The project, Go-Go Scene Unseen: Women in Washington, D.C. Go-Go, is the product of a semester-long research effort to unearth the seldom-discussed contributions of Black women to the legacy of go-go music in Washington, D.C. from the 1970s to the present. Women have been involved in go-go since its genesis, and have been the driving force behind many of the genre’s creative evolutions. Women managers have ensured the practical success of many well-known artists while their own names have faded into relative obscurity. Additionally, women fans have been behind the scenes of nearly all of go-go’s economic and social successes; the scene as we know it today, as representative of Washington, D.C.’s proud Black history, would not exist without women.
What is Go-Go?
Go-go is a party music that combines funk, reggae, hip-hop, and Latin drumming. It was developed in Washington, D.C. in the mid-1970s by Chuck Brown – the “Godfather of Go-Go”. Over the years, though go-go has faced challenges from gentrification, criminalization, and racism, the music has remained the steady heartbeat of the Chocolate City
Go-Go and Activism
In recent years, movements like Don’t Mute DC have used go-go as a rallying cry for Black D.C. residents to push back against gentrification in the city. In 2020, in response to community-led initiatives, Mayor Muriel Bowser made go-go the “official music” of Washington, D.C.
The Women Behind the Music
Famous artists like Chuck Brown, Rare Essence, and the Northeast Groovers have received widespread acclaim for their contributions to the D.C. go-go scene. Yet since the 1980s, many less well-known women artists have also been pushing go-go in new directions. They have made the scene more inclusive, creative, and introduced go-go to national audiences. Although their work has not been as visible, many women have also influenced the scene by managing, promoting, and designing clothes for all-male groups. Furthermore, women’s presence at the go-go has helped to foster community and advocacy among fans of the scene. There would be no go-go without women. Despite facing intersecting challenges from gender and race, Black women have persistently contributed to the go-go scene’s vibrancy and activism. In a traditionally male-dominated scene, women have carved out spaces for themselves as vocalists, instrumentalists, and organizers, challenging traditional gender norms within the music industry.
This project pays tribute to the women both onstage and behind the scenes who have led efforts to protect, preserve, and commemorate the go-go scene and sound.
Past Events
Anacostia River Fest
The “Women in Go-Go: Scene Unseen” project debuted at the Anacostia River Festival on May 4, 2024. The exhibit curators, Anna Kutter, Isabelle Houseman, and Inaya Rivera attended this event, showcasing a physical version of the above exhibit, set out prompt cards to encourage public engagement with the history or women in go-go, and set up an interview station inside the Humanities Truck to interview go-go fans of all ages.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, June 29, 2024: Anacostia Late Skate @ Anacostia Skate Park
Saturday, July 20, 2024: Home Rule Festival
Saturday, July 27, 2024: Anacostia Late Skate @ Anacostia Skate Park
Saturday, August 31, 2024: Anacostia Late Skate @ Anacostia Skate Park