Photo by Geoff Weiss
Blackness is expressed through so many forms. The biggest outlet used to express is YouTube. On October 17th, Howard University got the chance to experience YouTube Black Fanfest. It was hosted by YouTuber TPindell. Here are some of the best moments (Click each header to watch each performance):
Howard University “Showtime” Marching Band
YouTube Black Fanfest opened up with a familiar act, Howard’s own “Showtime” Marching Band. The band performed their well-known stand tunes including “Get Up” and “Neck.”
Photo by Geoff Weiss
The two sisters, Ivana and Jess, performed two songs: “Spirit Conversation” and “Touch the Floor”. After years of watching their covers, it feels good to see them perform their own music on stage.
Photo by Geoff Weiss
Dormtainment did sketch comedy on stage dedicated to fraternities joined by some of the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on the stage. After the sketch, they came back for a quick Q&A. Yes, ladies, they are all single and go get them.
Spoken Reasons opened his spoken word piece with singing. His first piece was dedicated to the black women stuck in toxic relationships and how it’s hard to leave. For his final piece, he spoke to the people on black lives and how the justice system doesn’t care. He calls out white supremacy, people who use “All Lives Matters”, Obama, Trump, non-whites, and the Clintons in one piece.
We know Tré Melvin with singing, poetry, and comedy. His content was very different than what we see from his videos. He performed a spoken word called “Fools” and a song called “Tornados” with ballet dancers. After his performance, he announced he is doing an album soon.
Summerella performed “Pull Up”, and her cover of Bodak Yellow called “BODAKRELLA”. While performing, she did some goofy dancing. After her performance, she announced that she will release an EP after Thanksgiving.
The final performer of the night was Daniel Caesar. He performed “Japanese Denim”, “Best Part”, “Take Me Away”, and “Get You”.
In conclusion, I thank YouTube for allowing black creators to express themselves on the Cramton Stage. We got to see the best of the best and hang out with them at the end. Even though security rushed us out, it was a great experience. Once again, I thank YouTube for such an amazing event.