Dasan Ahanu profile picture

Dasan Ahanu

Amp Truth Records Presents The Poet

About Me

Dasan Ahanu is a public speaker, organizer, workshop facilitator, poet, spoken word performer, songwriter, 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. In addition to performing, 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 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. He is currently a member of Black Poetry Theatre and has been a cast member in two productions, "Black Poetry" and "Herstory of Love: A Stronger Daye" which he also wrote and co-directed. Since finding a passion for slam poetry Dasan has competed regionally and nationally as a member of the Charlotte Slam Team and started the first ever Bull City Slam Team in Durham, NC. A lyricist with a thirst for being on stage, Dasan is truly an artist with presence.
Since falling in love with the stage and microphone, 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 believer in the power of creative expression, he continues to be involved with cultural arts as a creative consultant and artist resident at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC and an artist-in-residence at St. Augustine’s College.
Dasan has promoted his own series of shows and collaborated with other promoters to provide some of the best arts and music events in NC. His work is featured often on NPR’s News and Notes with Ed Gordon and in online and print publications. Having signed with NC independent record label Amp Truth Records, he teamed with up and coming music producer Picasso to produce "The Jim Crow Jackson Experiment". Their self-titled debut album is an amazing blend of spoken word, rap, soul, reggae, and blues. The album showcases both artists’ unique talents. This is Dasan's first major release, but his third CD. He released "TPI: Twisted Panoramic Ideology" in 2001 and "The White Experience: Fall into the Page" in 2004. Dasan also self published his first book of poetry entitled "The Innovator" in 2005. Following in the footsteps of artists from the Harlem Renaissance to the parks in Brooklyn, Dasan seeks to create art that tells stories that intrigues people’s minds, touches people’s hearts, and captures people’s attention.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/18/2005
Band Website: amptruth.com
Band Members:
Influences: Miles Davis, Masta Ace, Sweetback, Isley Brothers, Pete Rock, Premier, De La Soul, Earth, Wind and Fire, Oscar Brown Jr., Gil Scott Heron, PE, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Ghostface, GZA, and KRS-One.
Sounds Like: Masta Ace, Nas, Q-tip, Common, Guru of Gangstarr, Oscar Brown Jr. and Gil Scott Heron (learn yo lessons)
Record Label: Amp Truth Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Durham’s First Annual Be Easy was a success

1st Annual Durham Be Easy was a success. See the news coverage on the event.Organized by Dasan Ahanu and Aden Darity. Presented by Language Arts. Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Language Arts, The ...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:18:00 PST

Check out this event: IREP POETRY SLAM

Hosted By: LeJuane Bowens:Author & Poet of the Spoken Word When: Tuesday Jul 08, 2008 at 8:00 PMWhere: Gotham City119 Hay StreetFayetteville, NC 28303United StatesDescription:LeJuane Bowens:Author & P...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:57:00 PST

Requested Poem

My homegirl Keisha Mark requested this poem typed. I had just read it at an open mic. It is inspired by the city of Los Angeles. Nuff said... Lost in L.A.   I can’t stand to love you As...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:02:00 PST

Dasan hosts new radio show!

Dasan Ahanu joins the team at WCOM radio 103.5 in Carrboro, NC. He will be hosting a new show called "The EP: Extraordinary Penmanship" every Monday from midnight to 1 am. The show will feature spoken...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:17:00 PST

Interview with Dasan Ahanu in Triangle Tribune

Carl Kenney interviews Dasan Ahanu for the Triangle Tribune. Follow the link below.http://www.triangletribune.com/art_one.html
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:04:00 PST

Dasan Ahanu talks to N&O’s Barry Saunders about Durham Slam Scene

Barry Saunders article on Durham Slam Team. He interviews Dasan Ahanu for News and Observer. Follow the link below. http://www.newsobserver.com/134/story/659790.html
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:06:00 PST

Dasan featured in article about Durhams Spoken Word scene

Dasan is featured in new article about Durham's Spoken Word scene. Check the Independent Weekly for the article. If you are in the area, check us out. Don't forget to get your copy of "The Jim Crow Ja...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 07:51:00 PST

Earthworm Clothing sponsoring Cottin Gin Tour

Earthworm Clothing out of Wilmington, NC has signed on as a sponsor for the Cottin Gin Tour. Earthworm has been providing the Hip Hop community with the best in designer tees. You can cop your own at ...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:48:00 PST

Spitkicker Interview with Dasan Ahanu

Dasan Ahanu talks to Spitkicker about music, poetry, and the new album "The Jim Crow Jackson Experiment".Check out the interview at http://blog.myspace.com/spitkicker. Dasan's interview was on Friday,...
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:22:00 PST

Okayplayer feature on The Jim Crow Jackson Experiment

You can check out the Okayplayer feature on the new album at http://www.okayplayer.com/nowhearthis/Don't forget you can always listen to music from TJCJE at myspace.com/jimcrowjackson
Posted by Dasan Ahanu on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:20:00 PST