2026 Go-Go Awards — Celebrating the Sound of the District of Cuzzins

A powerful night filled with unforgettable moments
Poet Taylor at The Go-Go Awards
Photo credit Poet Taylor

Audacy DC’s very own Midday Cuzzin Poet Taylor is back with a brand new episode of the Midday Shenanigans Live with Poe Podcast — and this one is all about the official music of our Nation’s Capital: Go-Go.

LISTEN NOW: 2026 Go-Go Awards — Celebrating the Sound of the District of Cuzzins

For more than 50 years, Go-Go music has echoed through the streets, rec centers, school gyms, and block parties of Washington, DC. Born right here in the District and pioneered by the legendary Chuck Brown, Go-Go is more than a genre — it’s a heartbeat, a language, and a cultural inheritance.

That legacy was front and center at the 2026 Go-Go Awards, held at the historic Lincoln Theatre in DC’s Shaw neighborhood — affectionately known as Black Broadway. The night honored five decades of Go-Go excellence, culture, and community, and Poet Taylor had the honor of serving as one of the presenters during this historic celebration on Tuesday, January 6.

On this episode, Poe sits down with two Go-Go community icons who continue to shape the sound and spirit of the city:

Lonnie Bee — award-winning entertainer and crowd-moving staple of the Go-Go scene

Wavy— frontman of the Next Generation Crank Band, representing the future of Go-Go with roots firmly planted in tradition

Together, they reflect on a powerful night filled with unforgettable moments, including special performances from the Chuck Brown Band, Kurtis BlowDoug E. Fresh, DJ Kool, and more.

Beyond the performances, the conversation goes deeper — touching on the responsibility of preserving Go-Go’s past, protecting its present, and building a strong foundation for future generations of musicians and culture-keepers. From mentorship and community ownership to honoring elders while uplifting the next wave, this episode is both a celebration and a call to action.

If you love DC.
If you love Go-Go.
If you believe culture is worth protecting — This episode is for you.

Tap in now to the Midday Shenanigans Live with Poe Podcast and relive the energy, the legacy, and the future of Go-Go music — straight from the heart of the District.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Poet Taylor