The Kennedy Center announces the first installment of programs as part of its 2024–2025 Hip Hop Culture & Contemporary Music Season. These anchor programs will feature four inventive, multihyphenate artists who dwell at the intersection of contemporary genres, representing the National Cultural Center’s mission of advancing voices in hip hop, R&B/soul, jazz, alternative, instrumental, and experimental music.
“We are extremely excited to share this first round of anchor programming for the 2024-2025 Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music season. Each artist exists at a unique intersection of genres, aiming to open up ears, hearts, and minds with signature sounds, imaginative explorations, and ingenious mashups. They are emblematic of genius in their own right and it is an honor to serve as creative home for their work and provide a platform through which they can take audiences to new heights. We look forward to the myriad of ways that they will leave us inspired,” said Simone Eccleston, Director of Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music.
The season begins with the Kennedy Center debut of Grammy®–nominated viral hitmaker, Masego. The genre-bending multi-instrumentalist, whose acclaimed self-titled album was released in 2023, will play the Concert Hall on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Then, just six days later, on November 9, in another Kennedy Center debut, seven-time Grammy Award® winner André 3000 will present New Blue Sun Live in Concert. Self-described as a “a continuation of adventure and self-discovery,” the auteur’s first album in 20 years was named to multiple 2023 year-end best album lists and now becomes a live, not-to-be-missed event in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall as part of his Fall 2024 tour.
After making history as the first DJ and Hip Hop artist to headline the Kennedy Center Opera House in 2022 and launching his three-day Club Quarantine Live Residency in 2023, legendary artist, DJ, photographer, and Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council Member D-Nice brings Club Quarantine Live back for another year—this time in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on January 11, 2025.
In 2017, an unexpected new music venue began on a porch in Washington, D.C. and quickly became a sensation with millions of online views and collaborations featuring a host of major artists. On April 4, 2025, Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch will move from the porch to the Concert Hall at the National Cultural Center with exciting special guests.
Additional programs for the 2024–2025 Hip Hop and Contemporary Music seasons will be announced in the coming months.
Hip Hop Culture & Contemporary Music 2024–2025 Season:
Masego
Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 8 p.m., Concert Hall
Praised for his innovative style and energetic live performances, Jamaican-American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Masego makes his highly anticipated Kennedy Center debut. Known for his wide-ranging and distinctive sound blending R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, his music has often been described as “trap house jazz.” Masego started playing the piano at a young age and began producing music while in high school. He released his debut EP, The Pink Polo EP, in 2015, and in 2016, he collaborated with producer FKJ on the single “Tadow,” which went viral and has since amassed over 200 million views on YouTube. Building on the success of “Tadow,” Masego released his first full-length album, Lady Lady, in 2018. Subsequently, he released an EP called Studying Abroad: Extended Stay in 2021, and a self-titled album, Masego, in 2023. Masego has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Don Toliver, Kaytranada, Yussef Dayes, SiR, JID, GoldLink, Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Kehlani, Medasin, Xavier Ömar, and more. In addition, his 2019 NPR Tiny Desk has garnered over 19 million views to date.
André 3000: New Blue Sun Live in Concert
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall
An adventurous evening of mind-opening, soul-stirring, and thought-provoking music is in store for audiences as culture icon, music innovator, and seven-time Grammy Award®–winning artist and multi-hyphenate, André 3000 makes his historic Kennedy Center debut with a special presentation of New Blue Sun Live. André 3000’s New Blue Sun Live in Concert performances are a mesmerizing blend of musical exploration and raw emotion, showcasing his unique artistry. Joined on stage by Carlos Niño, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau and Deantoni Parks, the group’s masterful instrumentation captivates audiences with the same approach to how New Blue Sun was formed—inspired by the present moment and alive with the surroundings. The stage is set ranging between an intimate atmosphere and sensory grandeur. New Blue Sun Live in Concert is more than a concert; it’s a sonic odyssey that leaves fans both enchanted and reflective; reaffirming André 3000’s status as a visionary in contemporary music.
Club Quarantine Live with D-Nice
Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 8 p.m., Concert Hall
A dynamic, multi-genre celebration of music, community, and love, this edition of Club Quarantine Live will be a post-New Year’s celebration featuring a host of special guests. Past Club Quarantine Live performers have included Camp Lo, Chris Spencer, Digable Planets, DJ Clark Kent, EPMD, Eric Benét, Faith Evans, Frédéric Yonnet, Israel Houghton, Jadakiss, Kem, Kenny Burns, LeToya Luckett, Machel Montano, MC Lyte, Muni Long, Shanice, Too $hort, Tracie Spencer, and Vinnie/Vin Rock (Naughty by Nature).
Noochie’s Live From the Front Porch
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 8 p.m., Concert Hall
Multifaceted artist and D.C. Native Noochie brings his groundbreaking series, Noochie’s Live from the Front Porch to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall for a special one-night-only engagement with a host of special guests. Noochie’s innovative approach merges the raw energy of live performances with the intimacy of a neighborhood setting, creating a space where all genres of music converge. His platform has hosted iconic artists such as GoldLink, Raheem DeVaughn, and Backyard Band, blending hip-hop, go-go, and R&B in an intimate, outdoor setting that has been likened to NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts. His performances have garnered praise from notable figures like Kevin Durant and Snoop Dogg, highlighting the cultural impact of his work. As Noochie gears up for his highly anticipated performance at the Kennedy Center, he remains dedicated to his mission: to create a platform that celebrates the rich musical heritage of D.C. while pushing the boundaries of traditional live performances. With Noochie’s Live from the Front Porch, he continues to inspire and connect with audiences, proving that the most powerful stages are often found right at home.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for André 3000: New Blue Sun Live in Concert will go on-sale to Kennedy Center Members and through an artist pre-sale on Wednesday, June 26 and to the public on Friday, June 28. Tickets for Masego, Club Quarantine Live with D-Nice, and Noochie’s Live From the Front Porch will go on-sale to Kennedy Center Members Thursday, June 27 and to the public on Tuesday, July 2. Tickets will be available via the Kennedy Center Website or by calling (202) 467-4600.
Patrons 30 and under and active-duty members of the military are invited to join the Kennedy Center’s MyTix program for special discount offers and chances to win free tickets. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org/mytix
