Honda Battle of the Bands is coming to Los Angeles and Nick Cannon will serve as the celebrity host.
The full lineup of HBCU bands set to perform includes:
Alabama A&M University – Marching Maroon and White Band
Alabama State University – Mighty Marching Hornets
Hampton University – The Marching Force
North Carolina A&T University – Blue and Gold Marching Machine
Southern University – Human Jukebox Marching Band
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
Each university then challenged another eligible HBCU marching band to perform at the upcoming live event. North Carolina A&T University challenged Alabama A&M University, while Southern University challenged Alabama State University.
On July 16, Honda launched a public voting phase, inviting fans from 52 schools to help select the final two bands for the lineup. Hampton University and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff were chosen to battle it out as the community selected the live show.
“Oh, and you know I’m getting in on the action,” Cannon says in the ad.
Cannon expressed his excitement about hosting the first-ever HBOB on the West Coast.
“Honda Battle of the Bands has been a cherished celebration for fans of HBCU marching bands, resonating deeply with generations who hold Black culture close to their hearts,” the Wild ‘n Out star said.
“Hosting HBOB’s first-ever West Coast show is an honor. We’re going to create unforgettable moments together.”
As part of HBOB, Honda will provide an institutional grant to each of the six schools participating to support their music education programs and cover the bands’ travel expenses for the Invitational Showcase in Los Angeles. Aiming to support bands for HBOB, Honda is paying it forward by issuing an HBOB Legacy Grant to the 52 bands that participated in the voting process.
“Honda is thrilled to continue our longstanding support of the HBCU community through HBOB, which is a core part of our Drive the Legacy initiative,” said Jasmine Cockfield, the project leader for Honda Battle of the Bands at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We congratulate each of this year’s participating HBCU bands and are confident that they will put on a memorable show for HBOB fans that promises to be a showcase for the ages.”
Source: Black Enterprise
