I’ve always had a soft spot for songs about life in DC, full of hyperlocal references. “Funky DC” featuring Asheru and Sitali originally showed up on the debut 2011 album From the Rooftops by jazz band leader Will Rast’s afrobeat ensemble The Funk Ark. In 2013 Ash included it in his debut full length Sleepless in Soweto, providing an anchor to his hometown amidst the influence of South Africa.
Asheru and Chop N Shoot Films shot this video at DC’s inaugural Funk Parade on U Street back on May 3rd, featuring the Ballou High School Marching Band. Besides being a great memento of a fantastic block party, this authentic video shows how funky our city can get. Don’t you dare miss next year’s Funk Parade!