These are the words of gospel recording artist Puleng March.
The Benoni CBD resident was born in Kimberley and raised by a single parent, with her other siblings.
“After completing my matric, I studied public management at a Free State technikon but, due to financial constraints, I had to drop out and look for work,” said Puleng.
Her story began in 2001, when she moved to Johannesburg to pursue her career in music.
She started singing in a church choir at the tender age of three.
“I’ve always believed I could sing, because of the way people responded to my music in church and how they would ask me to sing for them, even when they saw me walking on the street,” she said.
She started singing as back-up singer for well-known artists such as Lundi Tymara, Kholeka Sosibo, Sfiso Ncwane and Ntando Bangani.
She has not looked back since.
In 2006, she recorded her first album titled “Thabatsoeu”, which earned two Metro FM awards, for best newcomer and best female vocalist.
“In 2011, I had an opportunity to go to Singapore to join one of the biggest Broadway production, the Lion King,” she said.
She played the role of loyal lioness “Nala”.
While in Singapore, the founding member of the MTN Joyous Celebration, Lindelani Mkhize, offered her the opportunity to work with the ensemble.
“I couldn’t accept the offer at the time, as I was still contracted to the Lion King,” she explained.
“But, when I came back from Singapore in 2012, I decided to take the opportunity and follow my true calling, which is singing gospel music.
“The journey has been amazing, even though it wasn’t an easy decision to make but I was willing to take the risk and I haven’t regretted it since.”
Some of Puleng’s leading songs in the MTN Joyous Celebration are Motho mang Lemang, Ntate kemang, Kuligugu kimi and Ngobekezela.
Along her musical journey, she has performed for the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, in the closing ceremony of the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup and shared the stage with famous gospel singer Kirk Franklin at the late Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, in 2013.
Besides building up her music career, she also volunteers her time to help those in need, by donating food and clothes.
“Volunteering and giving back is something very close to my heart,” she said.
Puleng is currently working on her second album, which will be released next year.
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