Kassandra Dasent is a singer songwriter who has performed on multiple continents, from Europe, Canada, and Africa to the United States.
Born in San Juan, Trinidad, Kassandra grew up in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). She has performed as a solo artist and vocalist in festivals, from Africa (Mali, Burkina Faso) to Montreux (Switzerland), as well as in galas, television shows, and concerts. She performed with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, Groupe Spaïcy and Groupe Iba, among others. She has co-written and collaborated on numerous tracks for other artists worldwide. Kassandra appeared as a singer in several feature films, the most recent being I’m Not There, a musical biopic of Bob Dylan.
*We would like to send our condolences to Kassandra for the loss of her mother this year.
FEMI: I like how you combined your passion for music and talent of singing and songwriting to assuage your unhealthy to healthy beliefs and view of self. Did you have you any external help in your journey?
KD: My mother was always one to encourage me on my path to self-acceptance. She was my constant champion and reminded me that I was more than enough, exactly as I am. She also gently told me of some of my traits or habits that would be good for me to work on, to be healthier and happier. I have a purposely small and tight knit circle of friends who have been in my life for over two decades. I am very blessed to have them because they serve as a strong support system and we can be honest with each other all the while cheering for one another’s success. I also sought professional counselling at one point to help me effectively address past traumatic experiences.
FEMI: You discussed being on a healing journey from loss and pain and you poured those emotions into not yet released single, “Be Still”. Did you find it difficult to show up authentically and pour it all into song?
KD: Not at all. I am comfortable with laying it all out on the table so to speak. The lyrics of “Be Still” speak to the convergence of numerous challenges we as a global society are facing. It can feel and at times it is overwhelming, and I can relate. But the song also speaks of hope and giving yourself grace, and that too I embody. My goal as a singer is to convey exactly what I mean, in the hopes that I can connect with listeners in a way that helps them. I have lost several important people in my life over the last eight years and have dealt with a lot of pain and loss. Learning to live with loss is a unique experience and music has contributed to healing me well enough to be able to move forward, while never forgetting those who deeply matter to me.
FEMI: Using music as an outlet can be a healthy technique not to mention a form of self-care. What advice can you give fans who feel they don’t have a voice?
KD: Music is one way of self-expression and self-care. Self-care comes in many forms. Whether it be through saying “No” more to things that you feel obligated to do but it does not serve your needs or taking a day off from the family/work and going for a drive, writing in a journal, or putting a puzzle together; find something that allows you to center yourself in a manner that feels right. We all have a voice and please know that your voice does matter. Above all, treat yourself with kindness and protect your peace.
Learn more about Kassandra Dasent by following on Instagram and visiting her website today!
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