Straight Up Go-Go
Straight Up Go-Go is a 1992 documentary film directed by Shuaib Muhammed Kedar and Shuaib Mitchell. The documentary was first broadcast on March 11, 1992 on WHUT-TV (a PBS member public television, owned and operated by Howard University). Plot. The directors analyze and theorize about the roots and historical impacts that influenced the development of go-go music. The documentary captures footage of go-go bands performing at various musical festival throughout the Washington metropolitan area (such as the "Georgia Avenue Festival", "F Street Festival", and music festivals at Anacostia Park and Wilmer's  Park) and compares the rhythmic similarities to those found in West African music. It also traces many of the musical influences of Cab Calloway, James Brown, and Fela Kuti have added to the development of go-go culture. Many of the prominent go-go bands and musical artist of the time period also provided their personal analysis and insight to the influences of go-go music and its culture.