In this Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 photo, Alabama A&M University Marching Band members take a knee at the 16th annual Honda Battle of Bands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. No matter the event, HBCU bands are the reason people stay near their seats during halftime football games instead of going to the concession stands. Their show-stopping performances have made an imprint on pop culture, music and film. (AP Photo/Jonathan Landrum Jr.)
The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) made its West Coast debut on Feb. 1, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, bringing the spirit, pride, and musical excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Los Angeles for the first time–ever. This highly anticipated event kicked off Black History Month in grand fashion, showcasing the talent and resilience of six outstanding marching bands from HBCUs across the nation.
For nearly two decades, Honda has sponsored HBCU culture through HBOB. This year’s event was major–there were over 60,000 attendees in the stadium. Schools that participated included Alabama A&M University’s Marching Maroon and White Band, Alabama State University’s Mighty Marching Hornets, Hampton University’s The Marching Force, North Carolina A&T University’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine, Southern University’s Human Jukebox Marching Band, and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South.
The showcase began with a unified performance of the Black National Anthem and The Star-Spangled Banner, as the bands spelled out “HBCU” on the field—a powerful symbol of unity and pride. Each band then took turns dazzling the crowd with their precision and passion, performing intricate drumline sequences and soulful musical arrangements that had the audience on their feet. The performances were filled with electrifying energy, with highlights including UAPB’s medley of Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross hits and the Human Jukebox’s tribute to Stevie Wonder, Vibe reported.
Nick Cannon, who hosted the event, spoke about the deep cultural significance of HBCU band performances. He recalled how HBCU bands bring a unique spirit, mixing tradition with innovation and emotion. Cannon, along with other special guests like Cedric The Entertainer and GloRilla, helped to elevate the experience, with GloRilla closing the night with a high-energy performance, Black Enterprise reported.
In addition to celebrating music and culture, Honda emphasized community support, with the event contributing to relief efforts for those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Honda also facilitated a college and career fair, connecting students with opportunities and providing over $10 million in scholarships.
