One of the most highly anticipated homecoming events occurred on Thursday night: the homecoming concert. With the lineup announced a few weeks prior, the students and even alums couldn’t wait for this night. At the F.G. Clark Activity Center, DJ Luke Nasty kicked off the night, keeping the crowd energized between sets with a selection of hype songs that had everyone dancing. His choice of tracks set the perfect tone for the stellar lineup ahead. He expertly maintained the high energy from the very start, spinning crowd favorites that kept everyone on their feet and excited for what was to come.
The first major act of the night, Big Boogie, stormed the stage with an explosive performance. He performed hits like “Pop Out,” “Ova Wit,” and “Juice,” turning the atmosphere up to an exhilarating level. Just when the crowd thought it couldn’t get better, Boogie surprised everyone by inviting Fredo Bang to the stage to perform one of his top hits. The arena erupted with excitement as the two artists delivered a high-energy collaboration that will be talked about for a long time.
Next came Jeremih, who infused a rich R&B flavor into the evening. As soon as he began singing “Planez,” the crowd went wild. He seamlessly transitioned through his hits like “Oui,” “Hold You Down,” “Down On Me,” and “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” showcasing his smooth vocals and undeniable stage presence. Jeremih was very interactive with the audience, asking if they wanted to hear old music or new music, and, of course, everyone shouted for the old tracks. His set provided the perfect balance between upbeat and chill, allowing the crowd to catch their breath while staying fully engaged. He surprised the audience further by playing piano and singing acapella during “Birthday Sex,” displaying his sultry R&B vocals. Jeremih ended his performance on a high note with “Love Don’t Change,” as the arena darkened and the crowd raised their camera lights in the air.
“Jeremih really delivered a fantastic performance. I honestly forgot how many of his songs I knew, but I loved every moment. He was a great choice as this year’s R&B artist for the concert,” said Kamryn Miller, a junior at Southern University.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—GloRilla took the stage as the headliner. From the first beat, she had the crowd jumping, starting with her hit song “Blessed.” She proudly represented Southern by wearing a Southern bomber jacket during her performance. GloRilla didn’t just perform; she electrified the audience. Her energy, along with that of her dancers, showcased her talent and enthusiasm as a performer. GloRilla delivered hits like “TGIF,” “Wanna Be,” “Tomorrow 2,” and “Yeah Glo.” She also shared songs from her brand-new album, “GLORIOUS,” performing new tracks like “Holla” and “How I Look,” which had the audience singing along to every word.
Adding to the excitement, GloRilla brought Big Boogie back on stage, and together, they performed their song “BOP,” even doing the famous TikTok dance. “Y’all brought real energy,” GloRilla exclaimed as the crowd roared. “Keep going strong, don’t stop, and don’t get too comfortable; go the hardest… I love y’all!”
For Andrew Jackson, a senior at Southern University, the night hit all the right notes. “GloRilla’s performance was everything I hoped for. When she did ‘TGIF,’ the whole place was lit. She was one of my favorite headliners to perform at Southern for homecoming.”
This year’s homecoming concert was not just a night of great music but an unforgettable experience. With surprise guest appearances, a perfect blend of R&B and hip-hop, and some of the most hyped performances of the year, the concert at the F.G. Clark Activity Center will go down as one of the most talked-about events in Southern’s history.
