This year’s Super Bowl, hosted in New Orleans, features many activities. One of the well-known activities is the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. Going on 26 years strong, the NFL-sanctioned event continues to keep going, which is this year’s theme. “Keep Going” also best describes the character of the hosted city.
During the writer’s visit to the city, she witnessed the indomitable spirit of the Big Easy, encapsulated in the slogan “NOLA Strong,” which echoed through the city. This slogan is a testament to the city’s unwavering faith and resilience, from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina almost 20 years to the recent tragedy of the Bourbon Street attack on New Year’s Day that claimed the lives of 14 innocent people.
Super Bowl LIX festivities and the lively culture in the Big Easy gave visitors a warm welcome despite the city’s most recent tragedy. Master P, New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell, and other supporters led a march last month on Bourbon Street to reopen for business to let the world know through demonstrations how the city can move forward in a time of tragedy while recognizing the tragic incident.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration offers a unique blend of football and soul. Founded in 1999, this NFL-sanctioned event is where the passion of football meets the soulful magic of musical performances and NFL honor awards, creating an experience like no other. The 26th Annual Super Bowl Celebration offered attendees a feel of the NOLA spirit.
The red-carpet affair gave the media and other guests a grand welcome. The second line danced from the Black Masking Indians and Lika Dawg $pinners to the vibrant sound of New Orleans, with the horns serenading the red carpet. One immediately felt the spirit of New Orleans.
NOLA STRONG
Louisiana State Representative Candance Newell, District 99, told the Exclusive Press (EP) that whenever visitors come to the city, the residents will give them the New Orleans spirit from the moment they land at the Louis Armstrong Airport to the moment they check out of their hotel.
When asked about the meaning of NOLA Strong, Louisiana State Representative Candance Newell shared that it symbolizes the city’s resilience in the face of adversity. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and keeping the city moving forward, a testament to the strength and determination of the NOLA community.
“We are the jewel of this state, and we [must keep] going. We [must] keep moving. We don’t have time to sit back. We don’t have to soak and lick our wounds. We put a bandage on it and keep on moving,” Newell shared at the red-carpet.
“We will fill you with music and your bellies and leave you full of good food and music,” she added.
Newell’s statement is accurate, as the event was undoubtedly filled with good music as the artist took the stage. The Big Easy culture was brought to life on the primetime stage with a hometown performance lineup featuring Master P, Trombone Shorty, Lucky Daye, and Big Freedia, giving viewers an enriching musical performance to remind attendees of the joy found in music. The event also featured soulful performances from the legendary Isley Brothers, Muni Long, Tori Kelly, Yolanda Adams, Jonathan McReynolds, and the NFL Players Choirs, joining their talents with the spirit of the Big Easy.
NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, New Orleans Saints Cam Jordan, Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels, and LA Rams players Jared Verse and Cobie Durant were all honored at the event.
THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC
The sound of NOLA, harmonizing with the diverse artists joining the NOLA sound, served as a powerful connector. Cameron Newton from the NFL Players Choir shared with the Exclusive that music serves as a powerful heart-to-heart connector, uniting people and fostering a sense of unity and engagement.
When describing the power of music, which New Orleans is best known for from its evolution of jazz to bounce music, gospel artist Bobbi Lane shared with the Exclusive that music itself is very healing. She drew on her personal experience of losing her father last year, expressing how her song ‘Light in a Dark Place’ was a source of comfort and hope during a difficult time.
L-R: Gospel Singer, Bobbi Lane and Conscious Soul Singer, Ado Soul; Courtesy of FACEBOOK
“[The song] has ministered to me, and it has been a blessing in the words God gave me in that song, so it encourages me to keep going,” Lane told the EP.
Ado Soul, who calls himself the King of Conscious Soul, tells the EP that the power of music has shaped him a lot. He states that his music is not only how he sings but also how he lives.
“I’m giving people a piece of my life when I’m writing and singing music,” he shared.
FORWARD MOMENT
Although the city experienced a tragic situation in last month’s terrorist attack, the NOLA Strong Spirit is the motto the community lives by to promote healing.
New Orleans City Councilman Eugene J. Green (District D) shared that the Bourbon Street attack was tragic while adding that the city is based on faith, family, and fun. We certainly recognize and sympathize with those who lost their loved ones, but we are not going to let a terrorist stop us from enjoying the quality of life that we have become known for in New Orleans.
Councilman Green expressed the city’s pleasure in welcoming visitors from all over the world, emphasizing his desire for them to enjoy their stay.
“We’re not looking back at the negative. We’re looking forward to the positive,” Green stated.
