The highly anticipated lineup for the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) has been officially announced. It promises a spectacular showcase of musical excellence and HBCU pride at SoFi Stadium on February 1, 2025.
This year’s event marks HBOB’s first-ever West Coast appearance and will be hosted by multi-talented entertainer Nick Cannon, adding star power to an already electric atmosphere.
The six HBCU marching bands selected to perform at the Invitational Showcase are:
- Alabama A&M University – Marching Maroon and White Band
- Alabama State University – Mighty Marching Hornets
- Hampton University – The Marching Force
- North Carolina A&T – Blue and Gold Marching Machine
- Southern University – Human Jukebox Marching Band
- University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
These bands, renowned for their musicianship, showmanship, and rich traditions, were chosen through a revamped selection process. This year, the Honda Legacy Council initially selected North Carolina A&T and Southern University, who then each challenged another HBCU band to join them.
The final two spots were determined by public voting, with Hampton University and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff earning their place after a nationwide fan campaign.
In addition to the stellar band performances, the 2025 HBOB will feature a headline performance by GRAMMY-nominated artist GloRilla, ensuring the event will be as memorable for its entertainment as for its celebration of HBCU culture.
The event will also continue its tradition of supporting education. Honda provides institutional grants to each participating school’s music program and awards Legacy Grants to all 52 bands that entered the selection process.
Jasmine Cockfield, project leader for HBOB at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., expressed excitement for the upcoming event: “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.”
