Homecoming concert: Some going, some not

DJ Rell played a list of songs from the entertainers while Miss Homecoming QuiEra Evans announced the artists at The Reveal on Nov. 1. (Photo from Panther video)

‘I don’t know the artists’

By SAMANTHA GRANT

Claflin University students appear to not agree with the lineup for this year’s homecoming concert.

Homecoming for Claflin will kick off Nov. 11 with the homecoming concert at 10 p.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center gym. The concert will feature Eric Bellinger, Tink, DJ Luke Nasty and Dammy 864.

Janya Williams, a senior early childhood education major, is disappointed in the concert lineup.

“I don’t know the artists and am disappointed as this is my last homecoming,” Williams said. “I would have preferred Bruno Mars or SZA. I don’t really know SZA’s music but I know that people like her a lot.”

Destiny Harley, a junior business Management major, doesn’t know the artists either. She would have preferred Gucci Mane or Cardi B.

Radiance Jones, a junior music education major, has heard of Bellinger but hasn’t listened to any of his music.

“I was disappointed because Claflin hasn’t had any popular artists since 2015,” Jones said. With tuition going up, the artist choices could be better.

Going to concert no matter what others say

By JELAH ANDERSON

The artists for the homecoming concert were revealed on Nov. 1.

Students gathered outside in Panther Plaza for the meltdown revealing the entertainers’ names. The artists were announced in the form of a track list put together by SAB.

The homecoming artists are Tink, Eric Bellinger, DJ Luke Nasty and Dammy 864. There were mixed reviews as to what students thought about the lineup for the concert.

One student, Essence Jordan, decided to stay on the positive side of things as far as the concert goes. When asked about student saying they were not going to attend the concert, she said, “That’s dumb because you already paid your money for it.”

Jordan said she was going regardless of what other people say they are going to do. The concert will be OK with the artists that are performing, she said.

The homecoming concert will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 p.m.-midnight in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center Gymnasium.

‘It’s just something to do’

By BRADLEY HARRIS

Panther Plaza was filled with students on Nov. 1 for The Reveal, the announcement of the performing artists for the homecoming concert.

Eric Bellinger, Tink, DJ Luke Nasty and Dammy 864 are the artists for the event. After the revealing, students spoke out on the selections.

“My first reaction was who is that?” junior business major Ty Thomas said. “I don’t know who half of the artists are. There is only one song that I know out of all of them.”

Junior psychology major Miracle Mozzee said, “I was seriously disappointed in the choice of artists.” She does not plan to attend.

Junior education major Erica Scriven said she did not like the selection of artists but may attend.

 “More than likely I will probably go,” Scriven said. “But I’m not looking forward to going to the concert as much now.”

Ty Thomas shared similar feelings. “I'm not excited for it; it’s just something to do.”

‘I actually expected worse’

By JASMINN DOW

Some students were disappointed after The Reveal announcement of homecoming entertainment.

Students had to wait until the night of the meltdown to find out which artists will appear. Some students felt the meltdown was unnecessary and did not attend.

“It was a waste of time,” said Clark Porcher, a senior majoring in business. “They could have sent an email.”

2017’s homecoming will include Tink and Eric Bellinger.

Some were not completely upset about the artist selection.

“I actually expected worse,” Porcher said. “I’m still going.”

Senior Najarvis Jones expressed disappointment in the artists for his last homecoming.

 “I never heard of them,” Jones said. “I’m not too happy about it.”

A survey went out over the summer to gather votes on desired artists. Some people question the advantage of conducting the survey during that time.

“I didn’t hear about it,” Najarvis said. “I don’t look at my email in the summertime.”

‘State is going to fry us’

By CHAN’TEEYAH RIVERA

Claflin students are disappointed about the entertainment for the 2017 homecoming.

The lineup this year will be Tink, Eric Bellinger, DJ Luke Nasty and Dammy 864.

Konist Davis-Johnson, coordinator of academic student activities, held a meltdown for the reveal of the performers for the 2017 homecoming.

DJ Rell played a list of songs from the entertainers while Miss Homecoming QuiEra Evans announced who they are.

One student yelled, “It’s not going to be a homecoming!”

“No comment,” Miss Homecoming said.

“Who is that?” Joshua Brown asked.

“State is going to fry us and homecoming is going to be wack,” Jaelen Johnson said.

‘Beyoncé ain’t performing, so I can care less’

By ANGEL CHEDIKAH

Claflin students reacted differently to this year’s 2017 homecoming entertainment lineup.

On Nov. 1, Claflin SAB announced this year’s 2017 homecoming artists as Tink, Eric Bellinger, DJ Luke Nasty and Dammy 864. While some students were expecting Young Dolph, others were hoping for someone different.

While some students have high hopes for homecoming, others are disappointed.

“Personally, they’re not my type of artist and it’s not gone change my perspective about homecoming, regardless,” Dijmon Smith said.

“I’m not even going to homecoming, I can’t dance to these artists,” Shayla Holmes said.

“I feel like the artists we have don’t reflect what the student body,” Kameron King said.

 “One word for homecoming: apathetic,” Chris Earbum said.

 “Beyoncé ain’t performing, so I can care less,” Michelle Campbell said.

Sit-in not just about the concert

By ASHLEY CRAIG

Claflin University’s annual homecoming concert will feature Tink, DJ Luke Nasty, Eric Bellinger and opening act Dammy 864.

Students had mixed reviews and emotions about the concert.

“The lineup is decent. It’s doable. It’s not what the people want but homecoming is what you make it despite who is coming.” Derika Gray said.

“I feel like our homecoming isn’t for current students, it’s for the alumni.” Brianna Kelly said.

Two days after the announcement, students took comments and concerns to the university’s administrators in a sit-in. They gathered at Tingley to discuss how they want more involvement with decisions affecting the student body.

“I don’t think Claflin focuses on events for the current students, only the alumni.” Kelly said.

Shadé Young, a senior, was one of the students expressing her concerns.

“This sit-in isn’t just about the concert but about letting our voices be heard as well,” Young said.

President Henry N. Tisdale came to the protest.

“Being capable to be open-minded and accepting is one of many characteristics you want in a leader,” Tisdale said.

The president indicated he would take the remarks and concerns of the student body to other officials for a further discussion.

Few show for SGA conference

By JERICHA WHITE

After the homecoming artists were revealed on Wednesday, SAB and SGA received a lot of backlash from the student body.

In response, SGA heavily advertised a table talk conference in the cafeteria at night. 

According to junior Katelyn Kelly-Morris, many people were complaining in a group message but only a few showed up for conference.

The artists who were chosen to perform for homecoming are Tink, DJ Luke Nasty, Eric Bellinger, and Dammy 864. They  were selected based on a 2017 summer survey, which only received 400 responses.

Other homecoming events

Monday, Nov. 13: Dorm Stroll Off from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Plaza with the Dorm Step show starting at 6 p.m. in Jonas T. Kennedy gym. The bonfire and car smash will take place fro, 9-11:30 p. m. in the gravel parking lot.

Tuesday, Nov. 14: Pie the SGA from 11 a.m.-1 p. m. in the Plaza and a Silent Disco from 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. in the gym.

Wednesday, Nov. 15: Pushup contest from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Plaza. Power Hour will begin at 6 p.m. in the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel. The Comedy Show is from 8-10 p.m. in the gym

Thursday, Nov. 16: Organizational Stroll Off from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Plaza and CU Got Talent from 7-10 p.m. in WVM Auditorium

Friday, Nov. 17: Midday Pep Rally from 1-4 p.m. at the Plaza. The Fashion Show will take place in WVM Auditorium from 7-10 p.m. The annual Scholarship Gala will begin at 6 p.m. in Jonas T. Kennedy gym and will feature Evelyn “Champagne” King. The event is by ticket only.

Saturday, Nov. 18: The first Health and Wellness 5K Run and Walk will start at the gym at 6 a.m. The homecoming parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run along Russell Street from Edisto Memorial Gardens to the gym. Panther Den and Tailgating will begin at noon at the gym also. A basketball doubleheader game will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. The Greek Step Show will begin at 9 p.m. in the gym.

Sunday, Nov. 19: Worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel. The Founders’ Day Convocation will begin at 4 p.m. in the gym and will conclude homecoming activities.