The 2026 Power of Music Honors, held on April 30, 2026, celebrated the transformative power of music to inspire change, uplift, and shape the future, bringing together artists, leaders, students, and community partners for a night rooted in legacy and focused on what comes next.
Hosted by The Soulsville Foundation, this year’s Honors continued a tradition inspired by Stax Records, where music was never just entertainment, but a force for economic empowerment, youth development, cultural expression, and lasting social impact. From powerful live performances to the recognition of changemakers working at the intersection of music and community, the evening reflected the ongoing belief that music can move people and systems forward.
Dr. Žak Ozmo, founder of the Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics, was recognized as the inaugural Health & Wellness Honoree for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, neuroaesthetics, and human well-being. His research continues to expand how we understand music not only as an art form, but as a tool for healing, resilience, and connection.
As part of the evening’s tribute, Dr. Ozmo collaborated with Stax Music Academy Alumni Band, 926, on a special medley performance designed to guide the audience through a range of emotions. Inspired by the same neuroaesthetic principles central to his work, each song selection was intentionally chosen to demonstrate how music can influence mood, memory, and human connection in real time—turning research into a shared live experience.
The performance also complemented A STAX Sound Prescription – Vol. 1, a playlist created in collaboration with The Soulsville Foundation as a practical guide for using music to support grounding, energy, resilience, and reflection in everyday life. The playlist invites listeners to experience music not just as entertainment, but as a tool for care and renewal.
Wu-Tang Clan received this year’s Global Impact Award, honoring their enduring influence far beyond music. Recognized as cultural architects, the group’s legacy spans decades of innovation in hip-hop while consistently extending into meaningful community investment.
Through the Wu-Tang Foundation and individual member initiatives, they have supported youth education, nutrition access, violence prevention, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and health advocacy. Their collective work continues to demonstrate hip-hop’s global reach as a catalyst for opportunity, empowerment, and generational change.
Wu-Tang Clan members Cappadonna and Masta Killa were in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the group and spoke about the meaning behind the honor and music’s ability to reach people across generations.
“I’ve got to start by acknowledging a few of the inspirations that come from this town: Otis Redding, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, The Bar-Kays. Those foundations of music are where hip-hop comes from. Hip-hop is the seed of so many musical journeys, and I wouldn’t stand here today representing my brother Cappadonna and Wu-Tang Clan if it wasn’t for all journeys of music, especially soul.” – Masta Killa
“Music brings people together, and I love to see it done so magically. From ‘This Little Light of Mine’ to ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine,’ music just gets better with time. It frees us. It’s the voice of an oppressed people. That’s the foundation of that music from the old spirituals to groups like The Miracles. I thank the kids for continuing it on. They did a very good job up here carrying that torch and keeping that music alive. It’s about perseverance. If not through our actions, then through our music, it makes all things clear to those who don’t understand the struggle and the things we had to go through here to get where we are today.” – Cappadonna
Their appearance was one of many moments throughout the evening that reflected the broader purpose behind the Power of Music Honors: recognizing artists and leaders using music to create real impact beyond the stage.
Jared ‘Jay B.’ Boyd, a.k.a DJ Bizzle Bluebland, kept the energy high throughout the evening as both emcee and DJ.
In addition to the collaborative performance from Dr. Žak Ozmo and the Stax Music Academy 926 Alumni Band, the evening featured performances that highlighted the range of talent and musical influence connected to Memphis.
The night opened with the Street Corner Harmonies of Stax Music Academy, whose performance reflected the vocal traditions deeply tied to the Soulsville legacy. Violinist and educator Marcin Arendt of Iris Collective brought a contemporary chamber music element to the program, adding another layer to the evening’s sound.
The legendary Hi Rhythm Section, known for their work with Hi Records and Royal Studios, performed alongside Memphis artist Kennedy Ray, whose blend of soul, pop, and R&B brought a modern perspective to the classic Memphis sound.
Stay connected with The Soulsville Foundation by joining our email list at this link to keep up with upcoming programs, events, and to be the first to know when details for the 2027 Power of Music Honors are announced.
Thank you one again to our Power of Music Honors supporters: ARTSMemphis, Duncan Williams Asset Management, First Horizon Foundation, Henry and Lynn Turley Foundation, Mempho Presents, Paragon Bank, and the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation.