The kids keeping go-go music alive - Post Reports Recap

Podcast: Post Reports

Published: 2025-12-24

Duration: 18 minutes

Guests: Marissa Lang

Summary

Students in Washington, D.C. are learning to play go-go music in schools and community programs, helping preserve the genre's rich history and cultural significance. These programs are fostering a renewed connection to the city's musical roots and providing a positive outlet for youth.

What Happened

Marissa Lang, an enterprise reporter, visited schools in Washington, D.C. to explore how go-go music is being kept alive by the younger generation. At a public charter school in Southeast D.C., students aged 14 to 18 were setting up for band practice, but unlike typical school bands, they were preparing to play go-go music, a genre deeply ingrained in D.C.'s culture.

Go-go music emerged in the 1970s as a blend of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and soul, characterized by its percussive rhythms and vibrant live performances. Chuck Brown, credited with naming the genre, emphasized its continuous, high-energy nature. Initially, go-go faced criticism and was criminalized, associated with violence and social issues, leading to curfews and restrictions.

Despite its rocky history, go-go music has experienced a cultural resurgence, thanks in part to city officials who have recognized its significance. In 2020, go-go was declared the official music of D.C. and efforts have been made to integrate it into educational programs, such as those led by B.J. Simmons, a music director and accomplished go-go musician.

Simmons and other educators are passionate about passing down the music to younger generations, ensuring it doesn't fade away. Their programs aim not only to teach musical skills but also to instill an appreciation for D.C.'s cultural history, making go-go relevant to today's youth.

Students initially unfamiliar with or indifferent to go-go have come to embrace it, with some forming bands like Panther Funk. These bands have garnered school-wide attention, engaging peers who were previously uninterested in the genre.

The programs have been successful in fostering a sense of community and connection among students. They provide a platform for creative expression and cultural education, highlighting the importance of maintaining local traditions.

While it's too early to measure the programs' broader societal impact, they are positively influencing students' perceptions of their cultural heritage. The initiative is seen as a step towards reshaping narratives around D.C. youth and their potential.

Key Insights

• Go-go music, a genre originating in Washington, D.C. in the 1970s, combines elements of funk, jazz, hip-hop, and soul, and is characterized by its continuous, high-energy live performances.
• In 2020, go-go music was declared the official music of Washington, D.C., marking a significant cultural recognition and helping to integrate the genre into educational programs.
• B.J. Simmons, a music director and go-go musician, leads educational programs in D.C. schools to teach students aged 14 to 18 about go-go music, fostering a connection to their cultural heritage.
• Student bands like Panther Funk have emerged from these programs, engaging peers and creating a sense of community through the shared experience of learning and performing go-go music.