With homecoming steadily approaching, students are anxiously waiting to find out which artists will be performing on the highest of seven hills. Just days from now, students will be gathering in the Will Packer Amphitheater to finally find out who will be performing in the comedy show, gospel and homecoming concerts.
At first, it was alleged that the artist announcement would be made on October 3rd, Florida A&M University’s Founders’ Day. Unfortunately, the announcement was delayed by a week.
Raina Smith, a fourth-year broadcast journalism scholar, like many other students, hopes the announcement will be worth the wait.
“I feel like in the past we’ve typically known by now, I’m hoping that they’re building the suspense because it’s a really good lineup,” Smith said.
In 2023, FAMU took to instagram to announce the homecoming concert artist as early as September. The musical artists that performed that year were Nardo Wick, Mariah the Scientist, Toosii, and Rob49. It was also announced that comedian Chico Bean would perform for the comedy show.
FAMU’s homecoming is regarded as one of the best among HBCUs for a multitude of reasons. Thousands of students and alumni gather to enjoy timeless traditions like the homecoming parade, alumni seminars, and performances.
Students and alumni expect to know what events will be held and who will be performing well in advance. They have to prepare for homecoming by adjusting their schedules and booking appointments for the week of events. Nevertheless, students are still excited and hopeful.
Kevon Smith, a fourth-year broadcast journalism scholar, hopes the university will continue to raise the bar.
“I have very high expectations, experiencing my first homecoming with my brothers and newfound family, I’m excited to get into everything,” Smith said.
In the previous years, FAMU’s homecoming has welcomed well-known artists like Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, and Gucci Mane to the stage. This year, students are hoping the new artists can surpass their expectations.
“If I were to guess, I feel like we might have someone like Gunna, he’s been on a roll lately, and a homecoming with him would be fire,” Smith added.
Many students are hoping to see artists like GloRilla, Rod Wave, and Latto.
Ernest Walker, a fourth-year broadcast journalism scholar, hopes to see more structure in the future homecomings.
“I just don’t like how unorganized things are, it just gives back to the stigma of HBCUs not being organized, and I don’t like when people have that ammo to use against us.” Walker said.
Students are anxious to find out who will be performing. The homecoming release party takes place October 10th.