Showstopping HBCU Marching Band Performs With Usher At Super Bowl LVIII

The Sonic Boom of the South was heard loud and clear when the Jackson State University band appeared with Grammy-winning R&B superstar Usher

The Sonic Boom of the South was heard loud and clear at Allegiant Stadium as the showstopping band from Jackson State University (JSU) made a special appearance with Grammy-winning R&B superstar Usher during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show on Feb. 11.

Sharply suited in black uniforms with crisp white lapels and splashes of their signature blue, the Sonic Boom took command of the field in Las Vegas at the nation’s most-watched football game, with early rating projections at roughly 100 million viewers—placing a huge spotlight not only on the school but on the unique showmanship of marching bands from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

JSU Director of Bands Dr. Roderick Little said it felt “surreal.”

“It’s not every day you are invited to participate in such a monumental moment. The reality of the situation did not hit us until we began rehearsals in Vegas,” Dr. Little said. “I cannot think of anything more exciting or rewarding than walking onto the field, hearing the roar of the Super Bowl crowd, and immersing ourselves in the spirit that Usher brought to his performance.”

JSU has alumni in the entertainment industry who champion the band for appearances. JSU says alum Cortez Bryant and his friend Jesse Collins, executive producer of the halftime show, had a convo about the show, which has been executive produced by Roc Nation for the past five years.

“He hit me and asked if I knew of any HBCU bands. Of course, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom is the best band in the land. Without a doubt, they were going to receive my recommendation,” said Bryant, also a Sonic Boom alum and Co-CEO of Blueprint Group/Maverick.

JSU President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson said he is “extremely proud of our student’s performance” with Usher, noting it shines a national light on the Mississippi HBCU’s reputation as a global research institution where students excel in and out of the classroom; on and off the field.

“When you realize that these student artists hail from various parts of the country and are studying a variety of majors, including biology, political science, and communications, you can appreciate the level of hard work and perseverance that went into this show,” Dr. Thompson said. “Special thanks to Roc Nation and the NFL for making this historic moment possible.”

Up Next for the Boom: Touring with Drake and The Rose Parade

The Sonic Boom is proving they aren’t new to this, but true to this, having performed many football halftime appearances for teams including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as a television special for Motown’s 30th Anniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards, with a special guest performance by comedian Cedric the Entertainer. JSU notes the band is a favored entry in halftime performances during football season and for parades throughout Mississippi and the nation.

That favor continues to pour over, as just last week JSU announced that an alumni ensemble of The Sonic Boom is currently touring and performing with rap icons Drake and J.Cole for their It’s All a Blur…Big as the What? tour through mid-April. Additionally, the Sonic Boom of the South and the Prancing J-Settes have been invited to participate in the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda on Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, California.

JSU has launched its “Thee Road to Roses” fundraising campaign to invite alumni, friends, and supporters to help the students perform on yet another national stage.