Rising Ghanaian Singer-Songwriter Paapa Versa to Release Third Self-Produced Album

Many musicians end their careers after their one-hit-wonder, failing to maintain their momentum. But Paapa Versa proves that he is here to stay, as the multi-talented artist is currently working on his third album, Versa Villa, to be released this year. Paapa Versa is on a roll, and he is ready to take on greater heights. Besides his upcoming, highly-anticipated album, the artist has also launched his podcast called A Sound Conversation featuring thoughtful conversations with insightful guests about life, music, and the business of pursuing both. 

Paapa Versa is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and podcaster, creating masterpieces that inspire many young contemporary and alternative artists in his home country. The artist is revolutionizing how music lovers know alternative music by fusing traditional African rhythms with his contemporary instruments and hints of Afropop. His songs have proven that Paapa Versa is truly one of the most creative and unique artists of his time.

Among the many milestones he has achieved, Paapa Versa highlighted three of his proudest accomplishments. He was nominated for awards across Africa, namely Best Alternative song at the 3 Music Awards 2021, Alternative Song of the Year at Ghana Music Awards, UK 2021, and Discovery of the Year during the Africa Gospel Music Awards 2013. 

Although Paapa Versa is achieving momentous milestones in his career, that is not to say that he did not encounter his fair share of struggles. He grew up with a terrible stutter, but music became his primary mode of expression, an instrument that allowed him to communicate who he was with those around him. By consistently pursuing his music and also joining theater productions in high school, the artist eventually enriched his fluency and gained more control of his speech.

“Growing up with a stutter, I thought I was inadequate for words. I found refuge in music when I was four, and I’ve lived there since. My stutter never left, and music didn’t either. Now a little older, I’ve realized words, on their own, are inadequate for me. I pour my heart out in songs,” Paapa Versa said. 

Besides his own passion for music, Paapa Versa was blessed to belong to a family that loved music. His parents both have musical backgrounds and encouraged him to learn musical instruments. First, he played the piano, and by age 12, he took on the guitar, and his journey went on. At 17, the artist performed at bigger stages and fiercely launched himself in the Ghanaian music scene when he joined Skillions New Generation, a hip-hop collective formed by legendary Ghanaian producer Jayso, along with Lil Shaker, Joey B, Rumour, Kevin Beats, Killmatic, and many more. Paapa Versa took part in the release of Skillions – New Generation Mixtape, where he launched his self-produced single “Life Is Short,” which gained a high regard for its sharp lyricism and Avant-garde production. 

Asked who he takes inspiration from aside from his family, Paapa Versa shared that he has been awestruck by the artistry of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Agya Koo Nimo, Osibisa, Asa, Kirk Franklin, PJ Morton, Jon Bellion, and Lecrae. 

Soon after, Paapa Versa released his second self-produced album called Songs for Kukua, where its lead single, “Write for Me,” received acclaim from listeners worldwide and was played on various radio stations and TV channels.

Now on his third album, Paapa Versa is amplifying a powerful statement of his passion, talent, and dedication to music. Without a doubt, the artist will continue reaping the fruits of his labor not only in the African music scene but across the globe.

Innovative Entrepreneur Gleb Vashkevich’s Remarkable Journey to Success

While setbacks and challenges are generally regarded as unfavorable, there is still some merit in facing adversity. This is something that intuitive entrepreneur Gleb Vashkevich can attest to; after all, most of his success came after being underestimated by others.

The insightful individual from Belarus possesses incredible foresight and an uncanny ability to see new opportunities and diminish future risks. However, merely having these valuable assets is not a guarantee of success, even more so as he worked with people who did not have the same vision. 

As a result, his unique strategies were often dismissed by some of his colleagues, if not met with doubts and disbelief. Looking back on his journey, the inspiring man said, “I cannot act immediately to optimize profits and prepare companies for crises. Instead, I have to wait for new opportunities or risk factors that would get noticed by others and only then incorporate my strategies to prevent losses and boost the work of the enterprises.”

Yet despite these negative experiences, Gleb Vashkevich persevered and continued to believe in himself and his ideas. Eventually, the innovative individual has found an opportunity to utilize his entrepreneurial expertise and showcase his prowess.

He is one of the founders who made the creation of the core software product, Finup24 possible. This product can be distributed and personally configured among stock market licensed brokers, crowdfunding platforms, banks, and any investment platform and applications.

The product has undergone some rigorous tests in production and allows users to significantly reduce their budget for the product launch in any of these areas. What started as a brokerage company has immensely grown over the years.

Aiming to elevate this extraordinary success further, the ingenious entrepreneur aims to leverage new technologies. Profoundly laying out his plan in his signature visionary fashion, he explained, “I felt that we have to move further, and with the help of cutting-edge blockchain technology and professional specialists from the traditional banking sphere, we are developing a platform which will be available for investors all over the world.”

There is no doubt that Gleb Vashkevich has solidified his reputation as a thought leader who continues to push the boundaries of the entrepreneurial industry. But more than his impressive accomplishments, the remarkable man hopes to serve as an inspiration to many, especially aspiring entrepreneurs who are going through hardships.

Wanting to share his story with the world, the outstanding individual revealed, “I want people to know my story and see the connection of dream and persistence could change their lives, too. My story started with big ideas. The ideas were bright and innovative; however, not everyone in my motherland could understand them. People I shared my ideas with said they were too innovative and ahead of the time, so the only thing I could do was wait.” 

“Several years later, with a degree in business and innovations and having acquired vast experience working in international companies, I felt that the time for a change in Belarus has come,” he concluded. 

The rest, as they say, is history. The entrepreneur has shown people that patience, determination, and passion for one’s profession are all crucial to finding success. Moving forward, Gleb Vashkevich has excellent plans and aspirations. Specifically, he is working on bringing the company to international markets.

Ludovica on KUTV: The Promising Talent and Rising Star Making Her Mark in the Music Scene

Ludovica Angelica Giusti, better known as Ludovica, is currently rising through the ranks in the world of music as a singer-songwriter, thanks to her distinctive discography and dedication to helping in the fight against homelessness. 

Originally hailing from Italy, Ludovica spent the first 17 years of her life in her homeland. Deeply interested in music, she used to be a street artist and even went to a conservatory where she studied piano, honing her skills in the process and maximizing her potential.

Eventually, spurred on by the desire to seek a new environment and reinvent herself, the promising talent moved to the United States and called Utah her second home. In 2019, she graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in public relations and communications. From there, Ludovica began making waves in the music industry. 

Six months after officially delving into the scene, Ludovica managed to impress industry peers and listeners alike with the commercial success of one of her records, which was produced under the guidance of the record label Empire. 

Recently, Ludovica graced the set of KUTV and shared not only her journey toward the music industry but also the list of exciting projects that everyone can look forward to. In the interview, they talked about her latest single, “Answer,” which came out on March 29, and her upcoming show in Oklahoma on April 24. 

Ludovica was featured on Fresh Living, Utah’s best lifestyle show, and she loved every second of being on TV. “I love TV, every time I have the chance to go on TV, I just love it. I love the realness that comes with it, the experience was great, and I have nothing bad to say about it,” Ludovica gushed. She also shared that the staff basically made her feel at home.

When asked if she would appear on TV again, Ludovica answered, “Most definitely, I would say, and I hope so.” She added that Fresh Living has expressed that they would love to have her back for a live performance sometime soon.

Aside from her budding music career, Ludovica is officially a model for a fashion show in Atlanta on April 22. She is also opening for Trina in Oklahoma for Chronic Palooza, which is set to be the biggest concerts she’s ever done. She’s looking forward to the big crowd and big energy of the event.

Right now, Ludovica is going all-out as an independent R&B and pop singer. She is a must-watch force in the music scene, and more can be expected from this multifaceted figure as she carves a path toward the limelight. 

How to turn your side hustle into a thriving business

How do you run a food business, when rolling lockdowns and restrictions are shutting down all your avenues to sell to customers? 

This question has been plaguing restaurateurs and entrepreneurs alike— since the start of the pandemic. The answer is simple.  You adapt, of course. 

This simple truth is easier said than done.   For many in the food space, the Covid-19 pandemic was the first time these questions have come up— compounding with the daunting fact that nobody knows when it will end; proved unfortunately for many to be insurmountable. 

How do you sell food when people can’t dine in or gather together?   How do you create a safe and sustainable environment for your staff?  How do you market and grow your business, when consumer behavior has shifted dramatically— possibly forever?  How do you manage inventory— with supply chains being broken, and inflation hitting at “random” and uncontrollable rates?

One company that navigated these questions extremely successfully is the gourmet gifting company Cured Catering ( www.ordercured.com ), based in Toronto Canada.

Successful restauranteur and entrepreneur Aliza Devenyi explains her path to success on the popular podcast Own Your Potential— which you can listen to here.  

Gaining over 80k Instagram followers, and with corporate customers including the likes of: Google, Gucci, Estee Lauder, Snapchat, Ebay and Shopify to name a few— it’s evident Cured has figured out how to turn the table on the shifting tides.

How did they achieve such success and growth, in such a short amount of time you may ask?   For Aliza, the founder and CMO of Cured Catering the answer was obvious: focus on the customer experience— and model the company around providing the best possible version of this.  By allowing, and encouraging feedback and custom requests— Cured’s range of products quickly grew from Charcuterie and Candy Platters to specialized themed gourmet products for all major holidays and life events.

In addition to an upcoming launch of drink mix kits this summer season, Cured is also expanding their range of shippable options — so you can elevate your next event North America wide.

Make sure to listen to the podcast, out now— and to follow Cured on instagram to learn the secret to their success; and for incredible hosting and gifting inspiration.