A humid D.C. evening didn’t stop patrons from filling the nearly sold out Howard Theatre Saturday night for LongLiveGoGo’s Moechella Three Year Anniversary show. Powered by founder, longtime Go-Go promoter and activist Justin “Yaddiya” Johnson and team, the party stuck to the Moechella winning formula; making social justice and culture fun for all.
While Go-Go is the driving force behind the name, the third-anniversary show showcased a variety of local talent and influencers. EAT Clothing creator, photographer and DJ Malik “All Homage” Jarrett kicked off the night with a set on the 1’s and 2’s as the crowd began to trickle in. Artist Re-Up Nelson hit the stage, followed by DJ Nah FR. Northwest rapper Big Nintendo got the people on the floor dancing while enticing them to the stage with his self-branded cannabis.
Unlike many shows, the Moechella crowd is receptive to intermissions between acts as special guests take to the microphone to stand for a social cause or political stance. A mixed crowd lined the balcony and floor of the Howard Theatre. Not only in ethnicity, but also in fashion. Advocates wearing apparel supporting certain political candidates or social causes shared the dance floor with seasoned Go-Go veterans, twisting their fingers in the air to signify their neighborhood.
The space on the Howard Theatre floor diminished as Landover’s own New Impressionz Band hit the stage. The crowd was into it from the beginning, as the building rocked to the congo groove. The band mixed their set with radio hits like “Found Myself A Clappa” and new music, while several members jumped off stage to party with the crowd. Esteemed Northwest Hip - Hop artist Pinky Killa Corn controlled the crowd from the second New Impressionz lead vocalist, TJ handed her the microphone, belting out lyrics to the ladies over the bounce beat sound. She followed the band with a set of her own, freestyling and receiving positive feedback from the crowd as her sound was fixed. After rocking out with the crowd for several songs, she closed her set to applause. Several local influencers took to the stage during intermission, from comedian Davy Ruffin to gun-enthusiast and social influencer Mark Choppa. The driving sound behind the Moechella movement, Takeova Boyz (T.O.B.) hit the stage next. The band started off performing at the first Moechella three years ago, and they didn’t disappoint Saturday evening. With more the 15 years in the game, lead vocalist Lil Chris railed off hit-after-hit, with the crowd screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs. As customary in the Go-Go, there was little space to move as the crowd gyrated on each other to the music.
D.C. native, comedian and mayoral candidate Red Grant hit the stage to advocate for his candidacy while spreading love to the LongLiveGoGo team for the movement. LongLiveGoGo founder Yaddiya took to the stage to thank the crowd for embracing the Moechella brand before performing his own music.
The Bounce Beat Kingz (Also known as T.C.B) closed the night in style, giving the crowd over 20 years of hits. Lead mic (vocalist) Bo wiped sweat from his face constantly as he shouted commands to his band and shouted out neighborhoods. The evening went on without a hitch, with no fights or disturbances.
With Moechella returning from its second Go-Go in Los Angeles last weekend, the movement continues to grow nationwide. Putting Go-Go in spaces where it hasn’t been and bringing new fans to the fray is something you have to root for.
New Impressionz perform at Moechella’s three year anniversary at The Howard Theatre May 21, 2022
