Album Notes

Purpose-

Parents, schoolteachers, coaches and mentors all across America are searching for more effective ways to reach youth. Many yearn for a unified Black Agenda with a mission to interrupt the vicious life cycle of destruction that exist in their communities. NuBiAh is a hip and trendy music soundtrack (based on the book) a highly inspirational experience that imparts a renewed psychology of self value, unity and pride.

Need-

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, incarceration is on the rise for young black men all across the U.S. While high school drop out rate continue to escalate, some cities report their rate to have increased above 70% for Black males. In 2010 the high school dropout rate for black males was 75% in Oakland California and 74% in Detroit Michigan, (The state of Black America, msnbc 4/10/11). Nationally, 60% of African American males who drop out of high school will end up in prison. [Some Fortune 500 companies are cashing in on the misfortune, as cheap prison labor has become big business.] There are now more Black men in jail than in college while homicide is still the leading cause of death for young Black men from their teens through their 30’s. (U.S Census Bureau, 2010)

Make a Difference

This CD is making a difference in the urban community through instilling key values, principles and positive characteristics and traits. Highly entertaining, Black Churches throughout Oakland and urban cities have distributed NuBiAh books throughout their neighborhoods in 2009 with positive results in recuding the crime rate in tities like Oakland, California (year to date 2009-2010).

Focus-

The focus is on passion, core values, principles and traits once used by great African kings and queens. The unique recipe of attributes that helped them to successfully rule their empires are illustrated in the soundtrack with a mesmorizing poetic style of spoken word performed by local celebrity spoken word artist. The theme “Listen to the Drum” directs youth to focus on their passion and God given talents to accomplish their dreams yet be mindful of obstacles forthcoming. Your storyteller the Griot guides you through select eras of great dynasties. Among the royal characters displayed are, King Shaka, King Hannibal, Queen Makeda, Queen Nefertiti, Queen Asantewa and the evil villain, the WWD. It is revealed how these rulers strengthened their empires with their passion and God given talent.

The Theme (recurring message)-

You can do the same for your life when you “Listen to the Drum.”

Obstacles-

Woven through the fabric of the stories are triumphant moments of victory but all is not peaches and crème as the Wicked Witch Doctor (WWD) appears as a real life enemy on a constant mission to make the Great – un-Great. His mission is to de-throne all kings and queens. He uses many vices of destruction, including but not limited to disease and vices that create misery and pain. He candidly discloses how he will destroy each era and how he will instill a slave mindset on all who allow it.

Don't Be Taboo-

Instead of sweeping the WWD under the rug (as many have done), the Griot exposes his dark side in order for you to teach the youth how to quickly identify him, uncover his nasty tricks and move byond the obstacle.

Success-

Through NuBiAh (books), many adults have learned how to break the chains of addictive behaviors to shake off the WWD to get back on track to success. It is important for youth to understand their passion and self value while being able to identify common self-destructive patterns.

The bottom line is….

We all have purpose and just like the great kings and queens who successfully ruled their empires, we can do the same for our own lives and the lives of our loved ones when we find our passion, adopt values and Listen to the Drum.

Make a Difference-

Purchase poetry and music from the soundtrack and you will make a positive impact in the lives of young African American male and females within your community. Pick up the book and/or CD at www.nubiah.org or download the digital tracks right now and right here on www.cdbaby.com/cd/nubiah

Together we can make a difference…. one Child at a time. In the words of the Griot, when we Listen to the Drum, we will tap into the wealth of our greatness already present within us to create the unity necessary to make change.

Benefits-

Portion of all proceeds go to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs, Los Angeles and Oakland California.

NuBiAh Cast members-

· King Hannibal – Performed by Terry Moore
· Queen Nefertiti – Performed by Eboni Maxwell
· King Shaka- Performed by Christopher Kuykendall
· Queen Asantewa – Performed by Nandi Uzumo
· Queen Makeda – Performed by Cindy Jones
· Griot- Performed by Roge Lewis
· African Drum- Performed by Marcel Berteaux
· WWD – Easop Winston
· Igor – Kerry Self (DJ Double Up)

NuBiAh
www.nubiah.org
www.cdbaby.com/cd/nubiah