Latest news with #YPP
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Shrek the Musical: a delightful escape at new Milkwood Theatre
The three Fionas in Shrek the Musical which is currently on at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girl's High School. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson With an abundance of doom and gloom around us, it is fabulous to be part of a fearless display of reckless optimism: the opening of a brand-new theatre in the suburbs, and the staging of a happy feel-good musical with a huge cast of great kids. Cancel therapy and stop doom scrolling to revel in a few hours of unadulterated delight in the company of a grumpy ogre, a feisty princess, a chatty donkey, a fiery dragon and a frolic of fairytale friends in Shrek the Musical. Young Performers Project (YPP) is continually one of the city's brightest beacons with a slew of brilliant productions to its name. In recent years, its collaboration with ISPA (International School of Performing Arts) is inspired – adding another level of talent and experience into the mix. The winning recipe is – a top-notch production team of experts; a professional cast member (this time the ever-dependable Lyle Buxton); post matric aspirant performing arts students and a cast of primary and high school learners from a variety of schools who have auditioned to be part of the YPP company. The result is a highly professional production, with a multi-generational cast and excellent production standards. Shrek the Musical is the delightful, charming and hugely funny West End musical adaptation of the Dreamworks smash hit film. It is an excellent choice for YPP– its large ensemble cast of 36 kids, allows for plenty of moments for each of the children to shine. The character roles were all excellent. With just the right amount of familiarity referencing the much-loved animated movie, while still adding their own interpretation of their characters. And all of their international accents were spot on! Motor-mouthed Donkey (James Armstrong) did a great job harnessing his inner Eddie Murphy; Lord Farquaad (Damien Butt) has perfected the haughty head toss and throw-away lines while shuffling around on his knees; Pinocchio (Matthew Brown), in his pink crocs, was great fun with his ever-growing proboscis and squeaky voice; and the tall and imposing Daniel Mayiza was a hoot as the Big Bad Wolf. I was particularly impressed by Gingy – the Gingerbread wo/man. Anele Mtshali has an amazing confident voice and great presence, as do all the Fionas. There are three Princess Fionas per show (and alternating casts) representing young Fiona, teenage Fiona and adult Fiona. They were great together in their joint show stopping number, 'I Know It's Today'. Chloe Marot as adult Fiona is just lovely – just the right mix of feisty and vulnerable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The cast of Shrek the Musical. Picture: Val Adamson Image: Val Adamson
Gulf News
06-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
YouTube Music and Premium surpass 125 million subscribers globally
New Delhi: Google-owned YouTube on Thursday said that it has crossed 125 million subscribers for its Music and Premium services worldwide, including trial users. The streaming platform said in a statement its focus remains on providing subscribers with multiple ways to enjoy their favourite content. The platform continues to introduce new features, enhancing the experience for users across different devices. Apart from benefiting users, YouTube Music and Premium have also created additional revenue opportunities for content creators and partners. YouTube announced last year that over one in four creators participating in its ad-sharing program are now earning revenue through its short-form video service, shorts. Since launching revenue sharing on shorts last year, over 25 per cent of channels in the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) are now generating earnings through this revenue stream. The streaming platform revealed that over 80 per cent of creators who joined the YPP through shorts eligibility are now also earning through other monetisation features. These include long-form advertising, fan funding, YouTube Premium, BrandConnect, Shopping, and more. 'This means that Shorts is opening the door for creators to earn in other ways on the platform, and they're seeing the dividends,' the company informed. According to reports, YouTube has paid $70 billion to creators, artists and media companies over the last three years. The streaming platform stated that with Shorts receiving an average of over 70 billion views per day and new monetisation opportunities emerging, the shorts community is flourishing, bringing fresh creativity and new voices to the platform. The growth in subscriptions reflects the increasing demand for ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and exclusive content, according to an official statement. Over the years, YouTube has expanded its services to cater to a global audience, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for both music lovers and premium content consumers. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Universal Processing Receives Prestigious Honors at the 2025 ETA TRANSACT Awards
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2025) - Universal Processing ("uP"), the leading financial technology company empowering underserved businesses across America, is proud to announce that several of its team members have been recognized by the Electronic Transactions Association ("ETA"). The ETA awards are highly regarded in the payments industry, spotlighting leaders and organizations that push the boundaries of innovation and contribute significantly to the industry's growth. These awards underscore Universal Processing's commitment to excellence and innovation in the payments industry. Sophie Zhai To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Sophie Zhai has been distinguished as a 2025 ETA Forty Under 40 honoree. Her leadership and profound impact on the payments landscape have set new benchmarks within the industry, demonstrating the transformative potential of focused dedication and expertise. This also marks the fourth time that a member of our team has been recognized as a Forty Under 40 honoree. "Embrace mistakes-they're proof that you're trying, learning, and growing. Every misstep is a step forward if you choose to learn from it." Aris Gao To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Aris Gao, a dedicated and visionary member of the uP team, has been honored with the 2025 ETA Young Payments Professionals (YPP) Award. This accolade recognizes rising stars who are reshaping the future of payments through outstanding contributions and innovative approaches. "It is a true honor to be recognized as one of the Young Payment Professionals. This industry is evolving rapidly, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its growth. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and teamwork that drive progress in payments. I'm excited for what's ahead." Additionally, Mingxi Chen and Catherine Xu have both been celebrated as Top Payments Sales Professionals. Their exceptional ability to drive strategic growth and navigate complex market dynamics has significantly contributed to the company's success as well as the broader payments ecosystem. "These distinguished recognitions from the ETA celebrate the hard work and innovative spirit of our talented team," said Saint Hung, CEO of Universal Processing. "We are immensely proud of Catherine, Mingxi, Aris and Sophie for their well-deserved honors and for their transcendent performance within the payments industry." Universal Processing is looking forward to celebrating at TRANSACT 2025 in Las Vegas, April 2-4, where the leaders in payments will come together to recognize their achievements. About Universal Processing Founded in 2003, Universal Processing is a leading financial technology company dedicated to empowering underserved businesses with innovative payment processing solutions and exceptional support. Recognized for its commitment to fostering economic growth, Universal Processing partners with over 34,000 businesses and processes more than $3.5 billion annually. For more information about Universal Processing and its services, please visit About ETA The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the world's leading advocacy and trade association for the payments industry. Its members span the breadth of payments and fintech companies, from the largest incumbent players to the emerging disruptors in the U.S. and in more than a dozen countries around the world. ETA members make commerce possible by processing approximately $52.7 trillion annually in purchases and P2P payments worldwide and deploying payments innovation to merchants and consumers. Media Contact： Yin Yupr@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
USA Today
29-01-2025
- Business
- USA Today
A Mother's Journey: Turning Challenges into Building Revolutionary Business Ventures
Hilary Tetenbaum Contributor Some of the most impactful solutions that benefit many stem from a forward-thinking individual's initiative to fill the gaps they've discovered. Uche Ekhator-Mobayode is one such visionary, drawing from her experiences as a mother and a professional to create a brand and a platform that addresses the problems in two industries—beauty and publishing. It's undeniable that Uche's career trajectory was exceptional. The arrival of her first child was a turning point, however. The seasoned professional gave birth to her son during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Motherhood's physical and emotional challenges, as well as postpartum complications, left her more attuned to the products she used for herself and her child. Uche found herself scrutinizing labels and ingredients, searching for products safe for her baby and herself. She noticed the divide in skincare products marketed for adults versus those for babies and wondered why there couldn't be a single solution suitable for the entire family. The realization became even more urgent after her second son was born, who had skin sensitivities that traditional remedies couldn't address. Reluctant to rely on prescribed steroids, Uche searched for natural alternatives. A conversation with her mother reminded Uche of how effective shea butter is, a staple in her childhood. She started experimenting with homemade blends of shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil, seeking to address the needs of her growing family. Her efforts weren't in vain, as her children's skin issues cleared up. With a PhD in economics, Uche began a career in global development, working as a fellow at the World Bank. She later assumed the role of assistant professor of economics at the University of Pittsburgh before returning to where she started. Distinguished by her analytical skills and dedication, Uche was accepted into the World Bank's Young Professionals Program (YPP), a prestigious and highly competitive gateway into one of the world's leading development institutions. These successes planted the seed for the foundation of Gently Radiant Skin®. Uche approached the idea passionately and rigorously, conducting extensive research to ensure the products she envisioned would be safe, effective, and trustworthy. Her economics background was beyond useful in helping her analyze market trends and identify an increasing demand for clean, sustainable, and family-safe skincare solutions. Overall, Gently Radiant Skin® was born out of its founder's determination to provide skincare solutions that work for all ages and skin types. The brand honors timeless natural remedies while incorporating modern scientific advancements. With the belief that skincare should be gentle, effective, and safe for everyone, every product is crafted with care, using natural and organic ingredients that are sustainably sourced. It's significant to emphasize that Uche's entrepreneurial journey has always been inspired by her role as a mother. Her perspective as a mom has informed her approach to the beauty and skincare industry and served as the foundation for her second venture: Quizzy Quill Publishing, a boutique publishing house with a mission to make storytelling more accessible and inclusive. Uche's motivation to establish Quizzy Quill Publishing stemmed from the time she spent with her children. 'I know how important my role is in shaping how my children view and experience the world, and I take that job very seriously,' she shares. Part of that responsibility is Uche's nightly storytelling with her children. A particular evening was different from the rest, however. One night when Uche was exhausted from the day, she asked her son to make up a story instead of reading another book. To her amazement, he spun a vivid, imaginative tale that left her amused and fascinated. 'My son told me, 'I want that book!' and that was a lightbulb moment. What if that story could actually exist?' Uche pondered. At first, the dedicated mother saw the project as a simple, heartfelt gesture to create something meaningful for her son. She jotted down his story and found an illustrator to bring it to life. As the illustrations developed, Uche watched her son's excitement grow, and witnessing his joy and pride sparked something in her. The project began to expand as Uche realized that it resonated with many people and not only her immediate family. The enthusiastic feedback convinced her to consider publishing the book, but as she handled the logistics to make it happen, she encountered roadblocks that unearthed gaps in the industry. Uche discovered that like in the beauty and skincare industry, there's also gatekeeping in the publishing world, especially for new authors of children's books. 'I didn't like the idea that to publish a book, I had to give up the rights to my work,' she remarks. The entrepreneur decided to pave her way after a hybrid publishing house insisted on owning the rights to her illustrations despite her financial investment. Quizzy Quill Publishing was, therefore, founded to provide a platform for first-time authors of children's books to publish their stories without the hassle and barriers of traditional or hybrid publishing. 'We focus on telling diverse stories that might never be told otherwise. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning in children, so we want to support child authors and give them a voice in the stories they want to tell,' Uche states. Ultimately, through her entrepreneurial ventures, Uche Mobayode bridges gaps in both industries. Besides redefining how families experience skincare through her Gently Radiant Skin, she's democratizing access to storytelling with Quizzy Quill. Her work empowers underrepresented voices while challenging industries. *This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
