Wammies 35th Anniversary Recap – Celebrating Music In The DMV

On Saturday, April 1st, The Musicianship held its spectacular annual Wammie Awards at Capital Turnaround to honor the DMV’s 2023’s music nominees. This year’s 35th annual award show re-electrified the region’s artistic recognition after being bound by covid-19 restrictions. Resurfacing with the elaborate theme “The Hitmakers Ball”, this particular celebration was beyond memorable for those of all walks across the district.

The event was a ball indeed, with attendees wearing elegant outfits, strolling down the lengthy red carpet dazzled with Hollywood stars of previous winners. Saturday night’s nominees took turns waltzing through the various lined-up interviewers, speculating on what the night would hold. Throughout the entire evening, artists, attendees, and media personnel exchanged smiles as music-centered conversations filled the large venue. 

WUSA 9’s Emmy-award winning anchors Allison Seymour and Darren Haynes co-hosted the event, bringing immense laughter the entire night. Their commentary and personal spin on the ceremony captivated and energized the crowd. Bouncing back from the previous covid-restricted celebration, the Musicianship’s elaborate efforts brought a newly found liveliness to congratulate artists across the DMV. 

The two hour award show held spectacular live performances from artists across all genres. Selling out over 900 seats, attendees could only expect greatness on Saturday night’s agenda. The night’s first live performance was prepared by Washington’s Youth Choir, who elegant voices enchanted the room. Shortly after fans were lifted up and out of their seats, as Rayshun LaMarr from NBC’s The Voice and astounding guitarist Nessa Dove shook the stage with “Lift Every Voice Higher”. 

Later that evening, performances from Americana duet 3 Exits to Memphis, singer songwriter Dominique Bianco, and best music video award winning Latin rock band Perro Sombra rang out, showcasing the many talented artists from our area. One of the most memorable was the collaboration between hip hop artists Marc2Ray and trap-operatic Soprano Alexandria Chirchlow, an unbeatable duo blending two divergent genres. DJ D-Rex spun jams throughout the entire night, curated the perfect vibe to every segment of the show. 

Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop, artists like Uptown X.O, innanet James, Pinky Killacorn, Nonchalant, and Whistle performed to honor all within the genre. In addition to this, grammy-nominated Mumu Fresh dazzled fans with her breathtaking performance and speech after winning the Hitmaker Award, bringing tears to viewer’s eyes. During the tribute, the DMV Hip Hop Hall of Fame was displayed on screen, showcasing the area’s most critically acclaimed artists within the genre. 

A memorium was also announced, honoring passed members of the region’s musical community. While the names of those artists were read, singer Fairouz Foty and harpist Megan-Joie Coleman caressed listener’s ears. The tribute was both beautiful and sweet gesture to remember those from the region who could no longer be with us. 

Over 50 Wammie Awards were announced, spanning from categories like Best Youth Artist-Group to Best Music Venue, and everything in between. Hip hop pioneer Tarek ‘Terk’ Stevens received the Trailblazer Award, Audrey Schaefer, the saver of our music venues rightfully collected the Music Advocacy Award, and DC Public Schools’s Dr Rolyndria Ojo obtained the Music Educator Award. Other winners included Songbyrd Music House for Best Music Venue, Girls Rock! DC for Do Good Award, and Tonal Park for Best Music Studio.

Closing out the event was Go-Go band EU alongside Sugar Bear, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. By the time the Wammie wrapped up, fans couldn’t help but to be bouncing around the venue, rejuvenated by all of the breathtaking acts. This night was one for the books, with explicit raw talent presented and music enthusiasts across the region growing closer. After this past weekend’s ceremony, DMV residences can expect another extravaganza from the Musicianship next year. 

Couldn’t attend the Wammies? We have you covered! Check out the full list of award winners below.