MICHAEL: HBCU Marching Bands Celebrate the Music and Legacy of Michael Jackson
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Three HBCU Marching Bands Unite to Celebrate the Artistry and Impact of Michael Jackson
Three of the country’s most celebrated HBCU marching bands are coming together to honor the music and legacy of Michael Jackson. As part of Lionsgate’s celebration leading up to the release of Michael on April 24, students from Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, and Southern University are showcasing what makes their music traditions so powerful.
The celebration, called MICHAEL CELEBRATES: Legacy, Artistry, Culture, highlights the long connection between historically Black colleges and universities and Jackson’s influence on music and performance. Each school created its own version of Jackson’s hit “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” sharing the performances online through the film’s official social channels.
Over several days of posts on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook, audiences have seen these bands bring their own distinct styles to the classic song. Florida A&M’s Marching 100, Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South, and Southern University’s Human Jukebox each combine precision, rhythm, and school spirit in performances that reflect their deep cultural roots and traditions.
Fans around the world are now invited to join in by posting their own performances of “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.” Anyone can take part by sharing their videos on social media using the hashtags #MichaelLegacy and #MichaelMovie.
Briana McElroy, head of digital marketing for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said the collaboration means more than a marketing moment. “For Michael’s fans everywhere, his legacy of performance and artistry is enduring. That legacy lives powerfully within HBCU communities, where music, movement, and excellence have long been expressions of culture, pride, and identity,” she said. “This initiative is deeply personal to me. I grew up listening to these bands, who represent Black excellence, community, and creativity. Partnering with these HBCUs is about honoring that legacy while creating space for the next generation to lead, perform, and inspire.”
HBCUs have long been known as centers of creativity and leadership in music, and their marching bands are often at the center of that tradition. Their performances are not just entertainment; they’re expressions of history, education, and cultural pride. Through this collaboration, Lionsgate and Universal aim to celebrate that connection while shining a light on the communities that continue to keep Michael Jackson’s influence alive.
Michael will be released in theaters on April 24 by Lionsgate in the United States and by Universal Pictures internationally. In Japan, the film will be released by Kino Films in association with Lionsgate.
Michael tells the story of one of the most influential artists of all time, exploring both his public persona and private life. The film traces Jackson’s journey from his beginnings in the Jackson Five to his evolution into a groundbreaking solo artist. Viewers will see some of his early performances and pivotal moments that shaped his career and personal story.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, with Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. The producers include Graham King, John Branca, and John McClain. The film is rated PG-13 for thematic material, language, and smoking.
You can watch the HBCU performances and join the conversation by following the film’s official pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Lionsgate, a leading global content company listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol LION, continues to produce and distribute motion pictures, television, and digital content across the world. The studio holds a library of more than 20,000 titles and manages several acclaimed brands and franchises through its bold, creative-driven approach.
Michael opens only in theaters and IMAX on April 24, 2026.