Grenada's Largest Diaspora Celebration in Toronto Unveils Name Change to “Grenada Day Festival”

For Immediate Release

(Toronto, Canada- November 22, 2012) - Formerly named "Grenada Day", the largest Grenadian Diaspora celebration outside of the Spice Isle, is now officially renamed to "Grenada Day Festival". The move to restructure and re-brand the annual event in its upcoming 7th year was suggested by the festival's management committee, which hired Toronto-based marketing and public relations firm Ford Publicity (www.fordpublicity.com) to lead in the changes.
We are very excited about our new venture, in the hiring of Ford Publicity.  Although attracting over 6,000 patrons each year to the Festival, we  have reached a level where we would like to expand our patronage to include corporations, Grenadian nationals locally and abroad, and all our sister islands of the Caribbean, to further highlight such a positive event , resulting in an increase of attendees.  As we enter our 7th year and realizing not only Grenadians attend this event, but we have generated such tremendous support from the Greater Toronto Community, therefore we want to market ‘Grenada Day Festival’ in such a way to reach a broader scope. Our way of marketing this event going forward, will be beneficial for our land of spice (Grenada), and all those who will be attending this event locally and abroad.”  –Maria Meyers, Chair of the Grenada Day Festival Committee
The Grenada Day Festival is an annual summer celebration of the culture and people of the island of Grenada, and its 'sister' islands; Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Over 6,000 attendees celebrate Grenada Day in Toronto, with many travelling among friends and family across the Greater Toronto Area and abroad. The full day event includes visual and performance artists, activities for children, arts and craft, a variety of vendors, music, and most notably Grenada’s delicious signature dishes. Grenada is known for its famous “Oil Down” dish, and its most reliable economic producer the nutmeg; the reason Grenada is known as the Spice Island.   

Grenada Day Festival was established in 2006 in Toronto, Canada and is organized and managed by the Grenada Day Cultural Committee. The festival’s management committee has representatives from four associations; Spice Isle Association, the Grenada Association (Toronto), the Carriacou Association and the G.B.S.S Alumni. The festival operates under the distinguished patronage of the Consulate General of Grenada to Canada, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Grenada.   

The Grenada Day Festival will launch a new website in the upcoming weeks, and will be seeking new volunteers and sponsors.   

Twitter: @grenadafestival  

For more information contact:

Maria Meyers
Chair, Grenada Day Festival Committee

Tiffany Ford
Ford Publicity
Phone: (647) 297-3148

Nigerian-Canadian Singer AKIN Signs with Global Publicity Firm - New "True Stories" Album Available

For Immediate Release



(Toronto, ON- October 31, 2012)-Nigerian-Canadian singer AKIN, has signed with global publicity and marketing firm Ford Publicity, to promote his latest album “True Stories”, and upcoming African-version that consists of music in Yoruba, Igbo and English all written and produced by AKIN. The first single to be released is entitled “Mo So Rire”.

Hear Africa’s next big hit “Mo So Rire” on YouTube:   

AKIN has released his latest album True Stories on iTunes, which is available for purchase.  
Check out the music video for AKIN’s debut single released entitled “The Way You Are” on YouTube:  
  

About AKIN:
Nigerian-Canadian award winning artist AKIN, pushes the boundaries of music by merging R&B, Hip Hop and Reggae with his African roots influence. AKIN is a story-teller through his music, writing and producing songs about life experiences, worship to God, and motivational messages. AKIN’s positive music is a strong factor on his well-received reputation as an artist due to his substance, mass appeal and musical depth. AKIN’s unique vocal sound, song-writing and producing talents has won him many awards including in 2010 at the Exclusive Magazine Award, and Best Male Artist in 2011 at the African Entertainment Awards. AKIN has been featured in various Canadian media publications, and has performed at many award shows and concerts.

"We look forward to promoting AKIN, a true talent. African talents across the Diaspora can be overlooked, but at Ford Publicity we ensure that they get the attention they deserve." - Tiffany Ford, Priniciple of Ford Publicity

About Ford Publicity:
Ford Publicity is the premiere global publicity firm to African entertainment, with a number of African record labels, promoters and awards shows on its client roster. Ford Publicity has done publicity and marketing work for Canadian national tours for WizKid, Flavour N'Abania, BRACKET and more. To learn more visit:  www.fordpublicity.com

To learn more about AKIN visit: www.akinmusic.com
Follow AKIN on Twitter @akinmusic

For interviews or more information contact:

Tiffany Ford
Ford Publicity
(647) 297-3148

VH1's Love and Hip Hop ATL Star Joseline Hernandez in Possible Lawsuit for Bailing on Albany State University's Homecoming (Statement by Sponsors)

For Immediate Release


(Albany, Georgia - October 26, 2012) - VH1’s Love and Hip Hop Atlanta's cast member Ms. Joseline Hernandez was scheduled to make a guest appearance center field at Albany State University (ASU) Homecoming game, and after-party at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel on October 20, 2012. The morning ASU’s Homecoming with no communication or explanation to Joseline Hernandez took to her Twitter account (@msjoseline) to communicate that she decided to no longer make her contractual appearance, whilst keeping her advance payment provided by the sponsors, 2T Water, LLC.

2T Water, LLC is a U.S. operated natural spring bottled Water Company that hired Joseline Hernandez to appear at Albany State University’s Homecoming football game, and after-party event.  

In response to the Ms. Joseline's highly publicized Twitter statements, the CEO of 2T Water, LLC makes this statement. 

 

"2T Water sponsor events across the country, to promote health and wellness with our products. It is unfortunate that celebrities like Joseline Hernandez, would disappoint their fans, with unprofessional behaviour. Albany State University’s Homecoming is one of the largest events in the city of Albany, Georgia and 2T Water was greatly pleased to be a part of it, despite the unforeseeable disappointment." - Eric Wells, CEO of 2T Water, LLC. 

See, Joseline's tweet before cancelling her appearance.

Ms. Joseline's tweets upon deciding not to attend


For more information please contact:

Media Contact:

Tiffany Ford 

Ford Publicity 

tiffany@fordpublicity.com  

www.fordpublicity.com 

About 2T Water, LLC: 

2T Water LLC is a U.S operated beverage company based in Gilbert, Illinois with the exclusive rights to distribute 2T H2O Water®, sourced from the protected natural springs of Ouachita National Forest. For more information, visit www.2Twater.com  Twitter: @2TWater

"The True Water" Natural Spring 2T H2O Water(R) Launched

For Immediate Release

"The True Water" Natural Spring 2T H2O Water® 


(Gilbert, Illinois - October 17, 2012)- 2T Water, LLC announces its 2T H20 Water® are in its third week in-stores at 200 Ingles Markets Stores across the South-Eastern States, and available online through the 2T H20 Water® company website: ( www.2twater.com )

2T H2O Water® is premium natural spring water, sourced from the protected Ouachita National Forest, located across the borders of Oklahoma and Arkansas. 2T Water, LLC owns the exclusive rights to distribute the 2T H2O Water®, which has no artificial minerals additives or demineralization

"The purest healthiest forms of water are hard to find. Believe it or not, many consumers have never had the opportunity to taste great water. 2T H2O Water® provides that experience," states Eric L. Wells, Chief Executive Officer, 2T Water LLC.
"We are excited about the addition of Ingles throughout the South-East as the first retail chain to carry 2T H2O Water® under the chain authorization. This new introduction of 2T H2O Water® gives consumers more locations to purchase 2T H2O Water® in a reputable grocery store. We expect to increase our presence in the South-East in 2013," added Nakia Russell, Marketing Director, 2T Water LLC

About Ingles' Markets:
Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six south-eastern states. Headquartered in North Carolina, the company operates 203 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the company also operates 71 neighborhood shopping centers. All but 13 of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market's Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, please visit Ingles' website at: www.ingles-markets.com 

About 2T Water, LLC:
2T Water LLC is a U.S operated beverage company based in Gilbert, Illinois with the exclusive rights to distribute 2T H2O Water®, sourced from the protected natural springs of Ouachita National Forest. For more information, visit www.2Twater.com 
Twitter: @2TWater

For more information on 2T H2O Water® please contact:

Nakia Russell
Marketing Director, South East Region
2T Water LLC

Media Contact:

Tiffany Ford
Media Relations
Ford Publicity

"The True Water" Natural Spring 2T H2O Water(R) Launches in Ingles Markets Locations Across South-Eastern States

For Immediate Release

(Gilbert, Illinois - October 11, 2012)- 2T Water, LLC announces its 2T H20 Water® are in its second week in-stores at 200 Ingles Markets Stores across the South-Eastern States of Tennessee, Alabama,  Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. 

2T H2O Water® is premium natural spring water, sourced from the protected Ouachita National Forest, located across the borders of Oklahoma and Arkansas. 2T Water, LLC owns the exclusive rights to distribute the 2T H2O Water®, which has no artificial minerals additives or demineralization

"The purest healthiest forms of water are hard to find. Believe it or not, many consumers have never had the opportunity to taste great water. 2T H2O Water® provides that experience," states Eric L. Wells, Chief Executive Officer, 2T Water LLC.
"We are excited about the addition of Ingles throughout the South-East as the first retail chain to carry 2T H2O Water® under the chain authorization. This new introduction of 2T H2O Water® gives consumers more locations to purchase 2T H2O Water® in a reputable grocery store. We expect to increase our presence in the South-East in 2013," added Nakia Russell, Marketing Director, 2T Water LLC
2T Water and Ingles Markets look forward to building and strengthening their partnership and brand awareness, through several different advertising methods. This includes sampling events, and joint promotions.
About Ingles' Markets:
Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six south-eastern states. Headquartered in North Carolina, the company operates 203 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the company also operates 71 neighborhood shopping centers. All but 13 of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market's Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, please visit Ingles' website at: www.ingles-markets.com 

About 2T Water, LLC:
2T Water LLC is a U.S operated beverage company based in Gilbert, Illinois with the exclusive rights to distribute 2T H2O Water®, sourced from the protected natural springs of Ouachita National Forest. For more information, visit www.2Twater.com 
Twitter: @2TWater

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and information provided by 2T Water, LLC such as online, printed documents, publications or information available via 2T Water, LLC's website. It may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause 2T Water, LLC's results to differ materially from historical results, or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expects," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipates," and similar words. These statements may also include plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, statements of belief, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

Contact Information:

Nakia Russell
Marketing Director, South East Region
2T Water LLC

Tiffany Ford
Media Relations
Ford Publicity

AMET TV- Canada's #1 African Entertainment Television Programming is Temporarily Off Air

For Immediate Release

(Toronto, Canada- October 1, 2012)-Canada's #1 African Entertainment television cable program, African Movies Entertainment Television (AMET TV), has been temporarily suspended from airing since September 8, 2012 until further notice. The suspension occurred due to the change in ownership of their network providers. AMET TV's previous contract has now been suspended, and its owners are in the process of opening negotiation with the new cable network providers, with the aim of bringing AMET TV programs back on air, as soon as possible. 

The mission of AMET TV is to become Canada's first African-Canadian channel to provide African Diaspora programming in news, drama, movies, sports, talk shows, and entertainment 24/7 to Canadian audiences. AMET TV's parent company Afromedia Communications Inc., has secured CRTC broadcasting licenses since 2009, to operate nationwide. The need is to have one of Canada's media conglomerate like Bell Media, or Rogers to provide an opportunity for African-Canadians to be reflected on cable television, just as their are many other ethnic-based channels available. 

In a statement by the president of Afromedia Communications Inc.,Kunle Oyegbola states,
"We know over the years that Canada has been longing for programming provided by AMET TV, which showcases the true cultural diversity of our nation, but unfortunately this is not reflected in our media. We thank our viewers and supporters for their dedication, and we will be back on air shortly under a new agreement with our new cable network providers."

Since AMET TV's debut, thousands of viewers watched its programming every week, and saw how the AMET TV expanded with various genre's in movies, drama-series, music videos, gospel, special features and talk show over substantial air time slots, including prime time. AMET TV was the first to bring African Movies and Drama-Series to Cable Television.  AMET TV's programming, and support of African cultural events quickly became a hit with many African-Canadians, and their appreciation was highlighted when they won for Best African Media at the 2011 African Entertainment Awards. 

The producers and owners of AMET TV does not intend to be away from cable television for too long, as they know that viewers are anticipating their programming. Viewers are encouraged to keep checking on the AMET TV's website: (www.amet.tv), and also follow AMET TV on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates. 

Follow AMET TV on Twitter at: @amettv 

About Afromedia Communications Inc.
Afromedia Communications Inc., is a multifaceted media company established in 2008, and headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company secured CRTC broadcasting licences in November, 2009, to operate African Movies and Entertainment Television (AMET TV) nationwide, and has since partnered with Channel Zero (www.tvchannelzero), an independent Canadian broadcaster that owns two speciality channels; Movieola- The Short Film Channel, and Silver Screen Classics, plus two over-the-air channels; CHCH in Hamilton and Metro14 in Montreal (formerly known as CJNT). 

To learn more information about AMET TV visit: www.amet.tv

Contacts:

Afromedia Communications Inc.
President
Kunle Oyegbola

Ford Publicity
Tiffany Ford

Winners of the 2012 African Entertainment Awards (Canada)

For Immediate Release


(Toronto,ON- September 17, 2012) - The 2nd Annual African Entertainment Awards concluded on Saturday night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, in Toronto, Canada. (www.aeawards.ca)

The 2012 Winners Are:

Award of Excellence: Microbell (MMG) and Mesfun Haile
 Best Male Actor: Bobby Obodo 
Best Artist: Runs Tee
Best Producer: Nyasha
Best Club: On the Rox
Best Comedian: Femi Lawson
Best Designer: Rahyma Sleek Design
Best DJ: DJ Majic Flowz
Best Female Artist: Neza
Best Gospel Artist: The Psalmist
Best Male Model: Yinka Bode George
Best MC: MC EBONE
Best Photographer: Global Vibez Photo
Best Concert: Black Motion (Moonraiser Ent)
Best Pageant: Ghana's Most Beautiful
Best Media: African Groove Show
Best Female Model: Sabrina Bella
Best Movie Actress: Queen Amina
Best Entrepreneur: Tee of Suya Spot
Best Producer: DR. Rad
Best Record Label: GhanaLinx Records
Best Promoter: Motherland Ent
Community Contribution Award: Ms. Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo

Media Contact:

Tiffany Ford
Ford Publicity

Anticipation Builds With Just 1 Week Left Until Canada's African Entertainment Awards: September 15, 2012

For Immediate Release 

Stashouse
(Toronto, Canada - September 7, 2012) - After the great success of the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA)  in New York City this past weekend, the next anticipated event is Canada's only African Entertainment Awards, which takes place next Saturday September 15, 2012 at the Queens Elizabeth Theatre, located at the Exhibition Place in Toronto. The 2nd Annual African Entertainment Awards is expected to be bigger and better than last year, with lots of local and International celebs in the African entertainment industry. 

There is great anticipation for this year's awards show, and the event will be celebrated with rewards to many in entertainment, community service and in business. Public voting online has drawn so many  to the point where the website could not keep up with its online traffic, and was shut down for a few days just after opening up to voting. The public can still vote online for their favourite nominees until September 12, 2012 at: www.aeawards.ca 
 
The Awards Show begins at 4P.M. Tickets are on sale at $40 for Regular, $60 VIP. Tickets can be purchased online at www.aeawards.ca or at the Suya Spot Restaurant located at 3212 Weston Road, Toronto. The public can call:(647) 970-5541 or (647) 627-2561 for more information. 

About the African Entertainment Awards:
The awards show is aimed at showcasing the rich culture of African art and entertainment. This event celebrates cutting edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of African entertainment industry, thereby honouring innovations, and entrepreneurship. This event will incorporate award presentation, live entertainment, Comedy Act, Stage performances, community leaders, and a gala reception that is geared to entice our very broad spectrum target market consisting of families, entrepreneurs, and business professionals.

The media is invited to attend the African Entertainment Awards

Media Accreditation is available until September 11th

Please Contact:

Tiffany Ford
Ford Publicity
"Getting the Attention YOU Deserve"
On Top 100 Global PR Firms List

Can Canada's Music Industry Support "Urban" Artists to Global Success?

Written by: Tiffany Ford (tiffany@fordpublicity.com)

Canada is known for many things but arguably R&B/ Soul and Urban music are not any of them. The success that Pop artist Justin Bieber and Hip Hop artist Drake have had globally highlights Canada as a source for music talent, but it has not been recognized as a country where its music industry infrastructure can handle or support these artists with great potential. Canadian R&B/Soul singers Melanie Fiona, Tamia, Glenn Lewis, Remy Shand and Deborah Cox are national treasures that have crossed the border to achieve success. Yet the R&B/Soul and Urban artists that have remained in Canada and continue to write, record and produce music have been struggling to find both national and International recognition and success.

Juno Award winning R&B/Soul vocalist, song-writer and producer, Carlos Morgan debut in the Canadian music industry in the 1990's with an independently released album entitled “Feelin’ Alright” that reached #3 on the Canadian Independent Records Charts, with the help of released hit songs, “Baby C’Mon”, “Let Me Love Again”, “Give It To You”, and “Forever For You”. Morgan captured the attention of many fans, industry professionals and was rewarded for his music and talents with multiple national awards. Morgan's quick rise on the music charts was not enough for him to break globally and within a short period of time his success became overshadowed with professional and personal setbacks. Subsequently his musically acclaimed career took a 12-year hiatus.

Carlos3
(Photo- Carlos Morgan)

Carlos Morgan is currently preparing for his return to the global music arena with the release of his sophomore album, “The Compilation” which features previously released and new unreleased music. "The Compilation" will re-introduce Morgan to Canadian audiences and introduce him to International audiences hoping to propel his music career to International status. Morgan's mandate is to advocate for Canadian R&B/Soul artists and their music.  

Morgan explains his sentiments on the Canadian music industry, “There is lack of a infrastructure that supports artists who write, produce, record and perform any form of Black music (R&B/Soul, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, Urban and Hip Hop), although Hip Hop has gained more recognition and support beginning with Maestro Fresh Wes to Choclair, Michie Mee, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, and recently Drake. There are a few R&B/Soul artists that have made a major impact on the Canadian music industry, but not to the extent where the Canadian music industry infrastructure supports them. In recognizing these following artists: Liberty Silver, Billy Newton Davis, Kim Richardson and Errol Starr, Camille Douglas, Jamie Sparks, Chris Rouse, Denosh Bennet, Jully Black, Melanie Durrant, Divine Brown, Ray Robinson, Andreena Mills, and Kim Davis to the emerging artists Shi Wisdom, Omar Lunan, and Gina Lee to name a few that have tried and continue to push on.  All have tried to break into the global music industry from Canada and have found it difficult. Although, Jacksoul, Jully Black and Divine Brown have had much success, they still have not to this day, received the International recognition they deserve from thriving careers in Canada.”

This article is not stating that Canada does not have a music industry platform that supports Canadian artists but it does highlight the lack of support for Canadian R&B/Soul and Urban artists and their music within the Canadian Music Industry. Morgan views the issue from a broader social perspective. “Record labels, Radio, Music Videos, Print, Award Shows and other forms of media are set up to promote all forms of Canadian music but there is a noticeable favourable bias to promote and highlight artists that write, record and perform Rock, Country and Pop music. Music that is seen and heard as ‘Black’ does not get the recognition and support in our Canadian music industry as "non-urban" music does. I feel that a lot of it is based on race and politics, as well as the lack of support within the black music community” states Morgan. 

A discussion around the correlation between the music industry in Canada, and the African Canadian community should be explored and we should begin to investigate how African Canadians have influenced the music industry; how are they recognized and what are the measurements of their success. There are a growing number of talents that dedicate their time to producing music independently, perform and self-promote their work; artists such as Saidah Baba Talibah and more.

We can provide grants all day but if we do not fix the infrastructure we have to showcase Canada as one of the leading music industries in the world, our artists will always flock south to get the attention and financial rewards they deserve. Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Nickelback, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne and Drake are Canadian success stories. Though these artists express their pride in their Canadian heritage, we would be proud if they were able to recognize Canada as being the base from which their musical journey and careers began, receiving recognition and providing the platform to global success.

Carlos Morgan’s final thoughts are, “I want to be one of the many recording artists and representatives that helps puts Canada on the map for R&B/Soul. This is just one of the goals to my legacy."

Let’s hope that Carlos Morgan and others will be given that opportunity to do so.

--------


Solroc Music Presents: Carlos Morgan’s "The Compilation" CD Release Concert Wednesday September 19, 2012 @ The Revival Nightclub, located at 783 College St. Toronto, ON.  8 PM.  Advanced Tickets: $20.00/Door Tickets: $25.00 (http://www.eventbrite.ca/event/3906803354/eivtefrnd)

Tickets On Sale for Canada's African Entertainment Awards, September 15 + Media Accreditation Available

For Immediate Release

African entertainment awards Canada

(Toronto, Canada - August 14, 2012) - Canada's only African Entertainment Awards show takes place on Saturday September 15, 2012 at the Queens Elizabeth Theatre, located at the Exhibition Place in Toronto. The Awards Show begins at 4P.M. Tickets are on sale at $40 for Regular, $60 VIP. Tickets can be purchased online at www.aeawards.ca or at the Suya Spot Restaurant located at 3212 Weston Road, Toronto. 

The public can vote for their favourite nominees online at: www.aeawards.ca until September12, 2012.

The Awards Show will be hosted by G98.7 FM's MC Bonde and Miss Brenda K. There will be performances, and special guests in attendance. 
 
About the African Entertainment Awards: 
The awards show is aimed at showcasing the rich culture of African art and entertainment. This event celebrates cutting edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of African entertainment industry, thereby honouring innovations, and entrepreneurship. This event will incorporate award presentation, live entertainment, comedy acts, stage performances, community leaders, and a gala reception that is geared to entice our very broad spectrum target market consisting of families, entrepreneurs, and business professionals.


The media is invited to attend the African Entertainment Awards

For Media Accreditation please contact:

Tiffany Ford
Ford Publicity
"Getting the Attention YOU Deserve"