MEDIA CONTACTS

Larissa Slezak – Sony Music Masterworks

Carleen Donovan | Franny Lail – The Oriel Company

Carol Wilkerson – Howard University

 LISTEN HERE  | WATCH MUSIC VIDEO HERE  

 PR PHOTO: KEVIN OLUSOLA & HOWARD UNIVERSITY © KALEB DAVIS III (DOWNLOAD)

DAWN OF A MISFIT DELUXE EDITION OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

 (June 12 – New York, NY) -- In celebration of Black Music Month, Kevin Olusola, the dynamic singer, cellist, and beatboxer best known for his work with the 3x-GRAMMY® Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix, joins forces with Howard University in a powerful new collaboration of “Hallelujah at Howard University.” The track is featured on the deluxe edition of his acclaimed debut solo album DAWN OF A MISFIT DELUXE (Sony Music Masterworks), which is available everywhere now – LISTEN HERE.

WATCH HERE: “HALLELUJAH AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY” (FEAT. THE HU SHOWTIME MARCHING BAND & CONCERT CHORALE)

Sparked by his desire to connect with young artists, Kevin’s work with Howard quickly evolved into a remarkable creative partnership rooted in shared experience, mutual inspiration, and a bold commitment to challenging stereotypes, and celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and differences.

“Hallelujah at Howard University” isn’t just a musical partnership – it’s a cultural moment aimed to support, celebrate and amplify a new generation.

The music video for “Hallelujah at Howard University” features Howard University’s ‘Showtime’ marching band and concert chorale. Filmed by Howard University graduate students on the Howard University football field under the direction of Emmy-winning Associate Film Professor Jami Ramberan, the video captures the energy, pride, and artistry of the Howard and HBCU communities. Watch the video HERE.

“The heart of my artist project is simply this: ‘Be Your Own Misfit.’ It’s about unapologetically standing in your truth—even when it means defying stereotypes and going against the grain of cultural expectations,” shares Kevin Olusola. “In much of mainstream media, Black identity is often narrowly portrayed through lenses of struggle or success only in certain spaces like sports or hip-hop. But my story—and the stories of many others—don’t fit that mold. I’ve found a different kind of success through classical music, beatboxing, and innovation, and I want to spotlight that narrative.

“That’s why I chose to collaborate with Howard University, the pinnacle of Black excellence. When I visited campus, I was deeply moved by the students’ brilliance, their individuality, and the diversity of their passions—from medicine to anime to engineering. These students, like me, didn’t conform to media narratives—they were misfits in the best sense. So, we came together to create something no one expects: a powerful fusion of classical and marching band traditions that celebrates Black freedom, joy, and authenticity. This collaboration with Howard’s Concert Chorale and Showtime Marching Band is not just about the music—it’s a declaration of identity, excellence, and liberation.”

"When Kevin and the Sony Music Team approached us about collaborating on his new release, we immediately said YES. This became a prime opportunity to be on the forefront and shift a current trend. Let's focus on the music and its message. There has been growing visibility and most recently a national/international spotlight on HBCU bands highlighting the talent and rich cultural significance of our reach beyond just the campus. Howard University is always next level, and this Sony Music partnership demonstrates Howard's tremendous networking and access to global industries, while creating impactful hands-on opportunities for our students and growing the next generation of innovative creative artists, thinkers and leaders,” says Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean for Administration for Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. “HBCU bands continue their historical role of using their performances to voice resistance and reflect the struggles of the Black community, tackling contemporary issues through their music. They are also a space for exploring and celebrating diverse identities, blending modern sound, and uplifting the core essence of just being human.”

The multi-faceted artist previously unveiled his debut solo album DAWN OF A MISFIT this May. The wide-ranging album touches on spirituality, fatherhood, and being a first-generation person in a Western country, all while fusing classical, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Listen to more on the album from NPR WEEKEND EDITION HERE.

ALBUM ARTWORK (DOWNLOAD)

KEVIN OLUSOLA - DAWN OF A MISFIT (DELUXE EDITION)

TRACKLIST

1. Dark Winter

2. Hallelujah (I Don't Think About You)

3. I Feel Misunderstood

4. Crazy

5. Like Us

6. Smile

7. A Change Is Gonna Come

8. Have I Told You

9. Love, Leigh & Kaia

10. Kaia's Swan

11. Showdown

12. Hymn for Christian

13. Kevin's Fifth

14. Hallelujah at Howard University

15. Smile (Instrumental Version)

16.​Have I Told You (Instrumental Version)

ABOUT KEVIN OLUSOLA

As one-fifth of multi-platinum-selling a cappella phenomenon Pentatonix, the multi-faceted artist, KEVIN OLUSOLA defies stereotypes by reimagining classical musicianship through a modern sonic and lyrical lens, all the while balancing his dynamic background of Nigerian and Grenadian heritage. With his debut solo album, DAWN OF A MISFIT, released May 9th via Sony Music Masterworks, Olusola uses his love of classical music as the backdrop to tell his story as a first-generation person growing up in a Western country. He hopes to unlock entry points for those unfamiliar with the classical genre and reach those in and outside the Black diaspora who may still be finding themselves through life’s hardships. “My purpose is to spread love far and wide with the unique frequency l've been given. I want to shatter boundaries, only to bring all the pieces back together with a newfound harmony,” Olusola says. “I hope my music makes you feel comfortable in who you are and the love you want to portray to the world.”

FOLLOW KEVIN OLUSOLA

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK |TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY  

Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. The top-ranked historically Black college or university according to Forbes, Howard is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities and the only HBCU classified as an R1 research institution, indicating the highest level of research spending and doctoral production. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes, and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.  

ABOUT SONY MUSIC MASTERWORKS

Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, Milan Records, XXIM Records and Masterworks Broadway imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.sonymusicmasterworks.com.

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