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Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

Kwevi Quaye, a.k.a. Mr. 419, Strikes Again

A special message for defrauded fans of singer R. Kelly and those 500 vacationers that paid up to $4600 each for Concert Cruise (concertcruise.com) in early October 2012.

Singer R. Kelly accused Kwevi Quaye of fleeing with his paycheck even though his fans purchased over one million dollars in tickets.

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 1 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

Please print and distribute 100 copies of this page (kweviquaye.com)to each person attending the Diaspora Showcase Africa and Concert Cruise.

Kwevi Quaye 419 scam is the cover story in U.S. national magazines, such as Jet (cover story on the refusal of Kwevi Quaye to pay singer R. Kelly, September 17, 2012). All investors should call the Arizona Better Business Bureau (or the Nigerian community in Tucson, Arizona) for details on Kwevi Quaye and his creative 419 concert cruise scams. Please complete the CLASS ACTION lawsuit form below: COMING in late September 2012

Kwevi Quaye is facing numerous criminal charges and in Arizona newspapers for money frauds. He might be going to prison for defrauding up to 500 people. Kwevi Quaye operates under various alias and it is rumored that he is now “ROY CORMIER.”

Kwevi Quaye registered a fake company in Wilmington in (tax-free) Delaware even though he has been living in Tucson (Arizona) for the past 30 years. According to BBB investigators and Arizona newspaper reporters, Kwevi Quaye and his team of ten fraudsters have gone into hiding, disconnecting their phones and not answering email inquiries from 500 defrauded clients.

The Better Business Bureau has issued a FRAUD ALERT!!! on Kwevi Quaye and his ten Yahoo Boys. Their whereabouts are unknown.

Read newspaper articles below for unbiased details.

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Kwevi Quaye (center) who loves a lavish lifestyle disconnected his phone and fled to the hills with my money! His whereabouts are unknown.

FORTHCOMING COMING: Class action lawsuits against co-sponsors and advertisers of Kwevi Quaye’s Diaspora Showcase Africa and Concert Cruise.

Kwevi Quaye, a.k.a. Mr. 419, Strikes Again

TUCSON CITIZEN Reporter writes: http://tucsoncitizen.com/bbbconsumeralert/tag/kweviquaye/

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Posts Tagged ‘Kwevi Quaye’

Tucson Cruise and Concert Promoter Disappears with Customers Cash, Consumers tell BBB

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting consumers to Concert Cruise, a Tucson company that consumers say sold them tickets to a cruise featuring R&B artist, R. Kelly, but disappeared with their money when the concert was canceled.

BBB has received 14 complaints from consumers across the U.S. against Concert Cruise in the past four weeks, all who say they are unable to contact the company for a refund of their cruise tickets, which they paid as much as $4,500 for. BBB has been unable to speak with, or indentify, the owner of Concert Cruise, but has been in contact with their attorney.

Concert Cruise, which now appears to be out of business, was operating out of the offices of the Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, located at 1443 Broadway Blvd. in Tucson.

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 4 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees is “a holding company with interests in architecture, entertainment, media, sports, fashion, real estate development and investment.”

BBB offers these tips to consumers purchasing cruise or concert tickets:

Research the company you’re buying the tickets with. Make sure that the vendor has a proven track record by visiting www.tucson.bbb.org, where you can check to see what sort of complaints the company has, or if there’s a record of the company at all.

Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card allows you to challenge the transactions if you’re scammed out of your money. While you may not always be able to get your money back, you stand a much better chance than you would if you pay with a debit card or a checking account.

Purchase directly from cruise line or promoter, if possible: Often the best way to avoid fly-by-night vendors and promoters is to purchase tickets directly from the source. Especially beware of vendors and promoters that ask that you pay via money order or Pay Pal.

For more information on Concert Cruise consumers can contact BBB by calling (520)888-5353, or by email at [email protected].

Tags: canceled, Concert Cruise, cruise, Dispora Group, Kwevi Quaye, R. Kelly, refund, Tucson Posted in alert, Life, scam, Tips | No Comments »

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 5 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

How KWEVI QUAYE Fled with Up to TWO million dollars charged to 500 “Vacationers”

1. Defrauds the performers forcing them to cancel. 2. That gives Kwevi Quaye the pretext to withhold up to $4600 from each “vacationer” as well as R. Kellys performance fee collected. 3. Flee when the Better Business Bureau, news reporters, the National Fraud Information Center, or other watchdog groups calls upon him. 4. Have ten 419 Yahoo Boys (scammers) work in his office in Arizona but register his shell company (with no employees in Delaware)“Cruise Concert LLC” in Delaware because its state courts that are friendly to con artists, drug traffickers, embezzlers and money launderers. “The Delaware loophole”is like opening a Swiss Bank account in the United States without paying taxes to Arizona.

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http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/08/r-kelly-sinks- love-letter-cruise/

Britney Jean • a month ago

I was looking forward to this for a LONG time! I booked it and paid off the entire trip in December. In Jan, March and May I was charged more for taxes, fuel, tips etc. I have been told by Concert Cruises that because I opted out of insurance (because I knew I was getting on that boat no matter what, never thought THEY would cancel) that I would not get back a single penny of my money. I was told by Carnival, who owns the boat, that they would not repay me because they sold the boat to the other company! Basically I'm out ALL the money because they could not "fulfill the financial obligations".

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Alin Barley wrote "Who [Kwevi Quaye] ever made this page god bless you!! I pray these bastards get locked up for this bs!!! I only received a credit of 260 and it came from carnival cruise!!!! I am very dissapointed in the way this cruise has been handled. I am just alarmed that no one at r.kellys management didn't post anything about him no longer performing it took them 8 weeks before the cruise was to depart to inform folks that r.kelly was no longer performing due to him not being paid. I am not blaming r.kelly but damn a lot of people messed up here!!! I just pray they catch those two bastards [Kwevi Quaye] and lock there asses away for a very long time" on The Love Letter Cruise Ripped Me Off's timeline. at Aug 20, 2012 3:44:54 AM

7 on are side is a news show and is willing to pick up the story so every one send in your documents, stories and info to links about these scum bags to [email protected]

http://azstarnet.com/mobi/business/article_bbdaa17a- e39e-5c42-8a70-dcc5aeea0189.html

RETURN TO BUSINESS Cancellation of cruise featuring R&B singer brings BBB warning

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 8 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

Carli Brosseau Arizona Daily Star Wednesday, August 29, 2012 12:00 am

The Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona put out a warning Tuesday about a Tucson promotion company that canceled a cruise featuring R&B singer R. Kelly and "disappeared with their money."

But a prominent local event producer who works for the cruise promotion company said the warning is based on a serious misunderstanding.

"Their facts are wrong," said Kwevi Quaye, who developed the company's marketing concept and puts on the annual Diaspora Showcase Africa show of African fashion and art. "As I understand it, the refund process is ongoing."

Concerts Cruise LLC sent cancellation emails earlier this month to customers who had paid up to $4,500 for a ticket on the "Love Letter Cruise."

They stated that the purchase of cancellation insurance had been mandatory with the bookings and noted several times in the process.

Then the company seemed to disappear. Its website, concertscruise.com, was wiped clean except for a log-in window and the phrase "Cruise Canceled." The Facebook page and Twitter account are gone.

The company also vacated the office space it had been informally using since November at the Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, 1443 E. Broadway. "For a while, there were eight to 10 employees coming in and out," said chamber President Clarence Boykins.

Early this month they cleared out, and since then Boykins has been reluctantly fielding calls.

Quaye said the company - a partnership of New York record producer and promoter Roy Cormier and Ayeleh Corp. - had sold only 500 tickets for the five-day October cruise from Miami to the Bahamas' Half Moon Cay.

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The promotion was launched in December and sold well until the Costa Concordia cruise liner ran aground and capsized off Italy a month later, he said. The company's principals looked at the slow sales and decided earlier this month that they had to call it off, Quaye said.

R. Kelly's staff offered a slightly different reason for the cancellation in a statement to fans on his website.

"Concerts Cruise LLC has been unable to meet its financial obligations to a scheduled cruise with featured performer R. Kelly and will therefore have to cancel this cruise," the website said. "Ticket holders should contact Concerts Cruise LLC to handle refunds."

But contacting the company hasn't been easy. Many fans have complained on social media sites that they received only partial refunds.

Some fans have banded together, sharing tips on a dedicated Facebook page.

Star Session, a fan from Los Angeles who booked a ticket for more than $3,000 after seeing it advertised in emails from R. Kelly's fan website, said she expects a full refund soon through her bank because she paid by credit card.

She was one of 14 people so far to report the case to the Tucson BBB.

Session is disappointed the musician didn't help his fans or better vet the tour promoter. "This is a mainstream entertainer. You had correspondence from his official website. I didn't see this as an outcome at all."

Quaye said all customers should soon receive a full refund. The partial payments depended on the method of payment and which website served as the vendor, he said.

Tips

When buying concert or cruise tickets:

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• Research the ticket sellers. Check a company's records and complaints at www.tucson.bbb.org

• Pay with a credit card. It allows you to challenge the transactions if you're scammed.

• Purchase directly from the cruise line or promoter, if possible.

• Beware of vendors and promoters that ask you to pay with a money order or PayPal.

• You can contact the Better Business Bureau at [email protected] or 888-5353.

Contact reporter Carli Brosseau at [email protected] or 573-4197.

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 11 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees http://tucson.bbb.org/article/tucson-cruise-and- concert-promoter-disappears-with-customers-cash- consumers-tell-bbb-36612

Tucson Cruise and Concert Promoter Disappears with Customers Cash, Consumers tell BBB

8/28/2012

Concert Cruise, which now appears to be out of business, was operating out of the offices of the Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, located at 1443 Broadway Blvd. in Tucson.

A representative from the chamber could not confirm with BBB who the owner of the company is, but said that one of the employees was Kwevi Quaye, who owns a company called Dispora Group. According to its Facebook page, Dispora Group is “a holding company with interests in architecture, entertainment, media, sports, fashion, real estate development and investment.”

BBB offers these tips to consumers purchasing cruise or concert tickets:

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Purchase directly from cruise line or promoter, if possible: Often the best way to avoid fly- by-night vendors and promoters is to purchase tickets directly from the source. Especially beware of vendors and promoters that ask that you pay via money order or Pay Pal.

For more information on Concert Cruise consumers can contact BBB by calling (520)888- 5353, or by email at [email protected]. Average Rating |

Kwevi_Quaye Dispora_Group Concert_Cruise tickets R_Kelly Tucson BBB canceled

Kwevi Quaye changed name to alias “Concert Cruise”

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 SUBMIT

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Promoter of failed R. Kelly cruise goes out of business By J. Alan Hayes

Mon, Sep 3rd 2012 8:30 am EDT

Concert Cruise, LLC, a company operating out of Tucson, AZ, has recently gone out of business and several complaints from consumers have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The defunct company sold tickets to a recently- cancelled cruise aboard the Carnival Destiny, and has allegedly failed to provide customers with refunds.

The company originally sponsored the "Love Letter Cruise," selling tickets that ranged in price from $999 to $2999. The cruise was scheduled for October 1-6, 2012, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean and back. High-profile R&B singer R. Kelly was contracted to headline the event and perform two shows throughout the six-day cruise. Other acts initially set to perform included Walter Jones, Albert Torres, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

R. Kelly announced on August 10 that he was pulling out of the show due to nonpayment on the part of the promoter, Concert Cruise, LLC. According to the singer's official website, "Concerts Cruise LLC has been unable to meet its financial obligations to a scheduled cruise with featured performer R. Kelly and will therefore have to cancel this cruise. R. Kelly had been looking forward to the cruise and was ready, willing and able to perform for fans. He is sorry for any disappointment but plans to see his fans very soon on a U.S. tour. Ticket holders should contact Concerts Cruise LLC to handle refunds."

After R. Kelly's withdrawal, Concert Cruise, LLC allegedly contacted customers to inform them of the event's cancellation, stating that the company would "handle all applicable refunds at point of purchase." Following this, the BBB of Southern Arizona received 14 complaints within a month from consumers across the United States stating that they were unable to contact the company in order to get a refund for their now useless tickets.

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According to Pollstar, the company posted the following message to their now- inactive website on August 20: "Concerts Cruise has asked all point of purchase vendors to honor all charge backs, even if you registered last year. Feel free to forward a copy of this communication to your credit card company," the message said. "Every section of our website indicated that cancellation insurance was mandatory. We encourage you to use this communication as final proof of cancellation and file a claim with your insurance carrier today. Concert Cruise has gone out of business."

The website, [http://www.concertscruise.com/], currently displays a login screen with a disclaimer stating "Cruise Cancelled."

Vance Gulliksen, a spokesman for Carnival Cruise Lines, told reporters that the "Love Letter Cruise" was officially cancelled at the promoter's request, regardless of rumors that it would continue without R. Kelly's performance. According to Cruise Critic, "all passengers booked for the theme cruise have the option of a full refund or rebooking for the same cruise directly through Carnival Cruise Lines."

As of yet, the BBB of Southern Arizona has been unable to identify the owner of Concert Cruise, LLC, but the bureau has been in contact with the company's attorney. In the meantime, the BBB has been alerting people about the company and has issued several tips online for consumers to help with purchasing cruise tickets safely.

http://www.facebook.com/LoveLetterCruiseRipoff

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http://www.tucsonweekly.com/TheRange/archives/20 12/08/14/tucson-company-crushes-the-dreams-of-r- kelly-fans#.UDHEWEJo-U4.facebook

Tucson Company Crushes the Dreams of R. Kelly Fans

Posted by Dan Gibson on Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 4:00 PM

I wasn't going to be able to cough up the money for the R. Kelly Love Letter Cruise, but somehow I felt better knowing that noted musical genius R. Kelly would be out there on the high seas entertaining a ship full of his fans. Sadly, that magical musical journey will sadly remain only a dream, as R. Kelly's website has announced that the cruise has been cancelled:

Concerts Cruise LLC has been unable to meet its financial obligations to a scheduled cruise with featured performer R. Kelly and will therefore have to cancel this cruise. R. Kelly had been looking forward to the cruise and was ready, willing and able to perform for fans. He is sorry for any disappointment but plans to see his fans very soon on a U.S. tour. Ticket holders should contact Concerts Cruise LLC to handle refunds.

Somewhat strangely, Concerts Cruise LLC was located here in Tucson, registered to Roy Cormier (who was referenced in a Beastie Boys song once) and Ayeleh Corporation (which seems like a fake name or a typo, but what do I know?) at 1443 E. Broadway by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Unfortunately, it looks like the company is making an effort to disappear off the face of the earth, deleting its webpage, social media presences, and not answering their phone. However, I

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 16 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees called the Tucson Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, who rent an office space to Concerts Cruise, and they said that the company's staff was in the office this morning (including the time period when I called the Cruise's phone number, but whatever). Complaints are starting to pile up around the internet and the company has made it as difficult as possible to reach them, so we'll see.

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The Love Letter Cruise Ripped Me Off August 19

The two men behind Concerts Cruise: Kweivi Quaye, Tucson, AZ Roy Cormier, Brooklyn, NY

We keep digging, we are getting closer…

Anyone knowing the wearabouts or having any information on either of these two guys please post.

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Quaye Skipped Town Page: 21 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=802557

Cruise Promoter Folds

12:01 PM Wednesday 8/29/12 0 | 1 |

Concert Cruise LLC, the company that promoted the failed “Love Letter Cruise” that was to feature R. Kelly, has gone out of business, leaving ticketholders fuming.

The Tucson Citizen reported Aug. 28 that the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona received 14 complaints from “consumers across the U.S.” unable to contact the Tucson, Ariz.-based company for a refund. The phone numbers have been disconnected.

An Aug. 20 message posted on the company’s now-inactive website is now posted on Facebook page “The Love Letter Cruise Ripped Me Off.”

“Concerts Cruise has asked all point of purchase vendors to honor all charge backs, even if you registered last year. Feel free to forward a copy of this communication to your credit card company,” the message said. “Every section of our website indicated that cancellation insurance was mandatory. We encourage you to use this communication as final proof of cancellation and file a claim with your insurance carrier today. Concert Cruise has gone out of business.”

The Citizen said it’s not clear who owned Concert Cruise but one employee was listed as Kwevi Quaye, owner of a company called Diaspora Group.

TMZ reported Aug. 11 that Kelly pulled out of headlining the cruise, scheduled for Oct. 1-6 from Miami to the Caribbean, because he hadn’t been paid.

--Tina Amendola

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http://www.facebook.com/LoveLetterCruiseRipoff

Open forum for victims of the scam and fraud carried out by Concerts Cruise [an alias used by “Kwevi Quaye”] on unsuspecting R. Kelly fans. Share information with other victims.

Concert Cruise is an alias for “Kwevi Quaye” 419 King of Arizona

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Mashika Wilson I was denied a refund by my CC company because they stated my dispute didn't fall under Regulation E. I am getting names of all ppl who were ripped off and contacting an attorney!

Kwevi Quaye refuses to use his real name and phone number in the above email.

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Dear Mayor of Tucson, Arizona:

Your business partner (Kwevi Quaye) asked you to support his Diaspora Showcase Africa, fraudulently claiming its a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises money to supports AIDS victim in Ghana.

This “showcase” (Shamcase) have defrauded U.S. and African citizens and charities of an about $1 million.

Kwevi Quaye has gone into hiding, disconnected his phone numbers, refuses to answer emails from victims and from AIDS charities seeking their monies.

The performers are not paid. The intended recipients of the AIDS benefit are not paid. They complained that Kwevi Quaye took their money and skipped town.

Kwevi used you (inadvertently) to scam us of 25,000 dollars (in fees and expenses)! Is the Diaspora Showcase not a 419 front capitalizing on the AIDS epidemic in Africa?

Do the math: If every man, woman and child in Africa were to use Kwevi Quaye as a role model and use the Diaspora Showcase to bait and dupe Arizonans 25,000 dollars, how much will one billion Africans scam the world?

Regards,

Committee of Nigerians in Tucson, Arizona Defrauded by Kwevi Quaye.

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SPONSORS Ayeleh Consultants Chapman Automotive Diaspora International HeadsUp International Malkia World Art Nimbus Brewing Company Sistema Southwest Airlines Tucson Lifestyle WorldSpace Corporation

A G Edwards ...... 12 Adams & Ogundele ...... 9 Africast ...... 22 Aladdin Middle Eastern Restaurant ...... 43 Al’s Barber Shop ...... 36 American Built Corporation ...... 52 Ari’s Downtown ...... 45 Arizona Lithographers ...... 47 Barbra Bourne, Realtor ...... 52 Beyond Looks ...... 42 Bluefin Seafood Bistro ...... 45 Bon Voyage Travel ...... 13 Bridge Capital Group ...... 47 Calico Corners ...... 51 Canyon Ranch ...... 40 Caravan Foods ...... 36 Chaparral Travel ...... 33 Chase ...... 16 Dearing Automotive ...... 36 D.I.I. / Greer House ...... 53

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DJ’s Computer & Electronics ...... 36 Dental Village ...... 9 Desert Empire ...... 38 E & J Designer Shoe Outlet ...... 14 El Charro Café ...... 45 Emmanuel Mounkam, Realtor ...... 52 Environmental Saftey ...... 38 Environmental Strategies ...... 48 Esquema Architecture ...... 52 5 Star Pest Control ...... 53 Francis Moses Floor Covering...... 52 Galeria Mistica ...... 22 Gary Hardy Realty ...... 49 Gwen Thompson, Realtor ...... 52 Hair Folicles - House of Hair ...... 36 Hear’s Music ...... 23 Imaging by Tommy ...... 9 Intuit ...... 32 Jill Rich, Realtor ...... 49 Jones Photo...... 50 King Fisher ...... 45 Lexus of Tucson ...... 8 Linda Leonard...... 49 Liz Boutique & Accessories ...... 39 Lopez Mechanic Shop ...... 36 Lynne M East Graphic Design Studio ..... 32 Madeline Friedman, Realtor ...... 10 Magdi Nafeh, Loan Consultant ...... 52 Malkia World Art ...... 28 Maly & Associates ...... 48 Marriott Hotels ...... 40 MCMahon’s ...... 44 New York Life ...... 52 Nimbus Brewing Comapny...... 10 Old Pueblo Frameworks ...... 42 Old Pueblo Traders ...... 37 PF Changs ...... 43 Patricia Green, Attorney ...... 9 Pima Federal Credit Union ...... 16 Real Pros Real Estate ...... 60 Rich Mlakar Construction ...... 49 Rubin Salter, Jr., Attorney ...... 33 Sal Brownfield ...... 42 Sistema ...... 22 Southwest Airlines ...... 7 Sparkle Cleaners ...... 32 Sparkle Janitorial ...... 36 State Farm ...... 33

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The Chiropractic Center ...... 9 The Good Egg ...... 43 The Hammeroff Law Firm, PC ...... 9 Tucson Lifestyle Magazine ...... 11 UA Presents ...... 41, 46 UBS ...... 9 Wolf & Sultan, PC ...... 9 World Care ......

Host Vanessa Williams Emcee LaMar Donovan and Bitaya Mulato “African Child” Poem written by Dele Ajaja Recital Fatima Ndoye Introduction of the Mayor of Tucson Dr. Anthony Okeke, President Beyond Looks Welcome Address Robert E. Walkup Mayor of Tucson DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT Door Prizes and Silent Auction Arthur Whitman, President Ghana Education Project Introduction of Keynote Speaker Kwevi Quaye, President Diaspora International Inc. Keynote Speaker Noah Samara, Founder and CEO WorldSpace Corporation INTERMISSION ENTERTAINMENT AND FASHION SHOW Host Vanessa Williams Dance Dance Dance

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Director and Producer Kwevi Quaye Associate Producer Anselm Omoike Taping Production Producers Todd Hoffman, Andre Wiseman Assistant Producer Olugbenga Fatogun Fashion Assistant Producer Angela Johnson Assistants to the Producers Juliette Rowlan, Diane Barrett Entertainers Master Kora Player, Prince Diabate; Percussionist, Alioune Faye; Dancers, Walter Jones & Liz Watts, Todd Hammes, Patricia Harris, The Marelle String Quartet Deejays Clement Ataboh, Hope Izuegbu MC Bitaya Mulato, LaMar Donovan Fashion Designers Kike Adeeko, Pelá, Nigerian Fabrics and Fashions, Susan Di Staulo, Kristin Dinnis, Kanksha Mehta, Jennyvi Dizon, Angela Johnson, La-Rae, Emilie Uriate, Lenore Aispuro, Tiffe Fermaint, Mary Petrich, Olga Ptashnuk, Suwatana Rockland Stylists Kurt Quanna & Co., Eulalia Gaston Models Elvia Arevalo, Daynalyn Wain, Nicole West, Desire Mihelish, Jenny Frei, Breianniea Gaston, Cristina Irimiciuc, Doelis Martinez, Amparo Elizabeth, Kanksha Mehta, Lisa Gomes, Ally Lee, Rachel Jackson, Christine Harshman, Modupe Ogunde, Alex Davis, Alex Garcia, Greg Martin, Rohan McDonald, Celeste Marquez, Shardee Larkin, Maria Williams, Michelle Perez Master Chef Magdi Nafeh Chefs Lilian Forlemu, Mildred Osakwe, Adisa Okeke, Gisele Nzeukou Mary Pam, Pam Chollom, Gilbertine Mulato, Mary Prah, Nalisa Njanyau, Felix Quaye,Grace Donovan, Ifeoma Ononye, Adja Ndoye Volunteers Afra & Afrooz, Modupe Ogunde, Yemisi Ogunde, Timothy Dunne, Bayo Ijagbemi, David Johnson, Omotayo Olabumuyi, Janelle Effiwatt, Marlene Effiwatt, Stephanie Kooffreh, Sara Cohen, Sharlene Nehs, Margaret Johnson, Robert Forlemu, Francis Sumba, Doreen Wilson, Leigh Diles, Tina Van Putten, Rohan McDonald Jimmy Effiwatt, Abraham Galadima Special Thanks Angela Johnson, Timothy Dunne, Anselm Omoike, Dele Ajaja Pam Chollom, Margaret Johnson, Rohan McDonald, Felix Quaye, Angel of Color, Richard Gill, Selome Haileleoul, McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse, The Good Egg, Cameroonian Association of Arizona, Mariee Gallery-Scottsdale, Suwatana Imports, Hair Follicles - House of Hair

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PROGRAM SOUVENIR CREDIT EDITOR Kwevi Quaye EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tokunbo Kehinde ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dele Ajaja ADVERTISING SALES Diaspora Showcase SALES ASSOCIATES Olugbenga Fatogun Emmanuel Igene Douglas Pam Miriam Igene Juliette Rowlan Felix Quaye CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bisrat Arthur Whitman PHOTOGRAPHERS John Bae Sonny Sholola George Howard Julie Rackow GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lynne East-Itkin Nancy Parker Leigh Diles Tracey Martell CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kwevi Quaye

This Page Photograph by Sonny Sholola Stylist: Kwevi Quaye & Suwatana Rockland Necklace by Adaku and Ekwe Quaye Makeup: Ulta Fragrance & Cosmetics Model: Leigh Cooper Fabrics: Beyond Looks Collections available at Malkia World Art 2924 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85

718 (520) 884-7494

Cover:

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Photographer: John Bae; Designer: Nigerian Fabrics and Fashion; Makeup: Ulta Fragrance and Cosmetics; Models: Elvia Arevalo (center), Angilena Paulo (left), Alex Davis (right)

ADVISORY BOARD, USA Ephraim Isaac, Professor, Princeton University & Director of Semitic Studies Yusef Komunyaaka, Professor Princeton University & Pulitzer Prize Winner for Literature Kwevi Quaye, President Diaspora International Inc Dr. Stephen Gluckman, Chairman, Infectious Diseases University of Pennsylvania Hospital Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, Director, Sickle Cell Center Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia ADVISORY BOARD GHANA Dr. Sakyi Awuku Amoa, Chairman Ghana Aids Commission Abena Busia, Professor, Rutgers University Kofi Anku, Managing Director

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Volta Investment Company Dr. Nii Narku Quaynor, Executive Chairman Network Computer Systems Clement Entsua-Mensah, Director Ghana Institute for Science & Technology, and President of Ghana Library Association

SHOPPING � SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Partial List of Auction Items 1 Carvings collection and Malikite/Copper Map of Africa Donated by Bitaya Mulato

2 Day Spa at Canyon Ranch Donated by Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

3 Gift Certificate for Exquisite furniture

Donated by Robb & Stuckey Outdoors Living Store, Phoenix 4 One year membership

Donated by Iron Unlimited Gym 5 Oil Painting “Twin Mother”

Donated by Dr & Mrs. Anthony Okeke 6 Oil Painting on Cloth “Ethiopian Woman”

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Donated by Ekwe Quaye 7 Duane Maktima earrings handmade sterling silver Donated by Bahti Indian Arts, Tucson

8 Original Lithography “San Xavier del Bac”

Las Donas de los Descendientes del presidio de Tucson 9 Original design necklace by Foree

Donated by Lele Peterson 10 Jewlery set designs by Artist Angela Marquez Donated by Angela Marquez

11 Weekend stay at Casa Luna Bed & Breakfast

Donated by Nancy Mellon 12 Decorative pillow

Donated by Calico Corners 13 Car parts, accessories and repair services Donated by Chapman Automotive

14Fabrics and textiles from Africa

Donated by Beyond Looks 15 Shopping Spree

Donated by Sparkle Cleaners, Jones Photo, E & J Designers Outlet 16Water Color “ Flower in a vase”

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Donated by Kristine Sullivan 17 Car detail and car accessories

Donated by Lexus of Tucson 18African glass/crystal beads necklaces

Donated by Adaku Quaye 19Tickets to Great Performances at UA Presents/Arizona Opera

Donated by Arizona Opera and UA Presents 20 Travel packages to Las Vegas and Chicago Donated by Southwest Airlines & Marriott Hotels

http://www.r-kelly.com/news/concerts-cruise-cancelled-due-promoter-default

Fri, Aug. 10 2012

"Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default

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Comments(17) login or register to post Comments

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by Kayman26

First of all I would like to say that I'm a huge R. Kelly fan, Me and my wife were so looking foward to the Love Letter Cruise, when we found out it was cancelled, our hearts sank, although I do not blame R.Kelly for this, I just wish he would go on youtube and let his fans know how truly sorry he is, cause the R. Kelly I just read about in Soulacoaster really loves and appreciates his fans and would never want anything like this to happen. So in closing, I would like EVERYONE to know that R. Kelly is and always be the GREATEST MUSICIAN EVER!!!! and to not let the REAL criminals (concert cruise llc) get away with taking our money.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by zodie

This is an open forum for victims of the scam and fraud carried out by Concerts Cruise on unsuspecting R. Kelly fan. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Love-Letter-Cruise-Ripped-Me- Off/335682253192776

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by Spoilrottin2

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 35 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

This doesn't make any since to me! They just need to pick up the phone. I guess they are scared of what is to come. I'm all mixed up about this situation. I'm not use to being lead astray likem this and I don't like using their automated system to enter my direct info. They just need to send me what is mine and I will stay right there as a future customer of theirs.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by number 1 fan

I am in the same boat as many others. I was refunded $1590.22 as well. I would like to know where that amount came from, and Concerts Cruise will not say. I did talk to them once since this happened and the woman said that she had limited info. I just want to know that I am getting the rest of my money back. I can NOT afford to throw money away, and not get anything for it! The bank can not help me, since I paid early on, so I can not dispute the charges. I can't understand why there has been no communication. This is a huge mess! I just wanted my meet & greet!

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by LadyDee419

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 36 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

Zodie can you please tell me when and how you got even that much of a refund, I have not gotten anything back? This is not good. I have been calling and emailing everyone I could think of including R Kelly.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by ucmenow

I'm off to GA and AL. I will pray for you Mr. Kelly and your fans that was looking forward to seeing you on the cruise. I hope all turns out well and the cruise company do what is right.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by sweetmonielove

Baby boy with that said I wanna say thank you, thank you for the Barnes and Noble signing. To all the fans that missed out, sorry, but our GOAT. greatest of all time. Was truly a gentleman that he is took his time and gave us all a one on time. To meet Robert and that's why I love him so much. And will always hold him down, 22 yrs and ain't going no where gonna ride the coaster until the wheels fall off. The book makes me cry, it is a beautiful example of how god put your music teacher and pastor in the right place at the right time, how god don't make no mistakes, so I say thank god for her. May he always bless her. Robert when played radio city music hall and that screen came down of your beloved mother and you ask fans to pray saying Roberts gonna be ok. Pray for me I took it serious it wasn't a joke it wasn't a stage prop. I got ya back baby boy, hope u enjoy the good times

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 37 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees cd. Robert I pray that god will always keep you and your family safe. And I will say this silent pray god bring Robert and Drea back together people can re marry. She's a lovely lady and I watch hollywood exes and you can see the love for you still glows in her eyes and her voice when she says R. Kelly remember if god says yes can't nobody say NO. Love baby boy. Always wishing and praying for you. Stay bless and keep the music coming and just remember I owe you a cheese burger. P.S Shout out to Mr. Williams nice seeing you and keep taking care of KELLY, I see your heart is in it. You displayed a lot of love and respect to all of the fans. And your for Kelly safety was no 1.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by sweetmonielove

My boy don't sing for free he got three kids. LLc is fully responsible for the technical difficult

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by sweetmonielove

My boy don't sing for free he got three kids. LLc is fully responsible for the technical difficult

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 38 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees by zodie

R Kelly will you please post the name and phone number of the people you were working with. We need to get our money back and Concert Cruise have removed all information from the internet and I'm afraid they will disappear all together. They've refunded $1590.22 but still owe $1872+, so I'm asking for your help.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by atraona

First and foremost, let me say that I am a super loyal fan of R. Kelly dedicated and true, I defend this Man like he's family. I've been a fan of his work since I first heard his voice singing "Vibe" with Public Announcement. I even quit a job to travel more than 100 miles to see him in concert back in 95 because I knew he wasn't going to come any closer to my town. I also want to say I understand, that no one wants to work for free; however in this case his name was branded by a group "Concert Cruises LLC" who took from me, (a single working class female doing it by myself) just under 2 thousand dollars. & To add insult to injury they are not answering phones, emails, have taken down their website, facebook, and twitter accounts. I fully intend to file a complaint if I do not recieve my refund, as this whole situation is starting to look like fraud. I don't believe that R. Kelly would be involved with allowing his fans to have thousands of dollars of their money LOST, but at the same time this company branded itself on the name of R.Kelly, and I hope that he

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 39 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees would be an advocate for us with this company to do the right thing and return our money. I understand R.Kelly didnt get paid, but at this point, he's doing better than us, because we could be losing money, if this company is just going to fall off the face of the earth with our money.... Not cool..

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by lynese

There all ways another day to share your gift and blessing with your fans. I'm unhappy but we can not and will not blame you for someones else's disfunction and unprofessionalism. R Kelly stay strong and do what you do best sing and share your gift with the word. The cruise would of went well only if the promoters would of been honest.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by Quiet momma

I am sorry to hear about the Cruise, eventhough I did not have tickets I am sure there were many fans that were looking forward to seeing you. I was not able to attend your book signing it was a little to far for me, I still do not like planes. I was hoping you were planning one down south maybe North Carolina, if not maybe I will get to meet you on your next tour.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by thogan

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 40 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees

This is such a disappointment. The cruise is cancelled 8 week before leaving. I have already spent a lot of money preparing for the cruise. What a waste. Concert Cruise is not answering, returning, or responding to emails regarding this situation. After reading the cancellation policy on there web sight, it doesn't look like we are entitled to our full refund. I may be wrong because it is a little confusing. I no for sure there not going to refund our airfare or hotel. R. Kelly, please be careful in the future with having your fans pay to come see you, when the organization that you have us dealing with seem to be unprofessional and faulty. We as your loyal fans just took a major loss trying to see you ($$$$).

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by zodie

I too was looking forward to this cruise. My husband and I have waited all year long for October due to our 33rd wedding anniversary. We purchased our cabin in December last year and was counting down the days. What a big disappointment, I sure hope the next time you put your name on something please make sure these people are legit so your fans want feel this disappointment again.

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by amirastarr

I was also looking forward to this cruise, I understand you had nothing to do with what happen and this is all out of your reach. I am just sadden that i missed your show out in long island because i was siking myself up to see you on this cruise, i

Quaye Skipped Town Page: 41 (44) Kwevi’s Whereabouts Unknown Arizona BBB Fraud Alert: Kwevi Quaye Flees With 500 Cruise Vacationer’s Fees pray you come to nyc i love your music dearly and i support you and your music 100%. love always

Re: "Concerts Cruise" Cancelled Due To Promoter Default by Chiatlgirl68

R Kelly, do not let this event discourage you.....as a fan I know you were looking forward to give us you

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00052998.html

R. Kelly Pulls Out of Concert Cruise for Not Getting Paycheck Add Comment

August 11, 2012 19:19:39 GMT

The R 'n' B singer was due to perform two shows and meet fans on board Concerts Cruise LLC's ship but he had not been paid as promised.

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Photo credit: PNP/WENN

R. Kelly is not going to board a cruise ship he was scheduled to perform in due to money problem. A representative for the R 'n' B singer said he has canceled the "Love Letter" gig because the promoter did not pay him as agreed.

Kelly was originally booked to play two shows during a five-day trip in October organized by Concerts Cruise LLC. The plan was for Kelly to stay on board during the trip from Miami to the Caribbean. Guests will watch him up close at his exclusive black tie reception and get access to private meet and greet.

But Kelly has now pulled out of it, saying through his rep, "R. Kelly had been looking forward to the cruise and was ready, willing and able to perform for fans. He is sorry for any disappointment but plans to see his fans very soon on a U.S. tour."

According to TMZ, Concerts Cruise will give refunds to customer.

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