Meet Cyril Howell Jr

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cyril Howell Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cyril below.

Cyril, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

The way I approach it is with the idea that I obviously have something to offer. If you are in the room you deserve to be there, now the other side of that is being knowledgeable of other people who were or should have been in these rooms. So, in that sense I feel a responsibility to speak up or create opportunity for people or organizations that are good at what they do but not necessarily recognized by our counterparts, specifically as a black man. I am effective because I’ve been the underdog in that aspect, but through trial and error have worked my way into these different rooms, so I’ve come to know some of the things that “they” are looking for that “we” tend to lack. So, I find it important to be that bridge because many times if it’s not me then it’s who? But, more specifically, the way I overcame those challenges is by meeting with my counterparts and having actual dialog with them about their goals and figuring out how and where I could possibly fit in. In most cases, you will have to deal with people where they are at and be realistic about how this can be a mutually beneficial partnership for all parties, differences aside. That being said, your mission is always “your mission”, and stay true to that through all of your dealings. Meaning, if you are about expressing black culture through music, then make sure your end of the deal aligns with your vision and that the room understands that.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Cyril R. Howell Jr., born on October 7, 1981, is a multifaceted talent hailing from North Carolina, recognized as a distinguished producer, keyboardist, and artist. His musical journey commenced within the sacred walls of his father’s church, where his prowess on the keyboard first flourished. Post high school, Cyril delved into the Entertainment Technology Program at Guilford Technical Community College, immersing himself in a comprehensive curriculum spanning recording techniques, songwriting, and management.

Upon completing his studies at GTCC, Cyril played for various bands, ultimately earning the position of keyboardist for “Agent Fitz and the Agenda,” a band led by a college mate. Simultaneously, he pioneered a platform for musicians named PhloBuzz, a venture that blossomed into the establishment of his own studio alongside friends Gene Wright and Bernard Wright. His professional journey encompassed stints at prominent studios in the Triad, including Phlo Entertainment Studios, Midnight Studios, and Press Play Studios of Greensboro.

In pursuit of a broader impact, Cyril founded the non-profit organization, Strange Fruit Foundation. Committed to fostering opportunities of value for BIPOC musicians, artists, and entertainment professionals, the foundation also extends internships and educational initiatives to the broader ARTS community. By providing grassroots artists with a platform to express themselves professionally at a meaningful wage, Cyril envisions creating a community, fostering valuable relationships, and enhancing economic value within the community. The organization host the Strange Fruit Festival annually and it is scheduled for April 19th, this year at LeBauer Park!

Fast-forward to 2022, Cyril continues to amplify his creative endeavors as he takes on the role of crafting musical arrangements for his band, The NuBeing Collective. Renowned for their distinctive fusion of hip-hop, jazz, rock, and gospel in a live music format, the band achieved regional success with their debut album, “X,” produced under Cyril’s company, NuMainstream Inc. Cyril’s diverse contributions resonate as a testament to his enduring commitment to music and community enrichment. As of, 2025 he is continuing this work and was recently appointed by the mayor to the Cultural Affairs Commission in Greensboro, NC.

Certifications and Associations:

Guilford Nonprofit Consortium 2023 Leadership Academy
Completed extensive executive training over a 6-month program.

Guilford Accel Arts Cohort
Completed a 12 week program for non profit business of arts organization.

Sound Check GSO
Collective of music organizations and leaders of the Greater Greensboro area developing the loca music ecosystem

Sound Music Cities
National collection of music organizations and leaders

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Well, my qualities, are that I am an artist first, I started as a visual artist drawing and painting, then fell in love with music. So even with music and my ventures kind of have to connect to my artistic visualization. Secondly, I enjoy meeting new people and networking, you usually have more in common with people than you think. I genuinely enjoy hearing about other people’s interest, the work can happen or not but that is key to locking in and building relationships. So make friends, all kinds of different friends too, don’t place yourself in a box. These are the people who are going to support you, or even give feedback and advice. In most cases, over deliver, I’d rather do too much than not enough. So, yea make it look good, feel good, go the extra mile any time you can in all facets of the idea.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My dad is a pastor, so the household was very religious. We weren’t even allowed to listen to secular music, or music that basically wasn’t gospel. I discovered rap music and I asked my mom for DJ equipment I think for my 8th birthday. She bought me a keyboard instead and I never ended up getting that DJ equipment and becoming a DJ. But, looking back it probably was one of the best things that happened, I became a musician and now I’m a producer so I guess it worked out!

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

Jim Cooney I used to believe success was all about how many shows you did,

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?

We think this is an essential question because so often there is a disconnect between