|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Nick Cannon Named as Host
Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, has announced the full lineup of participating schools to perform in the first-ever West Coast show on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Nick Cannon will serve as the celebrity host.
HBOB fans have made their voices heard, casting votes online to select the final two bands to perform at the live event: Hampton University and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. The full HBOB 2025 lineup 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
Honda will provide an institutional grant to each of the six schools for their respective music education programs and support the bands’ travel expenses to the Invitational Showcase in Inglewood. All 52 bands that participated in the voting process will also be awarded an HBOB Legacy Grant from Honda.
“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.”
Honda has supported HBCUs for over 35 years, recognizing their critical role in providing higher education and opportunities for advancement to the Black community. This support includes scholarships, programming, and initiatives that celebrate the dreams and potential of HBCU students, helping shape them into future leaders. Through HBOB and the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Honda has awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements, impacting the lives of more than 300,000 students.
Nick Cannon to Serve as HBOB Celebrity Host
The host for the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands will be multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon. Among his many film and TV credits, Cannon starred in the classic 2002 film “Drumline,” that elevated public awareness and enthusiasm about the ingenuity and creativity that is synonymous with HBCU marching bands and dance troupe culture.
“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,” said Cannon. “Hosting HBOB’s first-ever West Coast show is an honor. We’re going to create unforgettable moments together.”
New Band Selection Process for 2025 Event
In addition to hosting its first-ever West Coast showcase, HBOB also reimagined its approach to the band selection process. In July, the Honda Legacy Council selected North Carolina A&T University and Southern University to perform at HBOB 2025. From there, each university issued a challenge to one other eligible HBCU marching band to perform at the upcoming live event, with North Carolina A&T University challenging Alabama A&M University, and Southern University challenging Alabama State University.
Honda launched a public voting phase on July 16 and invited fans to help determine the final two bands in the lineup. Fans could vote for their favorite band once per day through August 15. The two bands receiving the highest number of votes from a roster of 52 eligible schools were awarded the final two spots in the HBOB 2025 lineup.
Tickets & Additional Event Information
Tickets for HBOB 2025 are on sale now at www.hondabattleofthebands.com. In addition to the Invitational Showcase, Honda is collaborating with National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) to host NCRF’s annual Black College Expo™. The Black College Expo will be held at SoFi Stadium prior to HBOB on Saturday, February 1, and features over 200 colleges, including HBCUs and other private and public colleges, with over $10 million available in scholarships. Students will have the opportunity to be accepted on the spot to select colleges and HBCUs. More details are available at www.blackcollegeexpo.com.
“We are so excited to partner with Honda Battle of the Bands, changing lives by providing access and opportunities to higher education,” said NCRF founder and CEO Dr. Theresa Price. “It is heartwarming to work with an organization that shares the same vision as NCRF.”
For the latest HBOB news, including exclusive content, follow along on social media and join the conversation using #HBOB on Instagram (@the_honda / Instagram.com/the_honda), Facebook (Facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands), and X (@The_Honda / Twitter.com/The_Honda)
