Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, a senior theater major at Florida A&M University, performed at the 98th Academy Awards on March 17. Oloyede, who is the first female head drum major of the university’s Marching 100 band, described her experience as awe-inspiring and said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Her appearance at the Oscars marks a significant achievement for both herself and Florida A&M University. The event highlights her growing recognition as a performer and leader, following a year where she led the Marching 100 through high-profile appearances including a Lionsgate film promotion and an NBA on Prime segment.
“When I received the call, I could not believe it. Performing at the Oscars is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was offered to me. God is so amazing. This is affirmation that I’m supposed to be here and this is what I want to do,” Oloyede said.
Oloyede’s journey included viral moments online, such as her performance during her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority new initiate presentation, which attracted millions of views. Her growing profile led to an invitation from a creative director to join the cast of the “Sinners” musical performance at the Oscars. She shared that despite challenges with travel logistics, she was determined not to let anything stop her from seizing this opportunity.
Backstage before her performance, Oloyede worked closely with her makeup artist to ensure she felt comfortable on stage. “I am very grateful that he listened to my last-minute changes to the look,” she said. “I feel like myself. I feel like I am about to go on and dominate the show.”
The Oscars performance featured artists such as Shaboozey, Raphael Saadiq, Miles Canton, Bobby Rush, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Misty Copeland. Reflecting on sharing space with these artists and celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Damson Idris, Oloyede described feeling both surreal excitement and gratitude.
“I still can’t believe it’s over. It’s finally happened, and I’m just trying to stay in a posture of gratitude that I was even here. My first time in Los Angeles was to perform at the Oscars,” she said.
Oloyede has also been recognized outside of Hollywood; she is featured in Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame and recently received a Trailblazer Award from Oasis Center for Women and Girls—a recognition that included seeing herself on a billboard for the first time.
She credits much of her success to support from Florida A&M University staff and alumni: “I’m very grateful to the university,” she said. “They showered me with so much support.”
As graduation approaches in May, Oloyede looks forward with hope: “The past four weeks have been astounding. I don’t know what’s next. So, I pray that the Lord orders my steps…and that we get to a party tonight,” she said.
