Gogo music - It's a DC thang

Gogo music. Not easily defined.

Some type of mix with calypso/latino drums, African dancing, call and response lyrics, and a pure DC area vibe. Gogo is THE signature music of Washington, DC. Yet many people call themselves Washingtonians yet have never head of it. Not possible...

I always accepted Gogo as a given thing. Gogo was always there and we didn't go to shows as kids because it was dangerous and we weren't into that kind of music at that time. Later I learned how to appreciate it. Yet still I never realized how local of a phenomenon the whole scene was until I was on a local bus in Phoenix, Arizona in 1993.

Gogo in Phoenix?

A local guy was helping us find the way to our destination and upon learning I was from DC asked, "How's the Gogo?" I have to admit I was shocked and asked, "How do you know about Gogo?" He'd lived in the city in the past. At that time I realized the significance of local culture. Many people think USA is all the same. Believe me it isn't. However, the local culture is often in places that you may not go. You won't see it in museums and tourist spots. Rather you'll see and hear it on the street and in the local music venues.

So enough of my rambling on... Let's get to some Gogo. I'll give you a few videos. The first is the godfather of Gogo, Chuck Brown. I grew up on Silver Spring and he in Wheaton. We used to go ice skating just near his house actually.

Then the other bands took it further... This being EU (Experience Unlimited).

and RE (Rare Essence)

and Junkyard Band

Gogo is a local style of music and not for everyone's taste for sure. But any real DC person will respect it for the local culture. I love some beats! These were rough times for the city as it was in the midst of a crack epidemic destroying lives.

Thanks for reading and listening. Hope you enjoyed!

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