Something For The District – Artists to Watch Around D.C. in 2023

The DMV in 2023

Date: January 6th, 2023

Venue: Union Stage

Washington, DC

What’s up everyone, it’s Derek here! I’m back again with another night of music in Washington, DC. In this round, we’re highlighting some of the DMV’s artists to watch in 2023. If you aren’t hip to the term “DMV” no I’m not talking about the place you get your license renewed but instead the loving acronym that combines D.C., Maryland, and Virginia as the three are so closely connected geographically. Speaking of geography, along the Potomac river that separates D.C. and Virginia sets The Wharf which is home to some of D.C.’s hottest restaurants and music venues. One of those venues is Union Stage which was the host for this entourage of talent from across the DMV. Allow us to introduce you to each of the acts. 

Cheakaity

Wammy Award Winning (The DMV region’s premiere music award show) Cheakaity kicked off 2022 strong when he released his mixtape A Super Groovy Mixtape and 2023 is no different as he joined an amazing lineup of artists for an incredible evening of live music. When we last visited Cheakaity (pronounced Cha-Keh-taye) for a show at Union Stage in 2021 he was celebrating the release of his album Grown Man and the show has only gotten better since. 

Every show becomes one to remember and on this particular night, he had the crowd swaying from side to side as well as singing and dancing along. Even taking the time to throw us back to the early 2000s with a cover of “Lovers and Friends” while serenading a lucky fan on stage. Perhaps one of my favorite moments of his set is when he divides the room in half and invites the crowd to form a soul-train dance-off in the center of the room. Be on the lookout for upcoming shows and new music throughout the year from this creative artist making waves in the DMV. 

J.Addo

J.Addo is an artist from Maryland by way of Ghana in West Africa making waves in the R&B and AfroBeats community every day. In 2022 alone he amassed over 2 million streams on Spotify and the numbers will grow even further in 2023. 

Much like his latest album Memoirs, his set gave a glimpse into his life through his songs and connection to his culture and fellow artists as he welcomed some collaborative artists to the stage to perform their featured songs including “Dreamin” featuring Omar Vacel and Marcus Canty and “Here 4 Awhile” featuring more DMV talent with Nate Bone, Bou, and Nast B. 

Yaj

With an aesthetic background of dandelions to match his brand, artist Yaj instantly brought a surge of positive energy into the space already filled with so much joy. With a voice that provided a buttery smooth vibe, there were moments throughout the set that reminded me slightly of the sounds of Prince. Such a fun and infectious set was the result of bringing to life a mixture of songs such as “Best of Me” from his latest project with ‘Alt + Delete 2 – EP’ as well the debut album Susan. 

Ahmed Kazmi

Musician, songwriter, producer, and one-half of the music duo OK!, Ahmed Kazmi of Silver Spring, Maryland began his set with a soulful build as he grabbed his guitar and began to take us into his world with his latest single “Lifestyles.” Shortly after he performed an unreleased song that you’ll want to stay tuned for with “Lost In Your Eyes.” But perhaps his most powerful and personal song was his final one with “Immigrant Parents” which takes you through an extension of his feelings and thoughts at the time it was written. 

Dreemy Alpha

From the moment you first hear Dreemy Alpha, you’ll know you’re listening to a true artist as his music blends stories through lyrics with beats that make you want to groove much like his latest single “Jungle.” He’s making music and art his way and because of that, you’ll certainly be hearing a lot from him going forward. Make sure to check out his latest album ReLOADN to get a glimpse of the talent. 

Be sure to keep all the artists noted above on your radar and stay up to date with any new music, projects, or shows by following them on social media (names linked above).

See all the photos from the night here!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.