(Washington, DC) - Last night, Mayor Muriel Bowser received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Go-Go Awards, honoring her longstanding leadership and commitment to preserving and elevating Go-Go music. The award recognizes Mayor Bowser's efforts to formally designate Go-Go as the District's official music, invest in cultural institutions, and create pathways for future generations of artists. The celebration took place at the historic Lincoln Theatre and was presented by the Go-Go Museum & Café. The evening honored the past, present, and future of Go-Go music through live performances, tributes, and awards recognizing the artists, culture bearers, leaders, and institutions that have shaped and preserved the genre over five decades.

"Go-Go is our history - it reminds Washingtonians who we are and where we come from," said Mayor Bowser. "For so many of us, Go-Go has been the soundtrack of our lives and the heartbeat of DC. I'm grateful for all the people who, for the past five decades, created, protected, and kept Go-Go alive, block by block and beat by beat."

This year's theme, "Returning to Our Roots & Embracing the Diaspora," reflects Go-Go's deep local foundation and global influence-honoring its origins while celebrating its evolution and enduring cultural impact.

"Mayor Bowser didn't just support Go-Go. She protected it, elevated it, and ensured its legacy would live on for future generations," said Ron Moten, Founder and CEO of the Go-Go Museum & Café. "The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects her unwavering commitment to the culture and the people of Washington, DC."

DC natives and comedians Joe Clair and Jay Cole co-hosted the event, which featured performances by the Chuck Brown Band, hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, and iconic entertainer Doug E. Fresh. The Go-Go Allstars delivered a powerful retrospective on the genre's evolution, while A Team-the event's house band, recently featured on Front Porch with Patti LaBelle-and a collaborative set by DJ Kool and DJ Wiz underscored Go-Go's enduring influence and historic connection to hip-hop.

Additional honorees included:

• Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, Hip-Hop Music Producer
• Cora Masters Barry, Founder & CEO of the Recreation Wish List Committee
• Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, author, scholar, and Chief Curator of the Go-Go Museum & Café
• Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairwoman of Urban One
• Reggie Van Lee, philanthropist and Board Chair of DC Commission on Arts and Humanities
• Former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie
• A range of legendary and emerging artists from across the Go-Go community

Under Mayor Bowser's leadership, the District has made historic investments in arts and culture, with a particular focus on protecting and promoting Go-Go music as a cornerstone of DC's creative economy. Almost six years ago, in February of 2020, Mayor Bowser and the Council of the District of Columbia formally designated Go-Go as the District's official music through the Go-Go Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act. Mayor Bowser has also ensured that, starting in 2021, the city invests three million dollars each year in Go-Go music. This funding helps preserve and honor its legacy, secure its future, and acknowledge the economic impact it has on the District. These efforts, combined with partnerships with city promoters, restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges, have created significant business opportunities for Washingtonians.

The opening of the Go-Go Museum & Café in historic Anacostia in 2025 marked a major milestone for Go-Go music. As the world's first institution dedicated solely to preserving and celebrating the genre, the museum serves as a permanent home to honor its legacy, support working artists, and educate future generations. Learn more and plan your visit at gogomuseumcafe.com.

On Monday, February 19 at 8 pm, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) will air the 2026 Go-Go Awards on the District Knowledge Network (DKN Channel 16). To watch the program, visit mayor.dc.gov/live or tune in on Channel 16.

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