Behind “Hallelujah at Howard University”: Elevating Sound Through Culture and Creativity

Last week, in celebration of Black Music Month, Kevin Olusola, the Sony Music Masterworks artist best known for his work with a cappella group Pentatonix, unveiled his musical collaboration with Howard University: “Hallelujah at Howard University.” The track is included in the deluxe edition of his acclaimed solo album, DAWN OF A MISFIT DELUXE.  

The accompanying music video—filmed on the campus football field—features Howard’s “Showtime” marching band and concert chorale. It was brought to life by the university’s graduate students under the direction of Emmy-winning Associate Film Professor Jami Ramberan. 

Earlier this year, Kevin also connected with Howard’s music students during a special “Listen and Learn” session, where he shared personal insights and lessons from his journey through the music industry. 

Now, Kevin is joined by Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean for Administration at Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, for a conversation with us to reflect and share their thoughts on the collaboration—from the inspiration behind the project to the impact it had on the students involved. 

Kevin, why did you decide to collaborate with Howard University on this project?

When I was making my album, I always knew I wanted students who looked like me to be involved in some way—so when I had the opportunity to speak to music students at Howard, it immediately felt right to continue my creative collaboration with them.

I immediately felt “at home” when I stepped on the Yard. There was a welcoming feeling from the staff, faculty, and students that I’ll never forget. At the “Listen and Learn” session, we discussed a plethora of topics that opened up real-life and honest conversations. It became a genuine moment of exchange that left me wanting to give back more. I knew then that I wanted to continue to build with Howard.  

Asst. Dean Saunders, for Kevin to say he felt “at home” on Howard’s campus, what does that mean to you? 

When Kevin said he felt at home, it’s because he was at home. He stood on the grounds of our ancestors, surrounded by the legacy and spirits of those who have traveled through and given back to Howard University. That feeling of home is something you experience the moment you step foot on our campus. So, Kevin was home, and we welcomed him with open arms. 

Kevin, what did you enjoy most when working with Howard’s “Showtime” marching band and concert chorale? 

Being in the studio. When I say it was Black excellence on TEN—it was wild! There’s something so humbling about watching the students immediately take direction and emote it and bring the music to life—it touched me.  

At one point, they shared one of their original chants with me, and I remember thinking, “I can’t believe I get to be in this moment, with this kind of talent.” That’s the exact energy I felt when I made the song, and they matched it perfectly. 

This whole collaboration is what happens when classical music meets culture—it’s that intersection, that juxtaposition that created a celebration of joy. For me, it was the personification of Black Boy Joy.

Asst. Dean Saunders, how did the experience of recording “Hallelujah at Howard University” allow the students to stretch creatively and experiment with their talent? 

I wasn’t in the recording studio that day, but from what I heard, the experience really allowed our students to apply what they’ve learned and make it their own. 

When you’re in school, you’re studying at a certain level. When you’re able to take what you’ve learned and use it in a way that speaks to who you are, you level up creatively. You begin to discover what it is about the sound, the way you played, the intention, etc. 

And this experience was a wonderful example of that—an opportunity for them to really dive into their craft and apply what they’ve learned in real time. 

Kevin, how did working with the Howard community recharge or inspire you creatively and personally? 

Personally, it inspired me to think more about how I can continue to pour into the next generation, and being with the Howard community reminded me that I’m on the right path. I don’t want this to be a one-time moment—I want to come back, reinvest, and find ways to keep building up our youth, our communities, and more. Their energy lit a fire in me to keep showing up for our culture, our stories, and our future. 

Asst. Dean Saunders, what role do you believe HBCUs play in shaping the future of the music industry, especially through collaborations like this? 

On an international level, we’ve noticed a trend with artists recreating their songs with that HBCU sound and influence, particularly with the marching band style. 

Through time, HBCU bands have been able to take music and shed light on different messages around hope, joy, struggle, resistance, and celebration. It has allowed us to provide a voice for the voiceless and has given young people a creative way to express themselves. 

It’s one thing to record a song, but it’s another to record music that has a message. Kevin’s music has a message. So, this collaboration with Sony Music has allowed us to shine a new light successfully and intentionally through mind, body, and spirit.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaMsjYLEgQ