Dasan Ahanu: writer, emcee, and loyal Hip Hop head

Chris Massenburg, better known as Dasan Ahanu, is a public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, writer, emcee, and loyal Hip Hop head. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dasan has used his southern roots to craft his own brand of creative expression. Growing up in an environment that was forever changing, allowed curious eyes to see and analyze the things surrounding with unbridled imagination. It is this imagination that crafts deep spirited poems and good quality music.

Why this name?
My name is Native American. Dasan translates as "ruler" and Ahanu translates as "someone who laughs". I chose it to mean someone who commands with a sense of humor.

Do you play live?
I play live in cities across the east coast. I am also a regular on regional and national slam circuit. I live for the stage. I have recently signed to do a project on Amp Truth Records (www.amptruth.com).
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
The internet and mp3 files have opened up the door for the indy artist. It expands the circuit and allows access globally for small bands and labels.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I would if I could maintain my creativity.

Band History:
He has been a featured performer for many showcases and cultural events. A regular performer or host at Hip Hop shows, Dasan is often asked to also host many poetry, jazz, Hip Hop events, and arts festivals across NC. Having performed with a number of notable emcees, poets and writers who are from or have visited North Carolina, he has amazed audiences from the underground scene to the college circuit as well. He has also been a regular in popular venues in cities from St. Louis to Texas. As an actor, Dasan has also been a member of the cast of the Hip-Hopera, "Right is Right," and a Harlem Renaissance production, “Images”, which was featured at the National Black Theatre Festival. Finding a passion for slam poetry, Dasan has competed regionally and nationally and was a member of the 2004 Charlotte Slam Team that finished 5th in the country. He went on to start the first ever Bull City Slam Team in Durham, NC and lead them into competition in 2005. A lyricist with a thirst for being on stage, Dasan is truly an artist with “presence”

Since falling in love with the stage and mic, Dasan has also used his talents and connections within the arts circuit to aid in developing the community and pushing for change. He has worked as an organizer on such issues as war, social injustice, workers rights, domestic violence and sexual assault; taught with Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies; conducted creative writing and performance workshops for college and high school age artists; promoted Hip Hop as a tool for literacy with SCALE and it’s campaign with the University of North Carolina; and spent time working with at-risk/court-involved youth. A 2004 recipient of the Indy Arts Award (Independent Weekly Magazine) for his activism and service to the community, he continues to be involved with cultural arts as a creative consultant and artist resident at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC.

Dasan has promoted his own series of shows and collaborates with NC’s hardest working crews to keep the scene alive. His work is featured often on NPR’s “News and Notes with Ed Gordon” and in online and print publications. Currently he is working on recording projects with Amp Truth Records, and finishing two book projects. Dasan is seeking support to craft a one-man spoken word theatre piece entitled, “Confessions of a Lounge Singer”. This artist believes in the power of words and seeks to use it to revitalize creativity and imagination. Dasan Ahanu, a leader in the new renaissance of modern art and expression.

Your influences?
I'm a Hip Hop product with an passion for words and creative expression. I'm influenced by many different genres of music and artists who give their soul to their craft.