GOGO Pioneer, Super Producer, and
Activist Tone P Launches Nonprofit to
Amplify D.C.’s Official Sound and Culture.
Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2025) — With a rhythm as unmistakable as the city it was born in, Go-Go music has long served as the heartbeat of Washington, D.C. Now, a newly launched nonprofit is stepping in to ensure this powerful cultural legacy not only survives, but thrives on a global stage.
GOGO Global is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preserving, elevating, and amplifying D.C.’s unique cultural heritage through music, education, and community empowerment. Its mission is to build a strong professional foundation for the Go-Go music community through youth programming, music production, industry mentorship, and innovative initiatives that position Go-Go at the forefront of global cultural conversation.
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Led by founder Tone P, a multi-platinum music producer and Southwest D.C. native whose career has helped define the modern sound of Washington while breaking D.C.’s most successful rapper. Tone P also played a pivotal role as an original co-founder and pioneer of the #DontMuteDC movement, using his platform and voice to help pass Bill 23-317, the Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019. He spoke in support of the bill before the D.C. Council and now continues that legacy through GOGO Global by creating a direct pathway for community engagement, cultural preservation, and accountability to the Act’s original purpose.​​​
“GOGO Global will serve as the foundation and the vision that Go-Go has been waiting for,” said Tone P. “We’re here to reposition Go-Go and D.C. culture for the next generation, energizing the city and helping professionalize the industry as a whole.”
Tone P’s connection to Go-Go runs deep. Born and raised in the neighborhoods where Go-Go originated and dominated D.C. culture, Tone went on to carry its pulse into the mainstream most notably through his work with Wale and Maybach Music Group landing several certified gold and platinum records including the hit records “Pretty Girls” featuring Gucci Mane and “Bait” that would garner a remix featuring 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, and Trey Songz. His fusion of Go-Go and hip-hop helped define D.C.’s evolving sound and brought its distinct flavor to a national audience. Now, Tone P is bringing his global industry experience back home, helping to build a future for the sound that raised him.
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At its core, Go-Go has always been a community-driven sound: born in the streets, raised in the clubs, and passed down through generations of Washingtonians. But its influence reaches far beyond music. From fashion and slang to culinary staples like Mambo sauce, Go-Go represents a full cultural identity, one that’s unmistakably D.C.
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GOGO Global is stepping in to protect and elevate that identity by:
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Offering music production programs for youth across the District and throughout the US.
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Hosting workshops and professional development for local artists.
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Creating platforms for storytelling, cultural preservation, and global exposure.
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Building partnerships with schools, community leaders, and local organizations​
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“We’re focused on both the music and the business behind it, because it all starts with the records,” said Tone P. “But we’re also focused on education, culture, and sustainability. Go-Go is the catalyst.”
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While GOGO Global is rooted in D.C., its vision is international. The organization seeks to bridge generations and cultures, ensuring a sustainable future for the artists and communities who keep Go-Go’s beat alive
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Founder Tone P and co-founders Melisa Kim and Zanandi connected through a shared vision to build a sustainable creative economy that supports D.C. residents and artists.
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“Though I wasn’t born here, I chose D.C. as my home. There’s no place like it,” said Melisa. “After traveling the world with the military and in my work as a corporate consultant, I came to love this city, its people, and its culture. Go-Go is the heartbeat of D.C., and through my work with GOGO Global, I’m committed to honoring its roots, amplifying its legacy, and ensuring the community that created it reaps the benefits of its global impact.”
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Go-Go is more than a genre, it’s a movement, and GOGO Global is ensuring that movement has the infrastructure it needs to thrive.
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“I’ve always admired Tone P’s contributions to music and respected his relentless work ethic. Few possess both the credentials and the conviction to truly represent the community,” Melisa said. “I’ve witnessed his passion for his craft and his city firsthand, and I believe deeply in his commitment to GOGO Global’s mission. I’m honored to help bring this vision to life.”
To learn more, support the mission, or get involved, visit www.GOGOGlobal.org and follow @GoGoGlobalorg on all platforms.