Abeena Samm is the Business Name, spreading healing worldwide lyrics is the business game. Abeena Samm began singing as a child at a tender age. Through the lessons of life, Abeena realized the powerful healing affect that her lyrics had to offer.
In 2000 Samm registered her name as a business to help to heal others and formed “Recognize Your Face” marketplace ministry. To Heal, Educate and Redirect. To inspire the healing process in audiences everywhere. Samm has completed the business Plan Program offered at the Youth Business Centre. In 2002 Samm released her first independent single CD called “Cry” which was nominated for the UMAC (Urban Music Association Canada) Awards in two categories – Best New Artist and Best R & B soul. In that same year Samm also placed first in the Kingdom Covenant Centre (formerly Deeper Life) Song writing contest, for her original song “Deeper Life”.
In May 2003 Samm released her second CD single “Walking or Talking”. Since its release the single got a write up in the share newspaper for its participation in the poetry documentary “The Night they came to Africa”. Samms business and CDs got a review and write up in the Beach Metro.
In 2004 Samm opened up for Morgan Heritage at the Toronto Irie Music Festival and released her third independent CD single “Time Will Tell” which was featured on CBC’s Metro Morning Before being picked up and stored in archives Canada. Also in that year Samm’s poem “Courageous Journey” was published by the Poetry Institute of Canada in the Anthology “A Golden Morning” released spring of 2005.
In 2006 Samm participates in the First Gospel Float in the Caribana Parade (Toronto), Samm also performed at the Beaches Annual Jazz Festival. Samm sang at Mitchells Family Books where she met up with T – Bone, the Gospel rapper who appears in the movie “Fighting Temptations” with Cuba Gooding Jr. & Beyonce’ Knowles. Later that night Samm was invited to be one of the openers at T - Bones concert with 80% Latinos… Ohla! While enjoying the festival at the Guyana Independence day celebration, 40 years Anniversary, Samm performed a dub poetry style cover version of an old Guyana folk song. And to End 2006 on a great note, Samm & “Recognize Your Face” Marketplace Ministry launches their first concert series “A message of hope” – Toronto. Samm says “Truly a movement of God”. Samm and “Recognize Your Face” marketplace ministry’s aim as an artist/business is to Heal, Educate and to Redirect.
In 2007 a quieter year for Samm & "RYF" marketplace ministry, however Samm agrees to be apart of the annual Carassauga Festival (Guyanese Pavilion). Mothers Day finds Samm performing and enjoying some great food at the infamous Hot House Cafe' where they specialize in their brunches. Late Summer Samm and Friends enjoy the great outdoors performing at Albert Campbell Square (Rotunda), as part of the City of Toronto's promotion of their lunch time summer concerts. Early winter Samm and the CCC team head off to Waswanip, Quebec for a Youth Rally, what an experience. And to end 2007, Samm joins the CCC choir (only for that one time) for a beautiful Christmas Concert featuring John Starnes put on by the Canada Christian College. What a year of rest and blessed assurance that "true miracles" start in the "heart".
Well 2008 was a unique year for Samm and R.Y.F marketplace ministries, for it was the first time that we have embarked on a biweekly Sunday Lounge held at Tropical Nights, newly reopened in Mississauga. Christmas time had us moving from group homes to nursing homes to coffee houses. The reponses tells us that we are being heard, appreciated, loved, and the eyes of our understanding are finally opening.
2009 – A year of trials and triumphs, sadness and gladness. The year starts with Samm & "RYF" marketplace ministry hosting a 2 day extravaganza @ Second Cup and Chapters books store for black history month. Samm then graces the stage for Africville Productions as they present: word, sound, & power. Great Venue, very artistic. Samm then joins Tropicana Community service as they celebrate their 6th annual international women’s day. What a joy to see women and some men come together from all walks of life, sharing their culture, regardless of religious beliefs. Samm then nominated for the Guyana Awards, Harry Jerome Awards and the Marty Awards hosted by Mississauga Arts Council. Samm sings “Heal the World” in honour of the late Great King of Pop – Micheal Jackson, at Queens Park Anti – violence rally, put on by Dudley Laws. Late fall, Samm shares the stage with the Masaisai band from Zimbabwe where they join Gladstone Hotel in kicking off their Thursday Night Confidential concert series – exciting!
Winding down the year, Samm partners with St Leonards place in hosting a fun filled fundraiser for United Way!
Samm then finds herself as 1 of the 10 Runner ups for “So you think God wants you to sing” Created by the Drew Marshall Show. 2009 ends off at Free Times Café ‘for a Christmas Celebration, as Samm & “RYF” marketplace ministry opens up to the true meaning of Christmas, not only the lights, camera, action about the season, but it’s spirit – Deep!
Samm & "RYF" marketplace ministries aim as an artist/business is to Heal, Educate and Redirect.
2010 – Samm & “RYF” marketplace ministry started out our year with our “Message of Hope” Fundraiser. What a Cheerful event, with guess speaker Dudley Laws.
April 24, 2010 found Samm opening at the JCA, for the legendary Derrick Morgan the Ska King.
Shortly after Samm & “RYF” marketplace ministry launched their online face book group
“Blog a Month” – what’s on your mind, a youth led discussion about life’s questions and more.
May 1, 2010 Chartwell Baptist Church had their first Artiste Café’ for the year in Mississauga, the crowd was lined up to see and meet the featured artist Abeena Samm. What a great turn out and Show. July 16, 2010, Nathan Phillips square hosted their Youth ON the GO, which Samm was also one of the featured Artists. September 24th, 2010 found Ms Samm as the Host for the Mississauga Arts Council “Culture days” taken place at the Mississauga City Hall. The event was well attended with vendors, spectators, tourist, etc…it was cultural.
Samm then launched new single and video “Almost Slipped” ready to post for her YouTube viewers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj4qv5vm4IY
In the month of December, Samm also participated with the Mississauga Arts Council and Square One in putting on their 2010 Christmas Production for the welcoming of Santa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-FsaLzL5lU
And then on December 22, 2010 Abeena Samm & “RYF” marketplace ministry Hosted their End of the Year Christmas Caroling at Second Cup. Twas the season to be Jolly.
Samm & "RYF" marketplace ministries aim as an artist/business is to Heal, Educate and Redirect.
2011
February & March 2011 found Samm in the Schools and Community Centers for the Black History Month Celebrations, where Samm presented Songs, short stories, and pictures about the beautiful culture and Heritage
Jun 26, 2011 Samm makes her way out to Burlington to perform at Geraldo's Burlington Can
Wow, who missed this event...because when I see a Lady that is 92, get up on her feet and dance, I know the spirit is on the uprise. The event was a great success, we had from the very young - right to the older more mature Crowd. It was awesome. the food was excellent, the weather was nice, it had a warm front(haha I'm a weather girl)...
Aug 1, 2011 Samm Launches another single "Boy You So Rude" a song that talks about having nothing in this physical world, holding on to nothing, but holding onto everything in the spiritual.
http://youtu.be/6kmrd4QG1rM
Aug 5, 2011 Samm found herself performing outdoors at Benares Historic House Mississauga ON Can, Where we got the royal treatment and a personalized tour...which added such a nice touch!:)people came with their lawn chairs, mats, blankets, etc...It was awesome...everyone singing under the same blue sky...with chants of praise...
Then as timing would have it. Samm was at the right place at the right time, where she was cast as an "extra" In the Play Church Girls that came to Toronto. There Samm shared the stage with actresses, Robin Givens, R&B soul-singer/songwriter Angela Winbush; actress Demetria McKinney from the NAACP Image Award-winning television series House of Payne; actor Clifton Powell from the Friday movies, Ray and Norbit; and Tony Grant from Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Counsellor. And Also featured theatre veterans Wanda Nero-Butler, Gia Wyre and Teisha Lott.
based on a true story, was written and produced by Angela Barrow-Dunlap and directed by Reuben Yabuku. The play and all-star cast arrived in Toronto August 12- 13, 2011, at the Sony Centre for Performing Arts (formerly The Hummingbird Centre) located at 1 Front St East @ Yonge.
Sep 17, 2011 Bradley Museum Mississauga ON Can Lots to see and eat, cool day, but the sun was out and the people came out to enjoy the Fall Performances and socialize.
Dec 1, 2011 Samm & "RYF"marketplace ministries launched our first ever mini Christmas Drive giving the gift of warm RED socks...To the Compass Food Bank in Mississauga. what a joy it was to see smiles on their faces, knowing that it will bring added warmth to their bodies. It was a Great Christmas Celebration, where the spirit was just hovering...who will it rest on...only time will tell...
A year of waiting and listening...Samm also shares a Christmas Song Cover:
http://youtu.be/KEZ2vdPmaH0
Samm & "RYF" marketplace ministries aim as an artist/business is to Heal, Educate and Redirect.