LAS VEGAS, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Since American Idol, Anwar Robinson’s been busy acting, performing and recording. Anwar Robinson’s first solo release, “Night’s Hot” has the kind of spark that spells hit. Back on the scene with a red hot sound and new look, Anwar Robinson is sure to cause a stir. Gone are his famous dreadlocks, but not his good looks and charm. Early reviews sing his praises and Robinson said, “I’m really excited about the feedback and hope the tune pleases my fans.” Anwar Robinson uses his voice to unleash the kind of steam and romance you’d want for a special date night. The song’s melody has staying power with a smooth and creamy Neo-Soul feel. This track is sure to chart and was produced by Bo-Ty Productions, a multi-genre independent record label and production company.

ANWAR Music on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

...he's back...and more TRANSPARENT than EVER! Check ANWAR out on iLike!!!!

I already know that a host of people will not like this note...and I really don't care about those sentiments. I don't.

Society celebrates the talents and achievements of so many....but, one false move, and it's a wrap. They turn on them like piranas in a fish bowl. It's vicious and hurtful the way that we judge one another, especially considering that most of us that do judge are merely projecting our own life's frustrations on those who are placed on pedestals.

I speak from the perspective of one who has been there. Plain and simple. I get it. I used to criticize from behind the "safety" of the confines of sitting behind the Television screen. I used to jeer at a few people who, unbeknownst to me, would become my contemporaries and counterparts. I had no idea what was in store for my own life.

"American Idol" was not only something that I did on a dare, but something that I had no idea of how it worked, what I was supposed to get out of it, or where I fit into the scheme of the reality-based phenomenon. Long story short, I soon learned and karma had its absolute way with me.

Many of you think I'm a really nice guy with a decent voice and pretty smile. Those are exterior facets of me which are supported by a foundation of a life that I have allowed to be placed under the guise of forces that are beyond my control. These forces are ones that mostly exist in my own psyche, because most people don't really care about reality television participants after the show ends. Truth.

I understood this long ago, but spending the last now four years proving this to loved ones and enemies alike is no easy feat, especially when REALITY based on my REAL LIFE is under the magnifying glass. There is no room for grace and mercy there. You have to meet the criterion of varying social groups and if you don't, may God help you.

I have fought and defeated bitterness as of New Years' Day 2009. I am living the life that I have chosen and I accept every bit of responsibility for where I am. I learned long ago from one of my favorite teachers that every action has a consequence. That can be either negative or positive. It's easier to suffer the consequences in private, though. Trust me. To survive public scrutiny is one of God's most precious gifts to me and those that do survive.

I love my family more than anything...even music. Some may think that I'm too open...and the truth is that I make mention of it only because it is an apprehension that exists within my own psyche. I never came with a publicist or a team to shield me from what would come. I stand here because of the God in me and my family...and a very limited number of friends. VERY LIMITED.

So, don't be fooled. The next time you think about saying something sideways about someone, remember that the world is round and that what you put out in the universe only picks up speed as it comes round and back to you. THAT is the universal law.

Be Mindful. Be A Blessing. Be Empowered. Become Recommitted.

In Solidarity,
Anwar Farid Robinson
Submitted for Valentines' Day 2009
LOVE

Hello Friends...

I knew that I wouldn't be the first to announce it, but I have been invited to play the role (what an understatement of a word) of Jesus Christ in the Syracuse Stage production of Godspell! Please view the full article at www.playbill.com. This is a great honor and privilege that will culminate my career milestones in education, music, and the theatre. Needless, to say...I am sincerely and greatly excited!!!

Good Afternoon All,

I hope that you will join me in raising our awareness about not only our socioeconomic and political climates, but also our spiritual, health, and educational needs. Throughout the years, I have made constant efforts to align myself (and my recently earned platform as an American Idol Finalist) with initiatives that enrich and build communities and young people. On Sunday, October 19, 2008, I will embark upon one of my most cherished causes...

I will be debuting my inspirational piece, "Chosen" during the opening ceremony for the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in New York City's Central Park. "Chosen" is a piece that I always give God credit, for it was His Divine intervention that came upon me nearly a year after my mother asked me to write this song on September 3, 2002 (her 45th Birthday).

While my mother is not directly affected by breast cancer, she was sensitive to its devastating effects on a few of her friends and their families.

Please support the efforts of those who support Cancer Awareness and let's come together to inspire and foster healing for those who are affected by it. "Chosen" will be available via my MySpace page for purchase and a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Thank You,

Anwar

Greetings Friends!!!!

I know that it's been a few months since I last blogged. Thank you SO MUCH for your patience, for I have been working constantly on many new projects all at once. Please take some time to peruse through my updated bio so that you may get a glance at what I've been working on!

I am so EXCITED to announce that I am co-starring in a new film that is taking the industry by storm entitled "Friends & Lovers", which is the sequel to renowned director/actor, Maurice Jamal's "Ski Trip". Please check out the "Friends & Lovers" MySpace for more details!!!

We celebrated our World Premiere in Los Angeles on July 13, 2008 and will be premiering in Atlanta during Labor Day Weekend starting on August 29, 2008. There will be a series of events that will culminate our celebration and it is my sincere hope that you would be able to participate, should you be in the area!

Many more details will follow...STAY TUNED!!!!!!

Peace and Love,

Anwar F Robinson

...from the last blog...see the album below. I have a great roommate! I’m learning so much about Musical Theatre...I never knew.

Grateful,

AFR


"It’s Only Life-A Musical Revue" by John Bucchino

So, I’m sitting here wondering how did people get their BLOGS to look so nice...and it dawned on me...there’s a "CUSTOMIZE" button there. Silly me.

Well, I’m currently planning a few new projects (with my team, which is AMAZING, by the way) and I am so happy...actually, probably the most satisfied I’ve been in a while. Let’s see, I’m learning new songs...and writing new ones, too! Also, even MORE travel (than you see on the page) is underway. I asked God for more and He’s certainly not holding back.

I am so happy to back with RENT. I will admit that I came back somewhat prematurely, but I felt the need to reconnect with the group and continue to evolve in the story. My knee (the left one) is doing much better, but I have been spending much more time in the gym for physical therapy (and birthday goals...LOL).

I had the honor of supporting a wonderful movie, "Dirty Laundry" (starring Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, Rockmond Dunbar, Terri Vaughan, Maurice Jamal, and Sommore-who was at our hotel in Cincinnati the other morning!) at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in NYC (while on leave). There are pictures in the "Red Carpet" section...

I hope that you all enjoy the new blog page settings. I will be blogging more frequently, as most of them are in retrospect and come from actual journal entries. Thank you all for your undying support and love. You are a great part of my journey!!!!

Forever Humbled and Gratefully Yours,

Anwar F Robinson

7 March 2008 @1732hrs EST

I really believe that people in the Democratic Party need to take an objective look at what’s more important during these Primaries and the actual Presidential Race. The fact is that either Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton or Senator Barack Hussein Obama will be the next Democratic Nominee. Do you honestly think that Republicans would go through this much bickering (because at the end of the day, that’s all it is) that would result in the fragmenting of the GOP (which stands for Grand Old Party, for those of you who don’t know, by the way)? Just look at what has been clearly happening since President Ronald Reagan was in office. Does the term ’Reaganomics’ ring a bell anyone?

The following politically negative attributes I’ve heard said by quite a few people in different circles I frequent (I’m not stating these as facts...JUST OPINIONS)...Republicans are known for "cover each other’s backs" while Democrats are known for "whining, bickering, slandering, and even complaining" about who did it and pointing fingers without many (if any) viable solutions. These are not the days of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Peaceful marches, protesting, and religious values alone are not the only facets of a movement of change that people are calling for. People need to be armed and dangerous with maximum information about the issues at hand (and not only those that pertain to them, but to the overall welfare of America) and be secure enough in who and what they believe in so that they don’t resort to name-calling, empty threats, and the overall wastes of time that has consumed our days at the "office", classroom, homes, or wherever we sit to construct our arguments.

My greatest concern as a HUMAN BEING who happens to BE an AMERICAN is that red-blooded HUMANS are spending so much time making their point at ANY EXPENSE that the ENDS (an instantaneous RESULT that only lasts as long as it came in the first place) have trumped and superseded the MEANS (where we spend a majority of our time). Many of us claim to have a conscience and know the differences between right and wrong, yet when it’s time to use our discernment and better judgments, many of us allow desperation and a lack of compromise to cloud our vision and thus the mud slinging ensues.

At this point, it doesn’t matter to me to even mention whom I support, because I think it should be clear from the tone of this essay. I am clear on many of the issues because I spend countless hours reading about ALL of the candidates, examining their track records, and considering not only MY interests, but also the interests of our NATION as a WHOLE.

Each candidate should be examined closely...from beliefs to actions to methodology. Whatever they have done in the past, the degrees of owning up to mistakes, taking responsibility, and MOST importantly, the level of INTEGRITY they possess is the MOST important to me when I look at the next leader of our country. It’s very simple...that is if you are not only concerned about your own issues and selfish ambitions (not borrowing colloquialisms or catch-phrases here, either).

I wonder how many people can actually be brave enough and look beyond the confines and comforts of their own agendas and actually apply the Golden Rule when it comes to wanting someone to lead our country that doesn’t exclude themselves from the group by appeasing to the flavor of the day. This is not the popular choice nor is this piece taking the popular stance or approach to get my point across because, as Dr. King said so firmly, the content of one’s character should be paramount above all other qualities.

For those who didn’t get the chance to read my contribution to The Daily Voice (February 12, 2008)...here it is here in Blog Format:

When asked in interviews, "what advice would you offer Idol hopefuls?" I always say, "know who you are [as an artist], stick to it, and be well-versed in different styles of music." Well-spoken from a former Middle School Chorus Teacher, right? LOL. Well, retaining and conveying my life’s experiences through music is a quality that people often say they are fond of upon meeting me.

Before auditioning for American Idol, I didn’t watch the show. I could count on one hand the number of episodes that I actually watched and really didn’t understand that it was a pop-culture phenomenon even in 2004 (my audition year). I knew whom the top contenders and winners were, but didn’t pay much attention. I found myself doing a lot of research during my ascension to the "Top 24" of 2005. My life was never the same.

Looking at the affects that Idol has on people, there are so many perspectives to consider. I’ll consider a few here. Firstly, there’s the general public that has the chance to be invested and be counted in the decision making process concerning the singers. Here’s where popularity and empathy with back-stories can make or break an (aspiring) artist. You then have musicians (which includes singers-the voice is an instrument) who may have the artistic fortitude to make sound decisions as to the merit of the talent before millions and millions of people week after week. Of course, we can’t leave out the decision makers in the entertainment industry (whom, like me in the interim of Idol, probably don’t pay much attention to the show due to its sometimes karaoke nature).

Given all these (and some other) demographics, you still end up with a seemingly invested mass media audience. This works for the brand of the show itself, but what happens after the season is over and the winner has been chosen? Well, you have a winner that is represented by an affiliate of the television show brand and then you have other hopefuls whom you may (or probably may not) hear from again (unless the Idol Tour passes somewhere in your vicinity and you happen to be remotely invested in Pop Culture or have children).

I must add to this formula for the TV juggernaut the fact that there are countless artists who (as said by many musician associates and myself) possess enough talent to surpass the rigmarole of the audition rounds, yet are not selected in the initial screenings.

There is an old saying that says, "cream rises to the top". I can attest to the fact that you must work hard in this business and even harder to prove that you’re not just someone that can do karaoke. Recently, I was having a conversation with my female BFF (I have two, the other being male) and I told her that in the music business you must prove yourself everyday. You prove your worth not only to directors, producers, and executives, but also to fans and more importantly to yourself. You must work at the craft (whether it be vocal, acting, writing, producing) daily in order to stay sharp. Of course, I’m a musical purist who leans towards serving the aesthetic as opposed to conforming to whatever a current trend appears to be.

Here’s where the knowing who and what you are comes back into play. You must know what your purpose is or you will have no direction as an artist. This is the difference between those that make it after a run on reality television and/or talent shows or not. You’ll hear people say, "It’s not what you know, but who you know". I can say that if it weren’t for being on American Idol, I couldn’t depend on "who knows (of) me". I still believe that hard work and perseverance will always supersede "here today, gone tomorrow" mentality and faux appearances of fame and success. Just ask anyone who’s been in the entertainment business for over 10 years and STILL making a living off of his or her talent.

All of this to say that I am proud that I can retain my mission and remain connected to initiatives such as endorsing education (especially in the arts), artistic integrity, and consciousness in the areas of society and spirituality. I was given an opportunity that most don’t get and I am still respected for what I do and am able to make a living by living my dream.