The Season for Battle of the Bands Has Officially Started

The Season for Battle of the Bands Has Officially Started

One of the greatest traditions at HBCUs (Historically black colleges and universities) is the viewing of the marching bands. This year, it kicked off in Houston with a spectacular showing full of college bands and hip-hop performers.

According to Sports Illustrated, the PepsiCo National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) took place at NRG Stadium in Houston where there were an estimated 40,000 spectators there to enjoy the festivities over the weekend. This year’s participating marching bands were from Southern University, Florida A&M, Tennessee State, Langston, Norfolk State, Mississippi Valley State, Virginia State, and Texas Southern University.

Continuing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop were esteemed hip-hop artists, Harlem, NY’s Doug E. Fresh, Atlanta’s Big Boi (of Outkast), Louisiana’s Choppa, Dallas-bred and Houston’s DJ Mr. Rogers, along with Houston hometown heroes, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, and Z-RO.

A long-time supporter of HBCUs, Doug E. Fresh did speak to the media outlet to let his feelings known.

“There’s nothing better than supporting HBCUs. That’s what we’re supposed to do. So everybody, do what you know you’re supposed to do. Support yourself.”

PepsiCo was the event title sponsor and the company detailed how they distributed funds to the participating schools.

“The fans have been having a great time. We’re able to contribute over $45,000 per band, a total of $360,000 this year. So we’re super excited about what we’ve been able to do to support our HBCUs.”

Checks of $200,000 and $120,000 were presented by PepsiCo and each school’s marching band was given  $5000.

According to Local 21 News, not only was it hot in Houston, but the heat struck Pennsylvania as well with two other HBCU marching bands making their season debut at Harrisburg High School.

Cheyney University and Lincoln University from Pennsylvania as well as Wilberforce University from Ohio took the instruments and talent to Harrisburg High School. These three schools have the distinction of being universities the top three oldest HBCUs in the country, with Cheyney being the first to have been established.

HBCU Game Day reported that with Jackson State University’s football season starting, there was a battle between the school’s marching band, Sonic Boom of the South, and the South Carolina State University Marching 101.  However, before the game started, due to the exhaustive heat, the Sonic Boom of the South announced that they would not be performing in full gear but would still take the field.

Band season has started in full swing and we hope to view the many HBCUs showcasing the talented musicians at upcoming games throughout the season!

The Season for Battle of the Bands Has Officially Started

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