on providing help as an alternative to reduce suicide and educate the public on the subject.
As a Mental Health Advocate I will make it my personal initiative to educate the public on suicide awareness to prevent the rise.

Kati G.
Organizer
Let’s Talk About It: Suicide Awareness Ghana

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The 7th Ibero American Film Festival Held In Accra

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This year’s edition of the Ibero American film festival was held from Wednesday 22nd March to Wednesday 29th March 2023 at the Pacific Alliance, located at Airport Residential Area in Accra.

The festival was dedicated to the memory of the late Mexican Ambassador accredited to Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, H. E Enrique Escorza, who passed on in November 2022.

Being the seventh edition, the Ibero American film festival screened a variety of projects including features, short films and documentary films by Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American filmmakers.1749300f 1ecd 433c a2f7 cb0d1739bf31

The film festival held each night from 6PM has the aim of promoting Ibero American stories, culture and messages of social impact. In addition, it showcases acclaimed films by directors from Brazil, Spain, Columbia, Cuba, Peru and Mexico with a diverse range of Latin American context and perspectives.

This year, the festival opened with the Columbian movie, Jerico; the infinite flight of days. Jerico is a film, which reflects a colourful, poetic and lush journey in a beautiful Colombian village, Jericó through the eyes of eight women of all ages and social conditions.

Other films including Achero Mañas’ directed Spanish drama film, El Bola, Cuban drama, Habana station, Peruvian movie, Viaje a Tombuctu Pixinguinha, and Brazilian project, Pixinguinha, were also screened.

Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Javier Gutierrez, Peruvian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Abel Antonio Cardenas Tuppia and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Mexico in Ghana, Arturo Agustín Salazar González, spoke about the importance of the Ibero American film festival.

The 7th Ibero American film festival closed on Wednesday, 29th March 2023 with the Mexican movie La Buenas Hiebas

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Listen to Nana Asamoah cover the classic Cyndi Lauper song ‘True Colors’

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Nana Asamoah is excited to announce the release of his new cover song True Colors, available now on YouTube. (more…)

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AirtelTigo empowers students of Presbyterian Senior High and Technical School to Maximize educational potential

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AirtelTigo Presents GHS 15000 to SRC of PSHTS

As part of its activities for the month of March in honor of International Women’s Day, staff of AirtelTigo interacted and donated to students of the Presbyterian Senior High and Technical School, Larteh in the Eastern Region during their Student Representative Council week.

During the day-long event, staff spent the day interacting with the students on various topics including embracing equity, Goal setting and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The students – comprising 70% females and 30% males were encouraged to explore various career paths and not restrict themselves only to what they learn in senior high school.

Presenting a cheque of GHS 15,000 and books to the students, Atul Narain Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at AirtelTigo, encouraged them to focused on their education and continue to do their best in their various courses. “He spoke about the vast opportunity available to them in a telecommunication company like AirtelTigo and expressed the willingness to have some of them intern or work with AirtelTigo after school in future.

AirtelTigo empowers students of PSHTS

Nancy Assor Asiedu-Amrado, Head of Brands and Communication at AirtelTigo, in her interaction with the students, highlighted the importance of maintaining balance in their academic life and gave them some goal-setting tips as well as she encouraged the students to learn how to say no to sexual advances and to stand up for themselves, if they find themselves in similar circumstances. She also cautioned the teachers not to entertain any form of bias in teaching the young girls and boys, but embrace equity.

Alex Offei-Lartey, AirtelTigo Head of Digital Marketing and New Product, also discussed the importance of attaining equity. He spoke on the topic “Boys are not left out: gender equity.” He spoke with the male students, who shared instances of how they supported and helped the female students.

The Director of Due Diligence and Planning, Esther Gyamfi, also shared a personal experience of how she leveraged on technology to advance in her career. Her life story provided inspiration for the students.

Sarah Odei-Amoani, GMB 22 representative for Eastern Region and Ghana’s STEM Ambassador was also present to grace the occasion. she urged the students to explore the many possibilities open to them in STEM education.

In her closing remarks, the headmistress of the school, Gladys Oforiwaa Okyere Otu, expressed gratitude to AirtelTigo saying. “On behalf of the staff and students of Presbyterian Senior High and Technical School, we are extremely grateful for your time and donation. For busy professionals like you to take time off your schedules on a weekday to travel and spend the whole day with us, it makes us feel special.”

Staff of AirtelTigo also toured the school facilities and had informal one-on-one sessions with the students.

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