News Summary
Tampa’s University of South Florida hosted Waka Flocka Flame for a vibrant Homecoming concert, the first in two years. The event featured crowd favorites and intimate fan interactions, showcasing the university’s revitalized spirit with a capacity crowd enjoying a lively atmosphere.
Tampa, FL – Waka Flocka Flame Rocks USF Homecoming Concert, Celebrating First Event in Two Years
Parking Lot 35 at the University of South Florida (USF) was alive with energy on Thursday night as Waka Flocka Flame headlined the Homecoming concert, marking the university’s first event of this kind in two years. The concert, free for USF students who were allowed to bring one guest, featured a 45-minute setlist filled with fan-favorite tracks, including “Oh Let’s Do It” and “Round of Applause.”
This year’s Homecoming concert was particularly significant as it followed last year’s substitution of the concert with a Round Up Comedy Show due to low attendance and budget cuts. With a capacity of 5,000 people as per Waka Flocka’s performance contract, the concert attracted a vibrant crowd ready to celebrate the school spirit.
The concert kicked off at 9 p.m. with Waka Flocka’s energetic track “Grove St. Party.” Throughout the performance, he showcased his humorous side, jokingly commenting about ordering “20 lemon drops.” The atmosphere was further enhanced by the concurrent festivities of USF’s Carni-Bull, which included attractions such as a Ferris wheel and a “Firestorm” swing, adding to the celebratory ambiance of the evening.
One of the highlights of the concert involved Waka Flocka engaging with fans directly. In a display of enthusiasm, he jumped into the crowd during his performance of “Hard in da Paint,” spending around 15 minutes taking selfies with attendees. This interaction resonated with the audience, creating an intimate connection between the artist and his fans.
In a memorable moment towards the concert’s end, Waka Flocka invited three female students to join him on stage for a rendition of Whitney Houston’s classic hit, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” The concert concluded on a high note with his chart-topping hit “No Hands,” as Waka Flocka left the stage around 9:50 p.m.
Waka Flocka was compensated $45,000 for his performance, notably $30,000 less than Puerto Rican rapper Lunay received for his concert during the previous Homecoming event. USF has established a tradition of inviting notable hip-hop artists for their Homecoming events, with previous performers including 2Chainz in 2022, Gunna in 2019, and Rae Sremmurd in 2018.
Background of the Artist
Waka Flocka, born Juaquin James Malphurs in 1986 in Queens, New York, gained popularity after releasing his debut album “Flockaveli” in 2010, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Top 200. Known for his high-energy performances and hit singles, he has remained a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene.
Overall, Waka Flocka’s performance at USF’s Homecoming concert not only marked a return to live events after a two-year hiatus but also underscored the university’s commitment to revitalizing campus spirit and engagement through musical entertainment.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Waka Flocka Flame Rocks USF Homecoming Concert
- Google Search: Waka Flocka Flame USF Homecoming
- WTSP: Former USF Student Teams Up With Waka Flocka Flame
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waka Flocka Flame
- Fox 13 News: USF Kicks Off 2025 Homecoming
- Google News: USF Homecoming 2025
- WTSP: Slyde New Nightlife App
- Google Scholar: Waka Flocka Flame
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
