Behind “Hallelujah at Howard University”
As part of the release of his solo album DAWN OF A MISFIT, Sony Masterworks artist Kevin Olusola partnered with Howard University for a standout and deeply personal collaboration. Wanting to connect with students who shared his background and experiences, the Pentatonix singer hosted a “Lunch & Learn” session where he spoke candidly about his journey in the music industry. The partnership expanded into a special performance, with Kevin recording “Hallelujah at Howard University” alongside Howard’s renowned Showtime marching band and concert chorale — later featured on the deluxe edition of his album.
To authentically tell the story behind this collaboration, I conducted interviews with both Kevin and Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Their insights shaped an editorial article I wrote for the Sony Music website, capturing the cultural and emotional significance of the moment.
For added amplification, I created a short-form social reel using behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, guiding audiences to the full article to explore the story in greater depth.
This project highlighted a powerful collaboration between a major recording artist and the next generation of Black creatives, reinforcing the importance of representation, access, and community within the music industry. It also helped open the door for future artist partnerships with universities, creating meaningful, hands-on creative opportunities that celebrate and shape culture.