‘Hoping energy is there’: Students react to homecoming artist

Seniors Khari Graham and Tyshon Grant hosted the artist release event. (Panther photo by Malcom Lewis)

Claflin University’s Student Activities Board hosted an artist release showcase that unveiled the musical lineup for the homecoming concert scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Tullis Arena.

The lineup consists of two headliners, NoCap and Kash Doll, and three student artists: YungPG, DRIP4VRR, and R3tro Riq.

Yayi Dia, a junior, expressed her excitement and expectations for the homecoming concert.

“I love Kash Doll and NoCap is pretty cool; I can sing along to his music,” she said.  “I anticipate really good times and great memories to look back on with my friends."

For the class of 2027, expectations are high for their first homecoming concert.

"I'm excited for all of the homecoming events … the concert, hoping that it's live and I have a good time pretty much, but I'm hoping that the energy is there,” freshman KySenna Rowe said.

The artist release showcase came after a long-anticipated wait. Since the end of spring semester, students have voiced their preferences for homecoming to SAB.

Students completed a poll during the spring detailing their thoughts and wishes for homecoming,  “so we know how to plan the next one,” First Vice President of SAB Kofi Springs said.

“By the crowd’s reaction, I think it [the artist lineup] matches the students’ taste.”

The artist release showcase theme, 1869&Park, was based off of  Black Entertainment Television’s Countdown Music Video show, “106&Park.”

The themed event emulated the 2000s era with performances by Da’Cruw, I.C.E. Cold and Enveux Co.

Springs said the theme “fit right in” with SAB’s Panther Club theme.

“We grew up watching 106&Park on BET. You know that they have all the music and all the performers, so we wanted to do a reveal with the countdown,” he said.