Bayou Classic takes off: HBCU fans crowd the Crescent City

The 43rd annual Bayou Classic had no shortage of entertainment during Thanksgiving weekend as the Battle of the Bands, Greekshow and Fanfest entertained Jags and Tigers alike.
The “Human Jukebox” and The World Famed marching bands went head to head with one another Friday night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as a part of the 2016 Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands.
Fans and spectators packed the dome in anticipation of both bands using their instruments to grace their ears with listening pleasure.
Positioned on the left side of the stage, under a gold spotlight, the Grambling Tigers performed popular hits such as “No Problem” by Chance the Rapper, “Earned it” by The weekend and “All the Way Up” by Fat Joe.
On the opposite side of the stage, the Human Jukebox performed for an audience under the rays of a royal blue spotlight.
The band performed with live singer, Christina Rogers, while she crooned soulful ballads of “When the Saints Go to Worship”.
The band also produced popular hits like “Sex With Me” by Rihanna and “Got My Whiskey” by Mel Waiters.
The Jukebox respectfully ended the performance with the New Orleans classic, “Do What You Wanna”.
Pre-nursing major and Freshman, Nazsha Demoulin, from Baton Rouge spoke of how she enjoyed the musical battle of the cats.
“I liked the support from the crowd when it was time for their school to play,” said Demoulin.
Before the crowd began to groove in the stands, fans participated in the 2016 Bayou Classic Greek Show.
Sororities and fraternities from both SU and GSU competed in the step show.
Fans were encouraged to download the Bayou Classic app in order to vote for their fan favorite.
Southern University’s Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was crowned the winner of the fraternity segment and the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was crowned the winners of the sororities.
Both Greek organizations left the Superdome with three thousand dollars each.
Presented by Cox Communications and iHeart Media, the Bayou Classic Fan Fest was held in Champions Square, located outside of the Mercedes- Benz Superdome Saturday morning.
The event featured sponsors from Q93.3, Cracker Barrel, Jack Daniels, Coca Cola and Metro PCS.
In addition to scoring free t-shirts, drinks and bags, fans in attendance were also given a free concert featuring performances ranging from local artists, up and coming talents and established musicians.
King Bronze, a New Orleans native and former Southern University student was the first to take the stage.
Bronze described his music as being a mix of Hip Hop, Jazz and realness.
“It’s real. I’m not speaking about anything I haven’t been through or seen with my own eyes,” said Bronze.
“Everything that I talk about in my music is something I’ve experienced before.”
Bronze performed 3 songs for the crowd of hundreds including his single, “Dreams” currently being played on Q93.
Bronze also stated that the main thing he wanted the audience to take away from his music was that no matter what, to keep elevating.
Rapper Tweeday, who performed his hit single, “Bust That”, stated he was excited to be in New Orleans for Bayou Classic weekend.
“This my first time performing for something big like this outside my region,” said Tweeday.
“Im actually working on a mixtape and EP that’s untitled, ”the rapper continued.
Tweeday also stated that his advice to anyone aspiring to become a success is to never stop or give up on your dreams.
The concert wrapped up with performances from Young M.A., Dee-1, Master P, Lil Rome, Cymphonique Miller and “Cut it” rapper, O.T. Genasis.