ATLANTA--December15, 2006--Genese Music and Entertainment Group has decided to pursue the creation of an imprint directed at the R&B and soul music markets. The sub label will be called Obia and is named after the native storytellers that live in the West Indies.

David Skinner, Vice President of Urban Music states “During our last executive meeting Dr. (Reppard) Stone urged us to take the same international approached being used to develop Pierre Noir and apply it to all aspects of the company. After looking at our roster of artist a decision was made to spin off the soul section and develop it under its own banner.”

Genese Music and Entertainment went through a restructuring in 2004 where the name and organizational structure changed. Since that time Genese has aggressively recruited new talent to include both artist and those savvy in the music industry.

“When the decision was made to transform our previous company to something with more modern ideals and concepts we never thought it would happen so quickly. Our initial business plan had us cultivating a small talent pool and dedicating our resources to publicize them. However, we’ve grown faster than projected into truly a national organization. Stone is trying to push us even faster into becoming an international presence while Suring up our national following.” said Ralph Rogers Chief Executive Officer.

The Executive Committee has decided to make the official launch of Obia coincide with 12th Annual Black Heritage Art Show in Baltimore, MD. Considering that the festival will have Bern Nadette Stanis and other national/local talent Genese decided to use this vehicle as its platform to announce Obia Soul’s artist lineup and release schedule.

“When (David) Skinner and (Reppard) Stone told me the management committee was thinking about creating a spin off I immediately looked at the talent pool. We asked Ralph (Rogers) to directly contact Trenia Dublin and Doreen Carter to see what availability they had on there schedule. My group and marketing have been working closely together to make sure Obia will be presented in its best light.” Ronald Rolling, Senior A&R.

Genese plans on using the currrent “My Space” craze and well as use some grass roots marketing in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Atlanta markets to determine who will be the franchise artist for the brand.