In the latest episode of On the Radar, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s series highlighting Black Minnesota creatives, host Damenica Ellis sat down with musician and music educator Kevin Washington to talk about his roots in Detroit, his philosophy on Black music, his work at Walker West Music Academy, and what it means to be a modern griot.
A Lighter Man With a Mission
Washington opened up about coming through a difficult stretch in 2025 and into 2026, crediting an honest conversation with a close friend for helping him find his footing again.
“Something changed in me,” he said. “I’m lighter again. The light is on again.”
That renewed energy is channeled directly into his work, which he describes not just as music but as a calling rooted in education and cultural preservation.
What Is a Griot?
Washington describes his seat at the table as that of a modern griot, a role he takes seriously.
“The traditional griot is the person that kept in contact with the traditions,” he explained. “They kept their history, they know it all, and they keep it going. You can say the original hip-hop.”
For Washington, that means making sure Black people understand and have access to their own musical traditions, something he says has been deliberately undermined by the removal of arts education from urban schools across the country.
“Our people are not as educated in our own music and it was done on purpose,” he said. “Taking arts out of our schools, not just music, visual, theater, anything that has to do with art, out of the city schools. It’s going on everywhere.”
Detroit Roots, Minnesota Roads
Born in Detroit, Washington moved to Minneapolis in 1987 in seventh grade. He credits the Detroit music community with giving him a foundation that few places can replicate, pointing to the city’s deep legacy across jazz, blues, funk, Motown, and beyond.
“No disrespect, I love Minneapolis, I love St. Paul, but I’m so glad I’m from Detroit,” he said. “The time I came up in the late 70s, early 80s, them Black men and Black women took us in and taught it. They didn’t care about money. They just did it.”
Minnesota, he said, pushed him deeper into rock music, a journey that started with Run DMC and led him through Iron Maiden, Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, and eventually to taking a friend’s son to a Slipknot concert because no one else would.
“I put myself in situations that the average brother will not put himself in,” he said. “How you going to have an opinion about it if you don’t do it?”
Teaching at Walker West
Washington teaches drums and ensemble at Walker West Music Academy and is also part of the school’s digital music program, where students learn Logic Pro and music production at every level, led by Solomon Parham.
“If you haven’t had any experience with it, it doesn’t matter. We got you,” he said.
Music as Medicine
Washington is also the bandleader of Raw Spirit, and describes his performances as an act of spiritual transfer.
“I put so much chi into what I do, so much spirit into what I do,” he said. “I am your drug. You don’t need that needle in your arm. You don’t need that stuff in your nose.”
He is deliberate about the musicians he surrounds himself with, rotating a deep bench of players including guitarists, bass players, saxophonists, and pianists, all of whom he describes as beautiful souls who are professional, on time, and constantly learning.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
His message to anyone picking up an instrument was clear and unsparing.
“If you are not ready to do the work, don’t do it. It is constant work,” he said. “I know cats that would spend 8, 9, 12 hours practicing and they’re still a husband and a dad and they got to pay mortgage and bills. Are you willing to make that sacrifice?”
What to Look Out For
Washington has a single on streaming platforms now titled Journey to the Light. Search Kevin E. Washington to find it. He is also preparing to release new singles in the coming weeks and is performing regularly with Raw Spirit, BZ3, Mississippi, Black Madonna, and alongside Brian Herren, also known as Bus One.
Follow Kevin Washington on social media and visit msr.media to nominate a Black Minnesota creative for a future episode of On the Radar.
more about kevin washington
Kevin Washington’s musical journey from Detroit to Walker West
Kevin Washington isn’t just a jazz drummer; he is a musical vessel for Black music. From his Detroit upbringing to his Minneapolis residency, Washington blends funk, gospel, and punk rock to create a spiritual experience he calls “the source.”