JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson State University’s (JSU) Sonic Boom of the South performed alongside headliner Travis Scott for the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

According to officials, 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, 2025.

“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.” 

On February 4, Scott 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. He also mentioned that students from the chosen institution may be eligible for scholarships or other support for a college semester. 

JSU Assistant Band Director and Chief Arranger Kevan Johnson saw an opportunity for the students and began arranging the song. The Boom garnered more than 17,000 likes and 860 comments on a February 8, Instagram reel covering Scott’s “4×4” hit single.

The band received an official invitation in March, and began traveling for rehearsals early April. 

Scott’s Coachella concert also included appearances from Florida A&M University and Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps.