The FAMU Marching “100”, long revered as one of the nation’s most dynamic and musically precise collegiate ensembles, took center stage during Saturday afternoon on NBA on Prime TV's pregame show, performing “Victory,” the official theme for this season’s NBA broadcasts.
The performance, which aired ahead of a marquee matchup, showcased the band’s signature blend of intricate drill formations, thunderous percussion, and soaring brass, breathing new life into a composition already steeped in cultural and historical significance.
“Victory” was crafted by an all-Black team of Grammy Award-winning artists: rapper and actor Common (a FAMU alumnus), acclaimed drummer and producer Karriem Riggins, and keyboardist James Poyser. Their collaboration marks the first time in NBA broadcast history that the league’s theme music has been composed entirely by Black musicians, a milestone celebrated by fans and artists alike.
“This isn’t just a song it’s a statement,” said Shelby Chipman, Ph.D, Director of Bands at FAMU. “When our students perform this piece, they aren’t just playing notes. They’re channeling generations of rhythm, pride, and Black excellence.”
The theme itself draws from the rich traditions of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, mirroring the athleticism and narrative drama of professional basketball. With its driving horns and percussive intensity, “Victory” has quickly become synonymous with the energy and spectacle of the NBA on Prime Video.
Bringing the composition to visual and auditory life, the Marching “100” delivered a performance that was both technically masterful and emotionally resonant. Dressed in the university’s iconic orange and green, the band moved in flawless synchronization, their sound filling the arena and spilling through screens across the country.
“To hear our theme interpreted by one of the greatest marching bands in the world — it’s a full-circle moment,” Common said in a statement. “HBCU culture is American culture. This performance honors that truth.”
The appearance continues a growing list of high-profile national performances for the Marching 100 , reflecting a broader recognition of their artistic and cultural impact. For many viewers, the segment served not only as entertainment but as an "moment" highlighting the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in shaping musical innovation.
As one social media user put it: “The Marching 100 didn’t come to play… they came to remind everyone where the bar is set.”
The performance has since gone viral, with clips circulating widely online and drawing praise from sports commentators, music critics, and HBCU advocates alike.
For the students of FAMU, it was another victory in a long legacy of excellence — one note at a time.