Jersey Star, Tenin, to Take the Stage at Plainfield City-Wide Youth Summit on April 29th

April 14, 2011 - PRLog -- (Plainfield, NJ – April 13, 2011)   Following a chance meeting at Bill’s Luncheonette in downtown Plainfield between Donna Morris, Plainfield administrator, and Ondia and Doris Barron, loyal fans of one of NJ’s hottest up and coming artists, Tenin Baba Ndanani has been asked to perform at the city-wide Plainfield Youth Council - Youth Summit 2011 on Friday, April 29, 2011.  Tenin will open the event at 7:00 p.m. with a live performance of music from her upcoming album and some big-sister real talk for the youth of her hometown.

Professional singer/songwriter, actress and producer and seasoned veteran of musical theatre stages throughout the tri-state area, Tenin is busy these days.  Since launching her professional career less than a year ago, this bright up and coming actress and recording artist has gone from virtual obscurity to regional acclaim to landing the lead role in the upcoming feature film “TUCHT” (TUCHTtheMOVIE.com).    Anticipating the success of her upcoming feature film debut and with her reality show, “TeninWorld,” in the works, Tenin hopes to soon make her international performance debut with a tour to her paternal homeland of Nigeria.

Born in Harlem, NY and raised in Plainfield, NJ, Tenin says of her upcoming involvement in Youth Summit 2011, “I am excited about being involved in the Youth Summit because Plainfield is the town I grew up in and has made me who I am!”  

As a child growing up in Plainfield, Tenin sang in the youth choir and acted in the drama ministry at Community Church of God.  Soon after, she wowed regional audiences in productions put on by The Rainbow Experience, a multicultural and multigenerational community theatre group of the United Congregational Church of Plainfield.  With the support of her family, Tenin then parlayed those early experiences into starring roles over five seasons at Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park in Edison, NJ.  Tenin performed professionally in the last two seasons at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA  as well as numerous other regional and national venues.  

“I owe my success to the opportunities that were given to me in Plainfield by my family and friends! Girlscouts! PHS PAC Dance and Mr. (M.A.) Taylor! All my teachers!  I just want the youth to understand that everything they need to be successful is right here in this community!  They can choose to take advantage of the opportunities and not be sidetracked by the negativity that’s everywhere.”

Currently completing production on her highly-anticipated debut album, Tenin is forging her own course, fusing her background in musical theater with her soulful Gospel roots and hip hop flow for a sound all her own. Of her new music, Tenin says, “I am so excited for everyone to hear it!  The album is heavy R&B and raw acoustic folk-soul with my signature hip hop flair.  It’s so me... fun, intimate and sincere!"  

Tenin’s authenticity is converting droves of listeners into sold-out fans across North America, the UK and Central Africa. Her songs are currently played on radio stations around the world, and are fan-favorites on local radio stations and international music blogs. Her website, www.TeninWorld.com, draws hundreds of daily visitors.

Despite a busy performance and acting schedule, Tenin says, “I love being able to interact with the youth and give back to my community.” She regularly speaks to youth out of her own experiences with overcoming insecurities, broken relationships, coping with loss, counting the costs of our decisions in relation to drugs, drinking and pre-marital sex with her goal being to empower youth to make wise choices.  Tenin consistent message to youth is, “Love God, love yourself and fearlessly pursue your purpose!” --a message she strives to model in her own life.

The Plainfield Youth Council was formed in April of 2010 in response to the onslaught of violence that plagued the City.  The organization is a collaboration of about 20 different youth-service organizations whose mission is to provide safe and age-appropriate extra-curricular activities for Plainfield youth afterschool, on weekends and during the summer.  Organizers of Youth Summit 2011 hope to empower Plainfield youth to manage conflict, improve understanding and respect among themselves and their peers, take ownership of their future and make sound choices.

Per feedback from industry and media professionals, with "a professionalism seldom seen in A-list actors today", "a voice that commands a room", and "a smile that breaks down barriers," Tenin has something to share with the youth of her hometown.  Crediting her burgeoning success to faith, hard work and passionate mentors, when not working, Tenin enjoys spending time with her family, reading, crafting and enjoying her mother’s culinary delights.

To learn more about Tenin, visit her website, www.TeninWorld.com.  For bookings or to schedule an interview with Tenin, contact Tammy Westbrook at (908) 226-1160 or Email Tammy@WBNProductionsllc.com.

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WBN Productions LLC is a faith-based production company that creates positive, culturally-enriching, family-friendly multi-media content that is relevant to contemporary audiences the world over.