When the Sonic Boom of the South hit the field at the HBCU Legacy Bowl, it felt bigger than a halftime show. It felt… cinematic. Three days later, the speculation has turned into confirmation. Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South is officially part of Lionsgate’s “MICHAEL CELEBRATES: Legacy, Artistry, Culture” campaign. The HBCU marching band initiative is promoting the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic MICHAEL.
But the path to that confirmation tells the real story.
The Halftime Tribute That Sparked the Rumors
On February 21, during halftime of the 2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl, the Sonic Boom delivered a full Michael Jackson medley that blended “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Liberian Girl,” “Jam,” and “Leave Me Alone” into one tightly choreographed showcase.
The precision stood out immediately. The staging felt deliberate. The MJ-inspired visuals were layered throughout the performance. And perhaps most notably, the timing aligned almost perfectly with the growing promotional push behind the MICHAEL biopic.
It didn’t feel random…