The 2024 SPOKEN WORD to Go-Go Champion
Lemonade Dream
Meet the finalists competing in the 32nd Annual National Giant Barbecue Battle on june 22nd
Scroll to learn more about them!
Jazzo
Hypnotic. Intoxicating. Electric. Just a few words used to describe Massachusetts born, Maryland raised, singer/songwriter, producer, choreographer, and poet: Jazzo. Jazzo has been studying visual and performing arts her entire life. She was blessed to be born into a family of creatives. She wrote her first mixtape at 12 years old, using a karaoke machine and cassette dubbing. The music showed great promise of competent songwriting skill and the resourcefulness foreshadowed her genius. She has 3 EPs and a myriad of singles under her belt. Along with a plethora of notable accomplishments such as touring with Grammy, nominated artist, Bernhoft. She currently holds the seat of Director of Operations for an arts enrichment nonprofit, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center. She is committed to arts advocacy and the investment in the wellbeing of future generations. She is patient, kind, enthusiastic, a light and pleasure to all that cross paths.
Jamar
Jamar Watkins is a thinker, writer, and award-winning orator from PG County, MD. His earliest pursuits of art began with stealing textbooks and writing poems in the back of elementary classrooms. His work is inspired by that of Otis Redding, The Ohio Players, OutKast, and OG Ron C. As a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Jamar was a founding member and former president of P.O.W.E.R.(Performers Offering Wisdom to Encourage Revolution) Of The Tongue. At home in the DMV, he’s worked with the Jr High School Cypher Program to cultivate the musical talents of Montgomery County middle school students and volunteered with Friends Of Capitol View Library to accept book donations. As a performer, his work has been featured at the Release Open Mic in Anacostia, the DCity Smokehouse Culture of Poetry series, and Busboys & Poets. As an aspiring educator, Jamar’s ultimate goal is to encourage and spark the mind that will change the world.
Lemonade Dream
"Lemonade Dream" is teen poet phenom turning heads throughout the DMV area. She has featured the stages of events such as DC's Art All Night (sponsored by the mayor's office), Prince George's Parks and Recreation, Hyattsville Summer Fest, SE Community Art & Business Festival, Busboys & Poets, Youth Seminars, and even the steps of the iconic Lincoln Memorial. She's also been featured on WKYS, WPGC, and multiple podcasts. Her poetry, is thought-provoking, provocative, and profound, grabbing the attention of listeners of all ages. Inspired by Nikki Giovanni and her social studies teacher Mr. Collins, Lemonade, at just 14 years old, has already created over 100 pieces of work and continues to cultivate her craft daily. She is currently in the process of creating her very first Children's book she wishes to inspire others to follow their dreams a well. Recently, Lemonade launched her own clothing brand, Team Dream Apparel, offering purpose-driven apparel for dreamers, with her debut collection "I AM POET" reflecting her journey of self-discovery through poetry.
Watch their open mic performances BELOW
JAMAR
JAZZO
LEMONADE DREAM
Meet OUR host & Judges for the finals
Host - Todd B.
Todd Bell is an eclectic, somewhat eccentric radio veteran with over 25 years’ experience on the air. His multifaceted skills have allowed him to host a night time relationship talk show, romance-themed music shows, a morning-drive talk show, as well as serve as a more-than-reliable fill-in for all radio dayparts. He is currently the host of The Good Morning Show, heard 6-10 am weekdays on WPGC 95.5 in Washington, DC.
Todd’s laid-back, yet engaging and humorous style brings fresh creativity and spontaneity to DC radio. His smooth baritone voice and witty charm have been described as engaging and disarming to listeners. A native of Sarasota, Florida, Todd's gift of gab was witnessed early on, at the tender age of three, when he would faithfully watch noon news broadcasts in an effort to mimic news anchors. As a result, the precocious child's emphatic declarations of "news, sports and weather!" are still fondly recalled by family members.
His world-view and scope were further broadened during a three-and-a-half year stint in the U.S. Army, where he served in the Panama Canal Zone on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the isthmus.
Upon completing his military obligations and receiving an Honorable Discharge, Todd enrolled at Hampton University to pursue his dream of becoming a television news anchor.
While attending Booker T. Washington's alma mater, he decided to try out for the campus radio station, 88.1 WHOV-FM, as a method of strengthening his broadcasting skills.
He soon fell under the spell of radio in 1995 and went on to distinguish himself as "Best New Announcer" and, ultimately, "Best Announcer" at WHOV, where his wide range and versatility blossomed as he starred in an array of formats, traversing the blues, reggae, hip hop, R&B, jazz, acid jazz, and gospel.
After graduating with honors from Hampton in 1998, Todd was hired by Norfolk (VA's) WOWI 103 JAMZ as an overnights and weekends radio announcer and, at one point, he simultaneously held down a shift for one of WOWI's sister stations, WSVY, spinning oldies.
Midway through the following year, 1999, Todd was promoted to full-time status as host of "The Quiet Storm," where anchored the #1 night show in the market.
In August of 2000, just nine months later – and a mere year-and-a-half after getting his start in professional radio, Todd joined WPGC 95.5 as host of "Lovetalk and Slow Jams." While at ‘PGC, Todd’s flexible radio talents afforded him the distinction of being the only jock at the station to have worked both prime-time shifts (mornings and afternoons) as well as mid-days.
His diverse abilities ultimately led to the morning-drive slot at Talk (formerly “Heaven”) 1580, where he hosted “The Break-Down,” which covered a wide array of subjects – from politics to health to entertainment, and in a short time, the show attracted newsmakers of all sorts, including best-selling authors, actors, and politicians; ultimately leading to a live broadcast from the U.S. Capitol which included interviews with senators and congresspersons.
Leaning once again on his wide and extensive skill set, Todd B. served as host of “The Coolout,” a nightly program where he played the best cool, current and classic “slow jams” for DC-area lovers,
Todd’s creative talents have been utilized in jingles and voice-overs for radio and television; additionally, he has been a featured poet and vocalist at a number of venues in the Washington, D.C. area, Detroit, Virginia and New York; and in 1997, Todd was published in the Gavin, one of the music industry's leading publications. And his skills go beyond the mic.
In 1996, he was also named "Best Supporting Actor" by the Hampton Players for his standout portrayal of "Jake Pernod" in the world premiere of the late, great playwright, Avon Long's “40 Acres and a Mule”.
Todd B. is a widowed father of three and is currently balancing family life with that of a voiceover artist and singer. In Washington, DC.
Aaron Stallworth
Aaron Stallworth was born and raised in east Texas. He made his way to what was still Chocolate City in 1999 after calling Los Angeles, New York, North Alabama and the Gulf Coast home for brief stints of his life. Over the last two decades or so, Aaron has been an educator with DC Charter Schools, and a youth advocate through his nonprofit work in the district, the place he refers to as his adult home. Since teaming up with Rhonda to create The Dap Project, Aaron has found his calling for using the resources available to him to elevate Black culture. His travels, formal education, and all the lessons he has picked up from his students over the years have shaped him, and influenced his love for our culture…Black culture. Aaron loves classic Hip Hop music, good food, working out when he can, and experiencing different parts of the world. Aaron lives in NW DC with his wife, and their two daughters.
DJ FLEXX
Born and raised in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, DJ Flexx has become the areas most noted disc jockey. A veteran of the music industry, DJ Flexx has been rock'n the DC market since 1991. Realizing his dream at a young age, DJ Flexx started mixing and producing music in the basement of his parents’ home. Determined to perfect his craft, DJ Flexx began playing at house parties and high school jams. As he gained notoriety, DJ Flexx graduated to rocking parties at neighborhood skate rinks, cabarets and nightclubs, but the best was still to come…
In 1994, DJ Flexx produced, recorded and released his third single entitled "The Waterdance". This song changed his life forever and gave him a taste of fame outside the Washington metropolitan area. He gained instant popularity in Philadelphia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Atlanta. 1995 brought on new challenges; DJ Flexx was offered a position at WPGC AM Flava 1580. This small station is where Flexx homed his skills, not only as a mix-show jock, but a radio personality also. He was quickly hired by sister station 95.5 WPGC FM, number one the market, as a radio personality. Constantly evolving within his craft, DJ Flexx joined the Black Entertainment Television family in 1996 as a DJ on Teen Summit. Throughout his career, DJ Flexx has traveled from Canada to Mexico, from Alaska to Germany, Switzerland and to the mother land Africa and has rocked parties across the United States providing fans with a taste of the Nations Capital, including DC's original music Go-Go. Considering himself a Go-Go Ambassador, DJ Flexx spreads his love for Go-Go music every chance he gets. DJ Flexx has recorded singles with Go-Go bands such as Rare Essence and the Backyard Band. In keeping with versatility, DJ Flexx also has recorded songs with such artists as Groove Theory, Salt 'n Pepa, Funkmaster Flex, Ludacris, and performed and produced a song on Lil’ Jon’s multi platinum album Crunk Juice. The future holds no limit for DJ Flexx. Currently, he continues to perform as WPGC's number one afternoon host of "The Home Team" show. Never forgetting his roots, DJ Flexx volunteers his time to speak at area high schools on a weekly basis. He also owns Baldhead Productions (BP), a music production company. BP continues to build an illustrious client base including Coca-Cola, HBO, MTV, Comedy Central and Black Entertainment Television.
Malik DOPE
Malik Stewart aka “Malik DOPE” is a Washington, D.C. Native from the Uptown area. He started playing drums around the age of 5 years old, with inspiration sparked from african drum and dance and later began to take it much more seriously at the age of 12, starting on a 6 piece drum set playing DC “GoGo” music, Hip Hop, R&B etc. As Malik continued percussion with ‘’GoGo’’ music, playing in neighborhood bands and generating notoriety for his style of playing, he went to Northwestern High School, and in his 10th grade year took an interest in the school’s marching band. Joining the marching band changed Malik’s life, exposing him to a whole new world of percussion. By pursuing marching band in high school he fiercely progressed. While still being in a GoGo band and school band, Malik also had jobs here & there, forcing him to juggle all of these different worlds at once. As he strived to part-take in all this, it resulted in a lack of good school grades, making the process of graduating take longer but at 19 years old he graduated high school. After completing high school, Malik enrolled in Prince George's Community College and while in school he was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of Howard University's marching band once again exposing him to a more advanced layer of percussion. Gaining exposure all across the states, Malik advanced in Howard University’s marching band, struck the internet with his skills as well, landing him shares and repost from all over the DMV & beyond. As Malik’s rise continued online and in the DMV, in the year 2013 he began to form his own brand “D.O.P.E, Definition of Percussion Entertainment " (now LLC) ,created to provide entertainment, education, inspiration, motivation, innovation, artistic awareness & production through the live nature of percussion, ultimately displaying the brand as a positive influence on living life. At this time Malik shifted away from the Howard University band, taking the experience he gained and leaving the job he had at the time to fully pursue his D.O.P.E. journey. In the amount of 4 years from 2013 to now, he has participated in numerous events & live street performances all around the DMV and other major cities, states & countries such as New York, California, Atlanta, New Orleans, Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Jamaica, South Africa, China, Europe, Dubai and more. The result of Malik’s constant grind has generated him a huge internet presence, going viral several times, gaining him a great following on his social medias landing at currently 112k+ instagram followers so far(still growing) & valued as one of the top influential innovative artist in this present time. Malik has also performed at multiple Concert Halls/ festivals/ events such as the Howard Theatre, Echo Stage (in DC), Warner Theatre (in DC), Tabernacle (in ATL), Saint Ann’s Bay (in Jamaica) “Charged Up” Festival, DC Funk Parade, Broccoli City Festival, Afro Punk, SXSW, A3C, Made in America, Brooklyn Hip Hop festival, international festival “Rebel Salute in Jamaica, One Love Massive studio & more. Malik has gained media attention being featured in the Washington Post, Time Magazine, Complex Magazine, Fader, Hypebeast, Revolt TV, Circa News, Fox 5 News, WUSA Channel 9 News, ABC Channel 7 News, TV Jamaica/Smile Jam TV, America’s Got Talent and more. Malik has performed and been scoped by popular, award-winning artists such as Usher Raymond, Erykah Badu, Swizz Beats, Wale, Mike Will Made It, Rae Sremmurd, BackYard Band, D.R.A.M, Pusha T, Swizz Beats, Ayo & Teo, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, TED Talk and was a semi finalist on Americas Got Talent season 15 in 2020. In this time he has also created his own unique style of drum and dance called “WAE-Work”, which is the act of simultaneously using rudimental drumming techniques with stick trick acrobatics accompanied by freestyle dance and fixed choreography, utilizing the whole human body all in one. He is now focused on creating music and spreading more DOPE vibes all around the world with his debut album “Light Being” available on all streaming platforms and has been performing it all around the world to date. As Malik continues to build his legacy, spreading the creative awareness, creating products representing an innovative vibe world wide, he’s also founded his own arts, production, design company called “DOPEWAE”. Anything he does is in a unique way infusing education, entertainment & healing through mind body/ body/ soul, inspiring therapeutic actions with arts of all sorts in unison with rhythm, vibration & syncopation to help maintain a balance to our society and universe with art everywhere.
Maria esmeralda
Bringing over two decades of social impact leadership to Americans for the Arts, Mariaes meralda has an extensive and proven record in achieving transformational change via strategic communications, program innovation, brand positioning, integrated marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, celebrity and dignitary relations, creative production, and mission-driven events. Her career has been anchored working with the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including over 15 years as an international civil servant within the UN System and as part of leadership teams within international NGOs.
Most recently, she led Peace Tech Lab’s Office of Strategic Communications and Special Projects, at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), where creativity and innovation drive the organization’s most impactful programs to counter hate speech and disinformation, produce award-winning peace media programs, amplify efforts for racial and social justice, and help prevent violence globally.
In 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, she conceptualized, directed and produced the prestigious International Peace Honors (IPH), a global event, broadcasted simultaneously in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Kiswahili and sign language, to inspire global action. The IPH celebrates the impactful work of some of the most outstanding global leaders and changemakers, who help defend human rights and protect the environment, and lead global actions for the fight for equality and social justice, including Opal Tometi, Amazonian Chief Raoni, Rosario Dawson, Forest Whitaker, Sting, Ricky Martin, Ajay Banga, Tokata Iron Eyes, Juanes, President Bill Clinton and President Jimmy Carter, to name a few.
She also directed the Office of Innovation and Strategy at the Pan American Development Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Organization of American States (OAS); and served as Executive Vice President of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, created by the White House in 1987, where she strengthened the organization’s financial viability and operations, expanded its work across international borders, as well as executive produced and produced the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, which were broadcasted on NBC, Telemundo and the Armed Forces Network.
In addition, she served as Senior Advisor of External Relations and Partnerships in the Office of the Director, D.C Department of Health, and as Senior Advisor of Communication in the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, where she led communications teams for the eleven agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services.
As part of the UN, she led health promotion, strategic partnerships and special projects at the World Health Organization’s (WHO/PAHO) regional office for the Americas, where she also created behavioral change initiatives, including award-winning outreach campaigns in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Creole for the 36 country offices in Latin America and the Caribbean. She was the creator of the organization’s Goodwill Ambassadors-Champions of Health Initiative, which developed partnerships with world-renown humanitarian celebrities and dignitaries. She also played a key role in the creation and launch of Discovery Health, owned by Discovery Network, and later, encouraged the establishment of “Salud es Vida: Enterate!” (Health is Life: Learn more!) in Univision Network targeting Hispanic population in the USA.
Mariaesmeralda has also served as a founding Board Member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, founded by American songwriter-producer Desmond Child and Cuban-American composer and songwriter, "The Latin Hit Maker", Rudy Perez. As a devoted social impact executive, the arts have been a constant in her life and career. She has applied and lived the power of music as a bridge for peace and galvanizer for social good; art-therapy as release of emotional trauma for children at refugee camps; storytelling as a unifying force for communities; dance as connecting thread to ethnic diversity, health and well-being; creativity and innovation as drivers of creative problem solving and global socioeconomic development.
”Da Don” Reams
King Tay started promoting in 2003 at several different events and venues throughout Montgomery County Maryland such as; Ocean Drive, Telvis, RiverSide Lounge, Wheaton Lounge. Also Started with Teen Clubs with His good friend Coogi Mane. In 2005 King met a Powerful female Mogul named Hollyhood and helped her promote her shows that Hollyhood had with different artists such as Trey Songz, BG, and Devin The Dude and “The Source” Magazine just to name a few. Hollyhood took King Tay under her wing and as of today Hollyhood is still mentoring King Tay. In 2008 King Tay moved to NYC to help promote the Hot new Singing group named Day 26 from Diddy’s making the band and toured with Trey Songz & Mario. In 2012 King Tay came back to the DMV to help manage one of the best clubs in DC called club 24 with Terry the Hook up; they closed in 2013. King loved helping artist and models to fulfill their dreams so King Tay in 2014 -2015 threw a couple of showcases & Fashion Shows throughout the DMV venues. 2016 King been updating the world with promoter Kendesi doing artist showcases all over the DMV top venues. 2018 King was on tour with MTV’s Wild’n Out thanks to his mentor he loves dearly Hollyhood. 2019 King is now own his own Enterprise company called Hustle Kings ENT. Which is a full service management, music publishing & entertainment company. King Tay is a brand ambassador for the #1 pre paid company in the US Metro by T- Mobile King gets booked throws parties, markets, promotes and recruit people to be apart of the #1 prepaid company. King Tay also hosted a stadium nightclub called New music Wednesday with the coalition DJ’s DMV to help independent artist network with the top DJ’s in the DMV so they can reach their highest potential.In 2022 King Tay is now doing shows and managing new talent globally. King Tay is always looking for new and talented artist models or anybody in the business to work with but took a break from the entertainment King Tay felt he had reach at a ceiling and break it.Trending now King Tay had rebrand everything he changed his name to Da Don which means man that runs things,a well respected person. Da Don is fully in business partner and shareholder with his mentor Hollyhood the company is called isolve365 which it’s a consulting company and they both solve problems and branched into his own lane that he loves doing is networking launching in 2024 Da Don & Associates. In June 2024 is back helping artist & models globally doing shows all over the United States and doing R&B mini cruise with his Boat Partner Da Boat Goat, have a car rental business & Da Don really is involved with the women empowerment movements. Dynast
What makes me “Da Don'' My strength, style, my appetite for life. A hunger for the extraordinary, a brief in the impossible defiance of the expected. I am Da Don. I try to empower the modern man/women to take on the soul of a king/queen and conquer their biggest dream that I am doing today Also includes; social intuition, empathy diplomacy, conflict mediation, communication and leadership skills. In my personal life I am known for being the person that people come to when they have a problem. I use my empathy, patience and charm to hear each person's side. Then I help them problem solve and brainstorm solutions. It feels good when I know I can help others feel heard, understood and get a possible resolution. I want to pursue my talents with A proven track record of success and the ability to play a critical role in the entertainment industry. I know this career field is perfect for my temperament and extorted, friendly personality. Though I have felt challenged at times in this career I have been able to learn various strategies to improve my strengths and talents.
2024 SPOKEN WORD TO GO-GO CHAMPIONSHIP
WHAT IS SPOKEN WORD TO GO-GO?
SWGG is an annual competition of spoken word artists who write spoken word poetry to a chosen custom track created by The Experience Band & Show and perform it live in front of a panel of selected judges. Tracklist below.
WHAT is the winning prize?
The SWGG Champion gains the 2024 SWGG Championship title, the Crystal Mic Trophy, a recording session with The Experience Band & Show and a $2,500 cash prize!
HOW MANY ROUNDS IN THE COMPETITION?
Two Open Mics (non-competitive)
Open Mic #1 - March 27th
Open Mix #2 - April 5th, Artomatic, Slammer Slot Registration
Round 1 - April 19th, Busboys and Poets Anacostia
Round 2 - Top 10 will be posted online for public voting
Semifinals - Top 5 will perform on May 4th at the Anacostia River Festival
Finale - Top 3 will perform on June 22nd at the DC Go-Go Stage at the 32nd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle
*Any questions, please contact Ashley Templeton ashley@anacositabid.org
RULES
PERFORMANCE RULES
Each poem must be of the poet’s own original construction alongside a pre-selected go-go track provided. Poem must not have been previously recorded or published.
Poem is not to exceed the length of the track (around 1:30 minutes)
Each poet gets 1:30 minutes (plus a ten-second grace period) to read one poem; if the poet goes over, points will be deducted from the total score.
The judges will then score the pieces anywhere from 0.0 to 10.0, evaluating such qualities as PERFORMANCE, CONTENT and ORIGINALITY. Scores will be totaled and compared at the end of the performances to determine which poets will continue to the next round.
The poet may NOT use props, costumes, or musical instruments. This includes the removal of clothing.
The poem can only be performed by one person.
Poets ARE allowed to read from paper and electronic devices such as laptops or cell phones. There will be no point penalty assessed unless it’s used as a PROP (as outlined above).
Use of profanity is not permitted.
HOUSE RULES
Please remember to turn off your devices.
Respect the mic, but most of all respect the person that is at the microphone. Give them your attention, it may be someone’s first time, or they may be getting very vulnerable. The only time you can make noise, is if it’s to show a lot of love to the person on stage in agreement with their poem. We are in an interactive space: you can clap, snap, yell hallelujah, but of course be respectful in your exuberance!
We do not censor our stages, but still reserve the right to dispel anyone from the stage at the Host’s discretion if the space is made unsafe at any point.
Last but not least, have a whole lot of fun!!!