The FAMU Marching 100, led by head drum major Oluwamodupe "Dupe" Oloyede, performs a high-energy tribute to Michael Jackson’s "Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough" as part of the 2026 MICHAEL X HBCU series.
Decked Out Originals (MJ Archive)

The Drumbeat Begins: Michael Jackson Biopic Teams with HBCU Marching Bands

Today, Lionsgate officially launched the “MICHAEL X HBCU” series, a high-octane celebration of Michael Jackson’s legacy through the lens of Black collegiate excellence. The debut installment features the legendary FAMU Marching 100 reimagining Michael Jackson’s 1979 classic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” with the technical precision and soul that has made the Florida A&M program a global standard for marching bands.

But that’s not all, either. There’s apparently more on the way.

RELATED: Beyond the Smooth Criminal: A Personal Journey Through Michael Jackson’s ‘Moonwalker’

The Strategic Alignment

This isn’t just a movie promo; it’s a masterclass in cultural architecture. By launching during Black History Month, Lionsgate is grounding the April 24 biopic in the very institutions that have preserved Jackson’s performance DNA for decades.

For Michael’s fans everywhere, his legacy of performance and artistry is enduring,” says Briana McElroy, Head of Digital Marketing for Lionsgate. “Partnering with these HBCUs honors that legacy while creating space for the next generation to lead, perform and inspire.

Breaking Barriers: The FAMU Perspective

The performance was led by Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, the first female head drum major in the 78-year history of the Marching 100. Her presence at the front of the formation mirrors the theme of the series: reimagining what performance looks like. Oloyede said in a statement:

Michael was often the first to reimagine what performance could look like and who could lead it. In stepping into this role, I’m reminded that progress requires courage. As student leaders at an HBCU, we are empowered to challenge limits, innovate boldly and carry our culture forward

Adds Dr. Marva B. Johnson, President of FAMU:

At FAMU, excellence is not a goal. It is our tradition. Michael Jackson transformed culture, broke barriers and demanded a standard of artistry the world had never seen. That spirit lives in every step our Marching 100 takes on the field. We don’t just honor legacies—we produce them.

Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands at FAMU, expanded:

Michael Jackson elevated entertainment through originality and discipline—the same standard the Marching 100 has upheld for decades. This tribute honors a creative genius whose impact parallels the excellence rooted in HBCU traditions.

The Technical Breakdown

  • Sonic Engineering: The Marching 100’s arrangement translates Jackson’s disco-era strings into a massive brass wall, proving that the “King of Pop” translates perfectly to the grit of the gridiron.
  • The Series: This is only Part One. Expect Lionsgate to roll out similar collaborations with other “Big Three” HBCU bands as we approach the April release date.

The ‘Decked Out’ Take

This is how you market a legacy—not with commercials, but with culture. By aligning the $150M+ biopic with the raw energy of the Marching 100, the MICHAEL estate is ensuring the film feels less like a museum piece and more like a living, breathing movement.

RELATED: MJ The Musical: A 4-Year Retrospective on the King of Pop’s Broadway Legacy

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.

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