On Christmas Day, Houston native Beyoncé preformed at the halftime show for the Texans and Baltimore Ravens game. Although, the Texans lost by 28 points, many Houstonians only showed up to the game to see Beyoncé. During her performance, she was accompanied by the Texas Southern University Band, “The Ocean of Soul” and their dancers “Motion of the Ocean.” Many fans called the game that day the “Beyoncé Bowl.” The halftime show was amazing and has reached 1.2 million views in one day on the NFL’s YouTube channel. According to Forbes, the “Beyonce Bowl” attracted 27 million viewers.
Texas Southern University (TSU) sits in the heart of 3rd Ward, a historic neighborhood in Houston. The university was founded in 1927 and is the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Houston. Beyoncé is known for making it known that 3rd ward is major part of who she is, referencing herself as “Ms. 3rd Ward” in her Grammy Award winning song “Pretty Hurts.” Beyoncé also founded “Parkwood Entertainment” which is a management, production, entertainment company and record label. Parkwood is a street name in the 3rd Ward community, where Beyoncé grew up.
In 2018, Beyoncé preformed at Coachella, a music festival that was held in Indio, California. Beyoncé’s entire performance was dedicated to honoring HBCU’s, Black college culture and traditions. The Ocean of Soul marching band and the Motion of the Ocean dancers are a huge part of TSU’s pride. Their high-energy award-winning performances have made them famous across the country. The band has almost 200 members, and they have preformed with other Houston natives such as Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce’s younger sister Solange.
Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter” was released earlier this year in March, she received 11 Grammy nominations including Album of the Year and Best Country Album. This album was the third most nominated album in Grammy History. This was Beyonce’s first country album; the halftime show was the first time songs off of this album were performed live.
TSU’s Band Director Brian Simmons told Fox 26 News in an interview, “our band was hired for a reason, it’s a standard of excellence that we have, a standard of professionalism that we have, that we always show up with, getting these types of gigs we know what comes with that, we keep everything close to heart.”
The 3rd Ward community does not always receive positive highlights in the news. This collaboration between Beyoncé and TSU showcased talent, culture, and created history and that’s what makes the community special. 3rd Ward is more than it’s struggles; Beyoncé and TSU proved that when roots are celebrated something unforgettable can happen.
[Photo: Instagram]
