There is no sound more synonymous with Mardi Gras than the Southern University Human Jukebox. The brass-blaring, drum-banging marching band from Baton Rouge delivered an eargasmic cover of ‘Man I Need‘ by Olivia Dean at Oshun.
I cannot get it out of my head!
Not only is the song what it is, Dr. Kedric Taylor and his staff nailed the arrangement. The song of the year might sound even better when performed by a marching band!
The Human Jukebox is the band of the year.
If you are somehow not familiar with the Human Jukebox from Southern University, let this be your baptism. There may not be a more prestigious marching band in the United States.
Known for its high-profile performances, the Jukebox has performed at five different super bowls and three presidential inaugurations. It is consistently ranked among the top HBCU Division I band in the nation and most recently won ESPN’s Band of the Year at the national championship in December.
Founded in 1947, the Jukebox prides itself on a powerful, high-volume sound with soulful arrangements and entertaining showmanship. I am always most impressed by its extensive song catalog.
Some of my favorite covers in the recent past include ‘Industry Baby’ by Lil Nas X, ‘NC-17’ by Travis Scott, ‘Tweaker’ by LiAngelo Ball and ‘Hello’ by Adele but there is no limit to what they play!
If you ever have the opportunity to hear the Human Jukebox perform live, take it. That is especially true at Mardi Gras. Don’t get me wrong— throws are fun, but I much prefer to grab a Hurricane and let the melodic sounds of the bands wash over my soul. They are my favorite part of the parades.
This year was not the exception. I am not in NOLA (sad) but I can listen (watch?) from a distance.
Southern, St. Augustine, St. Mary’s, Edna Kerr, Kennedy, McDonough, Young Audiences, and Alicia Harte performed at the Krewe of Oshun. They all have their own distinct sound. They all sound great.
Of course, it was the Jukebox that stole the show. As per usual.
Southern University played ‘Man I Need’ by Olivia Dean.
Olivia Dean is the queen. The 26-year-old British singer and songwriter burst onto the scene in 2025 with her second album The Art of Loving. Of course, the lead single ‘Man I Need’ went most viral.
I am willing to go so far as to say it is one of the best songs of all-time. I digress.
The Southern University Human Jukebox put its own twist Dean’s smash hit at Oshun and knocked it out of the park.
My ears are tickled. If that doesn’t put you in a good mood, I don’t know what will!
(Share your thoughts with me at grayson@brobible.com — Laissez les bon temps rouler!)