WBGO Celebrates African American Music Month with Launch of New Podcast



(NEWARK, NJ) — WBGO is proud to honor African American Music Month with the launch of a new limited series podcast from WBGO Studios, Black House Black Joy. Hosted and produced by Jamara Wakefield, this podcast invites listeners to explore the rich history and evolution of the New Jersey House Music Community.

Through interviews with DJs, dancers, emcees, activists, and more, the podcast sheds light on the stories and experiences of those who have shaped this beloved musical genre. From the legendary Club Zanzibar in Newark to the present-day festival culture throughout the state, this limited series podcast is a window to the cultural significance of House Music as a self-sustained Black community for four decades.

“Newark has a long history of being an incubator for music that has changed the world,” said Wakefield. “It’s my pleasure to bring this podcast which is about Newark History and House Music to WBGO’s Studios to continue the celebration of Newark’s musical legacy.”

The Black House Black Joy podcast features interviews with renowned artists such as DJ Jihad Muhammad, Kenny Bobien, Josh Milan, Kym Mazelle and The Weather Girls. Each episode dives into their unique stories of how they’ve helped shape this powerful genre over time. It also explores topics such as how changes in technology have impacted house music production and distribution; how different generations within house music interact; how it has evolved over time; and more.

“Black House Black Joy not only diversifies WBGO Studios podcast catalog, but it shines the brightest light on a local passion and shares it with the world,” said WBGO Chief Content Officer Stevan Smith. “It is an insightful journey into a thriving community with music born out of the African diaspora, and worthy of celebration during African American Music Month.”

Listeners can expect deep conversations about topics such as community building through dance culture; resiliency from clubs to festivals; personal experiences; plus much more. Through these conversations, we will gain insight into what makes house music so special – its ability to create joy in spite of challenges – which is why it is celebrated today.

Join WBGO at 6:00pm on Thursday, June 15th in Express Newark’s Lecture Hall at the Hahnes Building, where WBGO’s Carmen Balentine will be hosting an evening filled with music, storytelling, and community with panelists: Carolyn Byrd, Eddie Nicholas, Charon Jenkins, DJ Mix Mash, Dr. Lacey Hunter. Registration is available here.

New episodes of Black House Black Joy release every Thursday in June – available on all major streaming platforms!

WBGO is a publicly-supported cultural institution that preserves and promotes jazz, blues, Latin jazz and classic rhythm & blues. From its home base of Newark, New Jersey, public radio station WBGO has long been an anchor institution in community engagement through its music and news programming, live performances and partnerships. WBGO reaches a diverse audience from its broadcast location in America’s number one media market, the New York/New Jersey metro area. Through programs such as Jazz Night in America, produced in partnership with NPR and Jazz at Lincoln Center, the organization’s reach extends to millions more across the country, and around the globe through WBGO.org and the WBGO mobile app and social media plus Facebook Live broadcasts. WBGO is broadcast at 88.3 FM in the NY/New Jersey area and may be streamed from WBGO.org.