Mayor Muriel Bowser received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to Go-Go music at the 2026 Go-Go Awards, held at the Lincoln Theatre, the Mayor’s office reported. Her efforts include making Go-Go the District’s official music and investing millions to sustain its cultural presence.
According to Mayor Bowser said, “Go-Go is our history – it reminds Washingtonians who we are and where we come from,” her office said. Ron Moten, founder of the Go-Go Museum & Café, added, “Mayor Bowser didn’t just support Go-Go. She protected it, elevated it, and ensured its legacy would live on for future generations.” Hosts Joe Clair and Jay Cole added humor to the celebration.
This year's Go-Go Awards theme, Returning to Our Roots & Embracing the Diaspora, centered around the genre's local and global impact. The event drew attention to a star-studded lineup of performances including the Chuck Brown Band and Kurtis Blow, further testifying to Go-Go's continued relevance.
The ceremony also honored other contributors to Go-Go, including Cora Masters Barry and Cathy Hughes, as well as artists who shaped the genre’s history. Nearly six years ago, Mayor Bowser and the Council passed the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act, cementing its place in the city’s cultural identity.
The opening of the Go-Go Museum & Café in Anacostia marked a cultural milestone, featuring exhibits and programs dedicated to preserving the genre. The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will broadcast the 2026 Go-Go Awards on February 19 at 8 p.m., the Mayor’s website announced.
