FAMU's first female drum major is a standout among the rest.

Florida A&M University's Spring 2026 commencement speaker, Omar Goff, recently shared some exciting news - Oluwamodupe "Dupe" Oloyede, a senior theatre major, has signed a brand endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders. This is a major achievement for Oloyede, who made history as the first female head drum major in the 79-year history of FAMU's renowned "Marching 100" in June 2025. According to HBCU Gameday, this commercial milestone is also one of the most significant in the history of HBCU student leaders.

Oloyede's journey to the graduation stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, she appeared in a commercial for the Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" and was featured in an NBA on Prime campaign alongside rapper Common. In December 2025, she made the decision to delay her original graduation date in order to lead the band in the "Band of the Year" competition in Atlanta.

Her dedication to the "Marching 100" and her passion for HBCU band culture led her to prioritize finishing her final season on the field before walking the stage in the spring. As seen on her Instagram, Oloyede's endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders is just the latest in a series of monumental career milestones that have extended her influence far beyond the football field. BLACK ENTERPRISE has covered many of these achievements, including her appearance at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.

As part of the cast for the musical showcase of the record-breaking film "Sinners," Oloyede wowed the audience with her precise baton choreography, representing HBCU band culture on a global stage alongside Misty Copeland and Miles Caton. But the recognition doesn't stop there for Oloyede. Just days after her Oscar performance, her history-making leadership was also honored with a featured exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

And in the same season, she reached a significant personal milestone by joining the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oloyede's exceptional senior year, combined with her new corporate partnership, solidifies her as a shining example of Black excellence in 2026. Overall, Oloyede's journey has been nothing short of inspiring and serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work.

She has broken barriers and made history, all while remaining dedicated to her passion for HBCU band culture and uplifting the Black community. As Ludacris himself experienced when he dropped in on FAMU for his "Pull Over Challenge," there's no denying the incredible energy and talent that radiates from this university and its students.