MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR,, CORPORATE MC, MENTOR, PROMOTER & AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION. WE PROMOTE THE SUCCESS STORIES OF AFRICANS & CARIBBEANS AROUND THE WORLD. CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005
Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez is an International Award Winner, Published Author & Poet, Broadcast Journalist, MC and Youth Empowerment Consultant . He is also The CEO of AFRICA4U and The Founder of Africans in The Diaspora
People also see him as a Cultural and Social entrepreneur, which means he is skilled in working with many different communities, bringing people together in successful focused events. Tony has organised many cultural events …involving both BME and mainstream communities. He is skilled in hosting events that reinforce community cohesion and bringing different kinds of people together. He has organised events in The UK, The U.S.A, Holland, Germany, Romania, Malta and Nigeria and has visited over 22 European Countries.
Tony has also organised The Black History Month Celebrations at The UK House of Parliament for over five years in a row
He continues to promote the true life and success stories of Africans in Europe and Africans around the world and has organised several small scale literary and awards initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
He has also spent time as an International broadcaster and was The Producer and Presenter for AFRICA4U International Radio Talk Show at Reading4u Radio Station for nearly three years.
Tony has interviewed high profile Members of Parliament, Distinguished celebrities and some of Africas best musicians including Ivonne Chaka Chaka and Kanda Bongoman.
He has also been a guest on BBC Radio on numerous occasions to discuss the community cohesion events he organises at UK House of Parliament and also to recite some of his published work in memory of Nelson Mandela, 50 Years Anniversary of The race relations act and major community issues. Tony has also a Guest on popular Radio stations in Nigeria and The States
In the last few years he has been very passionate about Youth empowerment, community cohesion and cultural intelligence.
Tony was born in South London and has lived in several parts of England and Nigeria . He started writing at the tender age of nine, a habit he expressed with creative enthusiasm. Tony writes Poetry, short stories and proverbs on personal development. He is currently working on his 4th book which will also be his first novel. He is also into Public Speaking at Special events and Social functions and is a Mentor for young people in the UK Community.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Lagos, Nigeria in English and World Literature. He later went on to attain a teaching qualification at The Frances King International Training Institute, South Kensington London, it was here he studied Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He also studied Web Design at The City University in London.
He published his first book in June 1999 called “The Beauty in the Dark” (A Collection of Poetry which received critical acclamation in many circles around the world). .Tony’s aim in life is to inspire the young generation and to encourage the youth to make the very best of their dreams and aspirations,. He published a 2nd book in June 2009 called ” The Sound of Running Water” – A Family gift book of proverbs and quotations on Personal Development and Positive Thinking .
In December 2009, he published his 3rd book called “One Moment of Peace”.- A collection of Poetry inspired by personal experiences and spiritual growth.
Besides the fact that the Artist has won International online awards, he is mostly inspired by Life experience, love, music and cultural awareness. He was Resident Poet at the 5th London Poetry Festival in 2009 and has been a guest on BBC Radio on very many occassions including The famous Anne Diamond Show. He has also been a guest on a few SKY TV stations and several International Radio Stations around The World
Watch this space for our interview with the amazing Sabah Achhide on THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW.
Sabah Achhide is a member of the Award and Dinner Sub-Committee for The Leeds International African Festival (LIAF 2023).
This amazing role model is also the winner of The Jo Cox Award for her consistent work as a community leader. She is also a Director of MEMEC . MEMEC is a charity which supports destitute, asylum seekers, refugees and migrants from different backgrounds and religions.
Sabah will be a guest on the show to talk about The Leeds International African Festival (LIAF 2023) with reference to the planning involved, how to get tickets and more details about the festival.
Also watch this space for more interviews with Committee members of The Leeds International African Festival (LIAF 2023)
The Leeds International African Festival (LIAF 2023)
The Leeds International African Festival (LIAF 2023) is part of a wider LEEDS 2023 campaign and involves an explosion of dance, artwork, poetry, and film along with a celebration of Enterprise. The grand finale is the Awards and Dinner Night Event holding at Egan Suites, Saville Drive, Leeds. LS7 3EJ.
The Leeds International African Arts Festival debuts at LEEDS 2023 with a series of spectacular events, led by Creative Producer Ndidi Nkwopara. African communities from the city and beyond will come together in a celebration of their rich heritage, culture and the creativity that runs through it, with work from emerging artists and innovators.
Join us in the final night of celebrating a full week’s event.
THE AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTH SPONSORED BY BRIGHTER FUTURES UK IN IKORODU, LAGOS
A BIG THANK YOU TO BRIGHTER FUTURES UK Ingram Jones FOR SPONSORING OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTH WHICH TOOK PLACE AT IPAKADO SENIOR GRAMMER SCHOOL, IKORODU, LAGOS, NIGERIA ON THURSDAY 20TH OF APRIL 2O23.
CONGRATULATIONSONCE AGAIN TO THE AFRICA4U AWARD WINNERS FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTH 2023.
THE NAMES OF THE WINNERS CAN BE FOUND BELOW
AKUMEFUNE EBUBE
GLORIA IRIBHOGBE
OWOLABI TUMININU
OLURUNNIYI KEHINDE
ADEGBOLA BOLAJI
IWALEYE IBRAHIM
FIAFEDE ISAAC
OBAFEMI SAMUEL
IRIHBOGBE MERCY
OGUNYEMI OMOLERE
A BIG THANK YOU TO SPECIAL GUESTS MR Owolabi Omotayo AND MR ADEKUNLE FOR THEIR AMAZING PRESENCE AND SUPPORT
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE INTERVIEWS ONTHE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW AND OUR INTERNATIONAL BLOG POSTS
THE SOUL OF ANY COMMUNITY LIVES WITHIN THE HEART OF ITS PEOPLE .
Oluwatobi Onyeanwusi aka Extremebeatz, a talented Nigerian Artist producer, has been selected to attend the prestigious JBL Music Academy in Amsterdam, a globally recognized platform in collaboration with world-renowned Dj Martin Garrix and Stmpd Rcrds that empowers and nurtures music producers, sound engineers, DJs, and musicians. Oluwatobi’s selection to the JBL Music Academy is a remarkable achievement for Nigerian music producers, and it is a testament to the country’s growing music industry.
Oluwatobi has been producing music for over five years and has collaborated with some of Nigeria’s biggest artists, including Asake, Cdq, Falz, and M.i Abaga. His music production style blends African rhythms with contemporary sounds, resulting in an exceptional listening experience. Oluwatobi’s selection to the JBL Music Academy is a validation of his talent, and it marks a significant milestone in his career.
The JBL Music Academy in collaboration with world-renowned Dj Martin Garrix is renowned for providing music producers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, expert mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities. The program offers an intensive curriculum that covers music production techniques, studio management, and business acumen, all of which are critical skills for music producers to succeed in the industry.
Oluwatobi’s selection to the JBL Music Academy is a massive boost to Nigeria’s music industry, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. Nigerian music has become increasingly popular globally, and the country’s music producers have played a pivotal role in its success. With Oluwatobi’s talent and the knowledge he will gain from the JBL Music Academy, he is poised to take Nigerian music to new heights.
In an interview, Oluwatobi expressed his excitement about being selected for the JBL Music Academy. “This is a dream come true for me,” he said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to represent afrobeats on a global platform, and I am determined to make the most of it. I hope to learn new techniques and skills that will help me take my music production to the next level.”
In conclusion, Oluwatobi’s selection to the JBL Music Academy is a remarkable achievement for Nigerian music producers. It is a testament to the growing recognition of Nigerian music globally and the exceptional talent of Nigerian music producers. We congratulate Oluwatobi on this accomplishment and wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting journey.
WINDRUSH GENERATIONS CARNIVAL OF CULTURE will be taking place at The Centenary Square Bradford, BD1 1 HY on Friday the 16th of June 2023 from 4pm to 10pm and on Saturday the 17th of June 2023 from 12noon to 10pm.
Come and be part of this special 2 day Windrush Celebrations in the heart of The UK City of Culture 2025, featuring the very best of LIVE BANDS with local and International artists on stage , the very best of cuisines and an amazing two day festivity for the whole family .
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS TODAY FOR OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR OUR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN WEST YORKSHIRE taking place on FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY 2023 (5PM) at The City Library in Bradford West Yorkshire.
We are pleased to inform you that FREE TICKETS are now available for Our AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN WEST YORKSHIRE taking place on FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY 2023 (5PM) at The City Library in Bradford West Yorkshire.
Come and be part of an amazing celebration of Inspiration talks, African & Caribbean history , performances , networking, free refreshments and award Recognitions of community heroes making a difference every day .
KEY SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Ismael Lea South– DIRECTOR OF THE SALAM PROJECT – BASED IN MANCHESTER
Linda Johnson — PAN AFRICAN COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD
All roads led to the prestigious premises of West Yorkshire Lieutenancy office , Bowcliffe Hall, Branham, Wetherby on Wednesday the 29th March 2023 for the well attended Kings Award for Voluntary service nomination annual event in the heart of Yorkshire.
In attendance were some amazing organisations from different parts of West Yorkshire who took the opportunity to attend, network , engage and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
Also in attendance was the award winning Bradford based organisation BRADFORD 4 BETTER , led by Vice Chairman, Mr Shahid Islam, (also a Senior Research Fellow, employed by The Bradford Institute for Health Research), Mr Kashif Ahmed – The Secretary for Bradford 4 Better Organisation (A passionate Tech entrepreneur with a vision to make a difference) and Tony Tokunbo Fernandez – Digital Marketing Coordinator for Bradford 4 Better (also an award winning community advocate and a Published writer of four books)
Only last year , BRADFORD 4 BETTER ORGANISATION was A Winner at The National Diversity Awards held in Liverpool.
Winners of the Kings Awards for voluntary service will be announced later on in the year.
#bradford #bradford4better #cityofculture2025 #kingsaward #queensaward #shahid islam
The Jamaican poet Christena Williams, better known by her stage name of Antonia Valaire was a Nominee in the 39 th International Reggae and World Music Awards in the Category of Mutabaruka Best Poet/Spoken word. She is a native from Portmore, St. Catherine, and A graduate of Spanish Town High school.
She has won a Certificate of Excellence Sarabita Masters Award for 2020 from Ah TimesRas founded by dub poet Ras Atiba in New York, USA.
Prior to this award, Valaire had already been named the International Spoken Word Artist of the Year for 2020 by the People of Extraordinary Talent (P.O.E.T) organization and Blaq Ice Productions in Chicago, USA, for which she retained in 2021.
As a podcaster of The Verandah Conversations which was nominated in the Category: Best radio, TV or online show, by the People of Extraordinary Talent (P.O.E.T), 2022.
Valaire has a BA degree with honors in History and Philosophy from the University of the West Indies.
Her book “Pearls among Stones” received the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture. She is also the author of “Black Gold” and “Out from Babylon System: Liberation of Mind.” Additionally, she released her Black Gold EP (Spoken Word) via her YouTube channel. She received a Major Art award from the Jamaican Youth Empowerment through Culture, Arts and Nationalism (JAYECAN) organization.
In addition to writing, Valaire is a featured performer on the Jamaican Poets School Tour in association with veteran Dub Poet Malachi Smith, Featured Performer in The Jamaica Poetry Festival organized by Legendary and award -wining Dub Poet Yasus Afari, She has worked asthe Project Coordinator for the Manifesto JA music mentorship at Tuff Gong Studio; an assistant Instructor to veteran dub poet and 2019 IRAWMA Winner Cherry Natural and former Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison in “All Flowers Are Roses” program at the National Library of Jamaica; and the Ras Takura Road to West Africa Panafest Ghana Fundraiser Dub Poetry showcase.
She has performed at the DisPoem Festival Wordz and Agro festival, Kingston Night Market, Calabash open mic at Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth, and was a Special guest featured on Poemagikal Verbal Medicine, Featured in Bridgewater International Poetry festival virtual edition USA, featured in Kingston Creative virtual Art Walk, Life Circle Poets Poetry Sunday, Dis Poem Wordz agro festival meets Malcolm X sol Food + Music festival, video submission to Ronda Leiria Poetry festival In Portugal, Video submission to The Art Bar Poetry series, Featured interview on The Real stuff Podcast, Its Peak Poetry radio in UK with host Zed Regal, Poet life podcast with host Christoph Jenkins,USA, Youth summit on crime and violence, United Nations Development Programme, Jamaica.
Her Poems and Interviews have been featured for The Gleaner and the Jamaica Observer newspapers, and Featured Guest on TVJ’s All Angles with Dionne Jackson- Miller; she was also a Featured Guest on CVM’s On the Road to Success with Yanique DaCosta and a Featured Guest for performance and interview on CVM at Sunrise with Raymond Pryce and Amashika Lorne. She has done radio Interviews with Host Elise Kelly, Roots FM Habakkuk, Campus Buss Interview with Daron Chosen Smith, featured in Random Poem Tree (T&T), Female First magazine in the United Kingdom, Poetry NZ 47 (New Zealand), L3 magazine, and was shortlisted in jaBlog! Junior Authors Poetry Contest. She was also shortlisted in at the Desmond O’Grady poetry competition (Ireland) and featured in Antologia Poetica (Fragua de Preces), Spanish edition by Abra Cultural, 2020.
Her first translated poem, Punishable by death was featured in Persian Sugar in English Tea, Vol III, NY, Featured interview in 40th issue of The Sailors Review in Zimbabwe, Corona Social Distancing the Anthology by Inner Child Press in the US, and her poem Matches shoes box was included in the Miss Lou 100 +Voices anthology in Jamaica. Her poem, Stone cold sinner was a finalist in the Hessler Street Fair Poetry Anthology in Cleveland, Ohio. She had a featured excerpt of the poem Youth of Today quoted during the Address by His Excellency The Most. Hon. Sir Patrick Allen for the Investiture Ceremony of Poet Laureate Miss Lorna Goodison, CD on May 17, 2017.
Antonia Valaire describes herself as a Follower of Christ, Youth volunteer, Historian, Philosopher, Podcaster, Youth leader, Spoken word artiste and performer and self-Publisher in addition to being an Author and a Poet. She cites Louise Bennett and Mutabaraka as her inspirations and expressed gratitude to the veteran poets who have gone before her. Some of her early favorite poets are Olive Senior, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, and William Wordsworth, in addition to Jamaican and West Indian poets.
Additionally, “According to Glenville Ashby, PhD, Book Reviewer and Gleaner Columnist, he states,” No doubt, … Williams has sealed her place as one of the region’s most compelling artistic voices”. Her social media links can be accessed via: @Antoniavalaire | Linktree
ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK, 89 YEAR OLD JAMIAICAN PIONEER BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD – ARTNEL JOHNSON. CONGRATULATIONS TO HIM
THE AMAZING 89 YEAR OLD JAMAICAN PIONEER, ARTNEL JOHNSON BASED IN HUDDERSFIELD WILL BE RECEIVING AN AFRICA4U AWARD AT THE CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD ON FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY AT 5PM,
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AMAZING ELDER CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Background Born in Rose Hall of St Elizabeth parish Jamaica on 26 th February 1934 from a poor family of 13 children. Despite poverty he excelled in education in Jamaica reaching the equivalent of university Diploma level by UK standards.
Part of the pioneering Windrush generation Artnel moved to Huddersfield 1959 seeking like many a better life and more opportunities followed by his wife in 1961. He met racism and discrimination when seeking work in more skilled profession and work for many years as a bus driver until he started his own business in 1977 sharing a vehicle with a Nigerian friend.
Artnel a lover of education befriended and helped to bridge the relationships between continental Africans who were often students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and other newly independent countries in the 60 & 70’s many of which lodge in Artnel own home. He was to make connections, friendships and alliances which set him apart as having a greater understanding and love of Africa than his Caribbean peers. Artnel ran support surgeries from his front room providing free writing letter, teaching and coaching to support other immigrants from the Caribbean helping them to navigate a racially discriminatory system.
Married with 8 children but was a father figure and uncle to countless others. He has 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild which in itself is a legacy on own right. Artnel has been a central unassuming, dependable, upright, humble and pillars of the community not only in Huddersfield but also in Jamacia where you enjoyed the first 20 years of his retirement before returning to England 3 years ago to be closer to his family. Achievements
One of first business owners and treasurer of popular night club known locally as “Venn Street” which attracted the top reggae superstars from Jamaica such as John Holt, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson Gregory Issacs and many more placing Huddersfield on the map as a top nightlife hotspot in the North of England
First Caribbean driving instructor in Huddersfield and travel agent
Community Leader serving on many Community Voluntary boards including Police advisory boards at the height of the 80’s riots, Hudawi, Jamaica Nation Committee and Beaumont Street Studio’s of which he was the founding Director.
He is one of the black First Magistrates in Kirklees serving on the bench for over 25 years
A committed Christian he served as a deacon of his local church for many years
Interests Artnel has had many interests over the years including photography building his own dark room in the basement of his home.
Artnel is a keen debater on anything to do with global history and politics and is certainly not backward in voicing his opinions even if he had to stand alone.
He brewed homemade beer although ironically, he has never drunk alcohol himself. Artnel is a vibrant and energetic man singing in the church choir and listening and to his favourite artist Fats Domino to which he can still rock and roll to on the dance floor or living room floor when the vibe and rhythm takes hold of him.
He enjoys spending time with his wonderful and very large family. In his retirement Artnel has become a keen gardener planting fruit and vegetables for the family to enjoy. Artnel believes in hard work and education is the key to success and complaining is a fruitless obstacle to progress.
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 