By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University’s (JSU) world-renowned Sonic Boom of the South performed alongside artist and headliner Travis Scott for the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The band joined Scott in a fiery display opening the concert with a dynamic orchestra-style rendition of his single “4×4,” on April 12.
Horns and tubas triggered sonic booms in the desert, accompanying popular tracks such as “SICKO MODE,” “FE!N,” and “goosebumps” throughout the concert. The band stood strong against a large-scale wall towering behind Scott with smoke and lights, delivering a symphony of power.
“Anything great is connected to hard work, and it’s something that our students are not unfamiliar with. They’re familiar with working hard and they’ve been doing so in grand style up until this point and I’m very proud of them,” said Roderick Little, Ph.D., director of bands. “Our hope is that opportunities like these will show how important HBCU bands are to the nation and ultimately reach the right people who are ready to be long-term partners and donors of the university, the band program and most importantly, our students.”
In front of thousands, the GRAMMY-nominated artist announced the Boom as the “greatest band,” calling them to the center stage in a spiral formation to enter the final set of the show.
“This is nothing I ever saw myself doing but I am definitely grateful for the opportunity to shine light of HBCU music in a positive way…definitely an amazing experience that allowed both of us to shine in front of people literally as far as the eye could see,” exclaimed Justus Merkerson, a music performance major and one of 26 JSU students who graced the Coachella stage.
Merkerson is a sophomore trumpet player and member of the Sonic Boom of the South with aspirations to become a classical composer and traveling instrumental performer. Since his freshman year at JSU, he has performed with stars such as Usher during the Super Bowl LVIII Apple Music Halftime Show in Las Vegas, and the 136th Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California.
“JSU has prepared me to be more comfortable performing in front of crowds with confidence, from homecomings to the Super Bowl and now this, it really is grooming me for my career in music. I feel more comfortable with the show and even more ready to do the next one.”
The Invitation to the Desert
On Feb. 4, the opportunity was set in motion by Scott with a single tweet on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that ended with the charge: “Show me something,” and that is exactly what the Sonic Boom did.
The award-winning artist petitioned for an HBCU or college band to send videos playing the horn arrangement for his song “4×4,” for a chance to be invited to perform the song with him at the 2025 Coachella festival. Additionally, the artist mentioned that students from the chosen institution may be eligible for scholarships or other support for a college semester.
Jackson State alum, students and fans eagerly began to tag the Sonic Boom of the South under the post, including photos, GIF images and video clips from past performances and notable appearances.
JSU Assistant Band Director and Chief Arranger Kevan Johnson immediately saw an opportunity for the students and began arranging the song.
From there, the Boom swiftly accepted the challenge garnering over 17,000 likes and 860 comments on a Feb. 8, Instagram reel covering Scott’s “4×4” hit single. Days later, on Feb. 12, Scott commented “Nah y’all went crazy,” applauding the band under the video and even reposting it to his account.
“It makes it all worthwhile,” said Little. “Social media is a huge part of their lives, and civilization in general, so I get excited when the students get excited and are recognized for their hard work. Especially by major artists.”
The band received an official invitation in March, and began traveling for rehearsals early April.
As the summa cum laude of bands, the Boom is no stranger to the spotlight. Earlier this year, they spent New Year’s week in Pasadena, California, for the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda. The New Year’s Day event attracted more than 800,000 spectators, who lined the streets and millions tuned in from their living rooms.
They also gained national coverage and the attention of GRAMMY Award-winning artist Tyler, The Creator due to their viral rendition of “Sticky.”
“The Sonic Boom of the South has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, and once again, they showed why they are THEE Standard for artistry and showmanship,” said JSU President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D. “To stand shoulder to shoulder with a global headliner and captivate a Coachella audience reminds the world that HBCU excellence commands attention and does not ask for permission. I am proud of our students for the discipline, preparation and pride they bring to every performance.”
The weekend-long festival features over 100 of the globe’s top artists for a series of concerts in Indio, California, from April 11-13 and April 18-20. Scott’s concert also included appearances from Florida A&M University and Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps.
The April 19 concert can be watched LIVE via the Coachella YouTube channel at approximately 11:40 p.m. Pacific and 1:40 a.m. Central. All past concerts will be available via the YouTube playlist.
Little and JSU thanks Travis Scott and the Cactus Jack team for their generous support and honorarium leading up to this experience.
Sponsorships and donations to JSU’s Sonic Boom of the South can be achieved here. Visit jsums.edu/apply/ to begin setting THEEStandard™ and join the JSU legacy.
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Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu