For close to 4 years, DJs Underdog and NativeSUN have been throwing their acclaimed Okayafrica dance parties. In a city that has few outlets for South African Kwaito, Congolese Soukous, Angolan Kuduro – and just about every style and derivative of African music – Underdog and NativeSUN have made OkayAfrica one of the most popular parties, frequently packing out Tropicalia until two, three or four A.M. In the most recent iteration, drummer Malik Stewart, as well as percussionists Dada and Malerie, joined the DJs, and played live on stage to the music blasting through the speakers.

Watch below and learn why OkayAfrica has been so successful, what this series of parties means to D.C., and why live percussion is so important.

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Garnish Episode 8: OkayAfrica DC from Antonio Hernandez on Vimeo.

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Garnish is the premiere web series highlighting culture, causes and commerce in the D.C. metropolitan area and Baltimore, that often exists on the fringes of mainstream media. Garnish is brought to you by Antonio Hernandez, founding editor of electric-llama.com.