In a vibrant cultural exchange, Washington, D.C.’s distinctive go-go music is merging with the rhythms of samba, with murals of D.C. landmarks being showcased on a local building in Rio de Janeiro.
This initiative reflects the collaborative efforts between D.C. and the government of Rio de Janeiro. Shayne Wells from Events D.C. emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We recognize D.C. as a cultural hub, and we’re thrilled to share our community and traditions internationally, enhancing the bond between the U.S. and Brazil.”
Among the participants is Malik DOPE, a D.C. percussionist and finalist on America’s Got Talent. His band is fusing D.C. sounds with Brazilian influences. “The blend of go-go and samba is remarkable; it highlights the connections between our cultures through rhythm and shared experiences,” DOPE remarked.
As Rio prepares to host the upcoming G20 summit, DOPE and his band are set to perform at the G20 House, located across from the iconic Ipanema Beach. In addition to their performances, DOPE has been conducting workshops with local dancers who are already familiar with the energetic “beat your feet” style of go-go dance. “It’s incredible to see that I didn’t need to bring my own dancers—the local talent is ready and eager to join in,” he noted.
This is not the first time Brazil is receiving culture from D.C. and other places Recall that TANTV reported in September that African Diaspora dancers, creatives, and academicians met in Salvador, Brazil for a conference organised by International African Diaspora Dance Traditions Conference (IADDTC)
The IADDTC drew conference drewapproximately 150 registrants and presenters from Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, the Republic of Congo, Denmark, Barbados, Uruguay, Canada, the United States, and across Brazil. The upcoming G20 summit is expected to draw more people.
