“Before the big night I had already prepared myself emotionally to accept any outcome, although I had a glimpse of hope that I will return with something”
PULENG March is the toast of the Northern Cape Province after scooping the award for Best Newcomer of the year during the 2019 Crown Gospel Music Awards.
Being a winner of the 12th presentation of the awards, which is among the most recognised in the country, has put a stamp of approval on March’s latest gospel solo project, “Marching On”.
The solo album was released in August this year under March’s own record label, Kemotho Entertainment.
“This is big for me and my family. I still look at it and pinch myself out of disbelieve whether this is for real,” March said.
She added that this was the first time she participated in the awards.
“Being nominated alone was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said.
She was nominated in three categories – Female Gospel Artist, Best Gospel Jazz Song and the Best Newcomer.
“Before the big night I had already prepared myself emotionally to accept any outcome, although I had a glimpse of hope that I will return with something.
“My fear was that I was competing against big names like the Hlengiwe Mkhize, Kholeka and gospel groups such as the Umlazi Gospel Choir.
“But I had faith and I prayed. I knew that God will never take me from the streets of Number 2 in Galeshewe to embarrass me in front of the world. And look at God.”
In her winning category she beat King D, Ronny L and the Umlazi Gospel Choir.
She said people continued to remind her of the existing realities in the music industry, that it will only take a miracle for her to scoop an award due to the tense race she was in.
“If I feel so overwhelmed with one award, I am sure I would have had a heart attack if I had scooped more or all three categories,” laughed March.
She expressed how she saw great potential in this solo album after getting amazing support during the launch in Vosloorus.
March has been in the music industry for more than 20 years.
She started off working as a backup singer to the likes of the late Lundi Tyamsra and more renowned artists.
She also released an Afro Pop single called “Thaba Tshweu” in 2006.
She formed part of the Lion King between 2007 and 2012 in Singapore and joined Joyous Celebration from 2012 to 2018 when she decided to go solo.
She is also currently busy with her annual project of “Makoti Enkosini” in Galeshewe.
“I decided to go solo because I believed that I was ready to take on the gospel music industry. It was through the support of my fans that I won this award.
“Words cannot express enough appreciation to all those who have supported me throughout this,” she concluded.
