In a monumental celebration of HBCUS, two of the most iconic HBCU marching bands—the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South and Florida A&M University’s Marching 100—lit up the Coachella stage Sunday night alongside global hip-hop star Travis Scott.
The performance marked a historic moment not only for HBCU culture but for Coachella itself, as Scott brought the soulful, brass-heavy energy of the South to one of the world’s most influential music festivals.
The collaboration was the result of a creative invitation Scott extended earlier this year when he called on HBCU bands to submit horn arrangements for his hit track “4×4,” promising the winner a spot at Coachella—and even teasing tuition coverage for participants.
Jackson State’s Sonic Boom blew up Instagram with a rendition of “4×4,” racking up over 2 million views and earning praise directly from Scott, who commented, “Nah y’all went crazy.” Not to be outdone, FAMU’s Marching 100 delivered an arrangement that further cemented their legacy as one of the most elite college bands in the country.
Their Coachella debut was a fusion of Travis Scott’s high-intensity visuals and trap-infused sound with the vibrant, rhythmic tradition of HBCU bands. The performance wasn’t just a feature—it was a statement: Black excellence, legacy, and artistry belong on the biggest stages.
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This isn’t the first national spotlight for either band. Jackson State’s Sonic Boom recently made waves at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show with Usher, while FAMU’s Marching 100 wowed audiences at LeBron James and Nike’s Chosen-1’s Invitational earlier this year.
