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Slate News

A Word | Good to Go-Go

Dec 8, 2024
Join Natalie Hopkinson, chief curator of the Go-Go Museum and Café, as she dives into the vibrant world of go-go music, rooted in Washington, D.C.’s Black community. She discusses the new museum’s mission to preserve this unique genre and its cultural significance. The conversation touches on the Don't Mute DC movement, showcasing grassroots efforts against gentrification and the importance of community ownership. Hopkinson’s insights reflect on go-go's resilience and its role in celebrating Black heritage amidst cultural challenges.
40:28

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Quick takeaways

  • The Go-Go Museum highlights the cultural independence of go-go music, ensuring its legacy remains securely in the hands of the Black community.
  • The museum not only celebrates go-go's history and significance but also serves as a hub for resisting gentrification and cultural erasure in Washington, D.C.

Deep dives

The Essence of Go-Go Music

Go-go music, a unique genre originating in Washington, D.C., is defined as an energetic blend of funk characterized by Afro-Latin rhythms and an infectious beat. Created by Chuck Brown in the 1970s, go-go embodies not just music but serves as a cultural force that communicates the stories and experiences of the Black community. Unlike many other popular Black music genres, go-go music has remained largely independent, with its ownership and direction firmly in the hands of Black artists and the local community. This independence is highlighted as a model for how Black music can thrive without being exploited or commercialized by outsiders.

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