Today we’d like to introduce you to Dono.
Hi Dono, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I was always in trouble growing up and I feel like a major part of that reason because I never had an outlet. My mom put me in sports but that wasn’t my passion. My senior year, I signed up for a performance poetry class and instantly knew writing was for me. I’ve always been creative but it wasn’t until I got to Tuskegee university that I really dove into the arts. I started with performing at talent shows, galas and even hosted open mic nights. From there, I started posting my work on social media and everyone encouraged me to try music. I did a few challenges and started researching hip hop and slowly fell in love with the idea of being an artist. I missed a lot of classes throughout the process but that developed a vision and I’ve been chasing it ever since. After graduation, I moved to LA to build a network; from there, the Bay Area, Phoenix and now I am in Atlanta trying to make something shake.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, but I firmly believe nothing worth having comes easy. I feel like anytime you have a goal, there are naturally going to be obstacles to overcome and what is an obstacle for me may be a no brainer to another person but it’s my journey and my process. I’ve slept on couches, floors, cars, sacrificed meals, relationships and peace of mind to be where I am. The only thing that has been a constant for me is God and my music and that’s what keeps me driven.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart is my flow and sound. When you reference my music someone could say, “She gives me, ____ vibes”, but they can’t say I sound like them. That is what I am most proud of. I feel like the greats in this industry are the ones able to wear multiple hats effortlessly and without losing themselves in the process. I can rap with Drake, J.Cole, and Meek mill and then make hits with Summer Walker, SZA and H.E.R and still be Dono.
What were you like growing up?
I come from a big blended family full of athletes so our house was always full. I am my mother’s only daughter though and I stayed in trouble for my mouth, fighting, etc. So I was always on punishment and spent a lot of time alone in my room. No electronics, no games just vibes. I’d sing and make up dance routines just anything I could to make the best of it. I think that just naturally made me a turtle but it also cultivated my creative side. Kind of like Hannah Montana, I can be the star of the show or the fly on the wall.
Contact Info:
- Email: only4dono@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdono_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/justdono_
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/crjAV9ymIbY
Image Credits
Car shots: @1217_mike on IG. Nike photo shoot : @Sydney.a.foster on IG.
