Feature Article on Shif-T Da Nightchild

Industry Certified Special Edition:

The Rise of Shif-T Da Nightchild

By Lydia Plantamura

“From the moment you enter the venue at a go-go show, you’ll feel it—the energy is palpable. The crowd pulses with the steady beat of congas, drums, and funky bass lines. Brass riffs fill the air with vibrant melodies, as the band’s lead singer, also known as the ‘talker,’ engages the crowd into a lively call and response. Everyone is invited to participate at a go-go show, making the audience an important part of the performance. The vibe is communal and inclusive, with spectators dancing and grooving while the musicians effortlessly improvise and stretch out the jam. They feed off the crowd, extending the set in a continuous jam that feels more like a party.

The heartbeat of Washington, D.C., go-go music has been integral to the city and surrounding area’s cultural landscape for decades. Originating in the 1970s and popularized by icons like Chuck Brown, the "Godfather of Go-Go," the genre blends funk, R&B, and African rhythms into an energetic, community-centered sound. Artists who grow up in the area, like female rap sensation, Shif-T Da Nightchild, are shaped and influenced by the scene.

‘We have a lot of heavy hitters in the area, like Chuck Brown and Little Benny,” she says. “Growing up, I would go to their shows. Little Benny showed me how to hit the tambourine and let me do some backup vocals for him. But then he let me rap too! I was excited because I got to rap and he backed me up. That was legendary.’

Shif-T Da Nightchild grew up surrounded by music. Raised in D.C., she started singing as a teenager with friends and cousins who would freestyle while she sang hooks for their raps. Thanks to the influence of go-go, Shif-T was able to hone her live performance skills early on with opportunities to perform alongside local icons. These encounters gave her the confidence to take on an industry known for being tough—especially for women…”

Read the full article at the Industry Certified website.