2026 Go-Go Awards
On January 6, 2026, the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC’s historic Shaw neighborhood came alive with rhythm, energy, and celebration as the 2026 Go-Go Music Awards marked a triumphant evening honoring 50 years of Go-Go music — the city’s official musical heritage and cultural heartbeat. The themed celebration, “Returning to Our Roots and Embracing the Diaspora,” brought together music lovers, artists, industry leaders, civic officials, and Go-Go pioneers for a sold-out night that honored the past, elevated the present, and looked toward the future of the genre
Congrats to
all our
2026 winners
This year’s awards took on deeper cultural importance as a 50-year retrospective of a uniquely DC sound that has influenced generations. Hundreds of attendees filled the legendary Lincoln Theatre — affectionately known as part of DC’s “Black Broadway” — to pay tribute to the genre that first emerged in the early 1970s and has since become an enduring symbol of community identity and musical innovation in the nation’s capital.
The ceremony featured unforgettable performances by legendary artists, bridging old school and contemporary talent. Iconic acts from across the music spectrum took the stage, including appearances by Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow, and the Chuck Brown Band — each bringing unique flair and nostalgia to the celebration. DJs and performers like DJ Kool energized the crowd with electrifying sets that honored Go-Go’s signature call-and-response energy and live percussion-driven grooves.
