In 2025, Florida A&M University (FAMU) appointed Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede as the first woman to serve as head drum major of its Marching 100 band. Oloyede is a senior theater major. Her selection marks a first for the university and for Black women in leadership roles in collegiate bands.
FAMU’s Director of Bands, Professor Shelby Chipman, said Oloyede is a strong student and leader. He noted her leadership, involvement in show planning, and ability to motivate others. Chipman said he was proud of her selection.
Before this role, Oloyede was the second woman to serve as a drum major in the Marching 100. The first was Cori Bostic in 2018. Bostic said she was pleased by Oloyede’s appointment and saw it as progress for Black women at FAMU…