Meet Dasean Howell of NDGO Sistah in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasean Howell.

Dasean, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been singing since I was a toddler. My mother says I sang before I talked. In fourth grade, I joined the local community theater and was very active in my church choir.

I went to a high school for performing arts where I was in show choir, theater, and dance. I loved the stage! I began writing poetry and songs in jr. high school and received many awards and accolades. My first poem was then published and printed in my local newspaper in 7th grade. I joined a local girl’s group named Simple Elegance after high school.

I moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1998 and immersed myself in the local budding poetry scene, and was easily validated as one of the veterans of this craft in Phoenix. I currently have a poetry team called Drop Skwad which I started here in Phoenix in 2015.

I started my first R&B band, Eargasm in 2002. My next musical endeavor was a reggae band, Nubian Fyah in 2008. My current band, NDGO Sistah hit the scene in 2014. But we took a 2-year hiatus in 2016. We reemerged in 2018 evolved and better than before!

Still the thespian, I appeared in my first stage play in Phoenix in 2005 and would go on to act in many more through the years. Under the tutelage of Mr. Rod Ambrose, I became acting and public speaking coach.
I co-wrote my first stage play, History vs Struggle in 2016 with my colleague and close friend, Roosevelt Watts. I am currently working on my first solo play which is geared to hit the stage later this year.

As if that wasn’t enough, I am also a natural medicine practitioner. I graduated from massage therapy school in 2005 and would go on to have a great massage career. After being a holistic student for years, I received certification in many natural modalities. I created Herbal Warfare, which is a company that specializes in food alchemy. I teach yoga and meditation, ever the healer.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Was definitely not a smooth road. With four children to take care of through it all as a single mother, it was hard. But I knew I had a message the world needed to hear. My eldest went to prison, and one of my grandchildren is special needs. Trying to balance being an artist and working a 9-5 still proves to be quite a task.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m known for being the Prolific Auntie. Always straight up and honest (even when it hurts). Always in support of the disenfranchised, the forgotten, and the struggling. All my endeavors are aligning with the cause. I’m an activist. That’s what I’m proud of.

What were you like growing up?
I was such a sponge! I observed and soaked up EVERYTHING! I was mostly in high spirits because I was happy to BE. I read everything and sang everything. I was always very social. I made friends easily no matter what atmosphere I was in.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 480-310-9303
• Email: ndgosistah@gmail.com
• Instagram: ndgosistah
• Facebook: Dasean Howell/ NDGO Sistah
• Twitter: Dasean Hotel

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.