Battle to end all Battles: The 2021 Battle of the Bands

The Bayou Classic is rooted far deeper than just a game. It is one of the largest black gatherings of people from all over, not just Southern and Grambling, coming together for a fun filled weekend. Being that this is the first year back in New Orleans following the initial COVID surge seen last year, it was a huge deal for the state of Louisiana. All the hype is definitely worth it and a must experience cultural event.
The chanting, the bright lights, the beat of the drum, the soulful sounds of the band, the sparkle from the dolls all returned on this Friday night. After two long anticipated years, the Jukebox is back in the annual Battle of the Bands in the Superdome. On Friday, November 26, 2021, the 48th annual Battle of the Bands took place and of course, The Southern University Human JukeBox brought home the win.
Both the Jukebox and Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band played five rounds each with each round growing more exciting than the next. Fans of all ages were able to enjoy and participate in the show.
The bands both collectively played a mix of new and old school jams. Sophomore, Rondreka Zenon had never experienced anything like this before. “I love hearing the bands play at halftime, but this was different than a halftime show. It was like a triple halftime show. The dolls were beautiful and of course the best band in the land did what they had to do.”
Freshman, Tyran Williams, played in his first Bayou Classic. “Playing in my first classic was a crazy experience I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world… Marching out and doing the Funk Train was one of the best feelings in the world.” Becoming an official band member is one of the biggest accomplishments one can achieve as a member of the Human Jukebox.
For many people, this was their first time ever attending the Bayou Classic. Freshman, Kailey Glass said, “I have always dreamed of this moment. I knew the day I decided to attend The Southern University, I had to attend the Bayou Classic. Hearing our band play was so exciting. Seeing the crowd cheer and sing along to the music made me feel amazing. Both bands were amazing, but we already know Southern has the best band in the land.”
The Jukebox had an eventful week as they started off by playing at Halftime for the New Orleans Saints vs. The Buffalo Bills game. The band is full of excitement and surprises, so stay on the lookout for more upcoming events to hear more of Southern University’s Band.