It was a triumphant moment for D.C.’s own Pam Ward, who was named Go-Go’s Female Singer of the Year 2026 during the genre’s 50th anniversary celebration at the iconic Lincoln Theatre.
Caribbean entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey told Caribbean Life on Monday, Jan. 26, that Ward was honored during the milestone event.
Lindsey, of Acclaim PR, said that the 2026 Go-Go Awards honored five decades of D.C.’s official music, “celebrating legends, pioneers, and the next generation carrying the Bounce Beat forward.”
She said the star-studded evening featured performances spanning Go-Go and Hip-Hop, with Joe Clair and Jay Cole as hosts, and was sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
She said the star-studded evening featured performances spanning Go-Go and Hip-Hop, with Joe Clair and Jay Cole as hosts, and was sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
For Ward, the win represents nearly two decades of dedication, resilience, and love for the culture.
“I am grateful to be recognized as the Go-Go Female Singer of the Year after 18 years of working in this industry,” said Ward. “There are so many incredible ladies in my category — it was truly an honor just to be nominated.
“I was honestly surprised to walk away with the win,” she added. “This is really special to me because I grew up on Go-Go music. It’s in my heart and soul — especially during Go-Go’s 50th anniversary.
“I’m truly grateful to be able to do what I love and have that love returned by so many people who support me,” Ward continued.
“I was honestly surprised to walk away with the win,” she added. “This is really special to me because I grew up on Go-Go music. It’s in my heart and soul — especially during Go-Go’s 50th anniversary.
“I’m truly grateful to be able to do what I love and have that love returned by so many people who support me,” Ward continued.
A winning season for the D.C. native, Ward’s momentum continues beyond the awards stage.
Lindsey said Ward has also been officially booked for the upcoming Soul Train Cruise, sailing Feb. 1–8, 2026, aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam, departing from Fort Lauderdale with stops in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
Celebrating its 15th sailing, Lindsey said the Soul Train Cruise — known as “The Hippest Trip at Sea” — will feature more than 50 live shows, dance classes with original Soul Train dancers, artist Q&As, and themed parties.
Celebrating its 15th sailing, Lindsey said the Soul Train Cruise — known as “The Hippest Trip at Sea” — will feature more than 50 live shows, dance classes with original Soul Train dancers, artist Q&As, and themed parties.
She said the lineup includes legendary acts such as Kool & The Gang, Johnny Gill, Jeffrey Osborne, Morris Day & The Time, The Ohio Players, The S.O.S. Band, and special guest Jimmy Jam.
In addition to her solo success, Lindsey said Ward currently performs with Push Play and Pink PaLiSh, and remains a member of Let It Flow, now focusing primarily on private and corporate engagements.
Additionally, Lindsey said Ward’s artistry extends deeply into theater, with standout performances dating back to the early 2000s.
She said Ward’s theater credits include work with DC Black Broadway (Annie Costia: Beat Ya Feet, Chocolate City Records) and ArtsCentric Baltimore, with productions such as Cinderella, Black Nativity (twice), Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, and Sincerely, Holidays!
“As Go-Go celebrates 50 years and Pam Ward celebrates one of the biggest moments of her career, her journey stands as a testament to consistency, cultural pride, and the power of staying true to one’s roots—while continuing to rise,” Lindsey said.
“As Go-Go celebrates 50 years and Pam Ward celebrates one of the biggest moments of her career, her journey stands as a testament to consistency, cultural pride, and the power of staying true to one’s roots—while continuing to rise,” Lindsey said.
