The Nickelodeon Theater presents “Rhythm of Revolution: A Celebration of Black Music and Culture” this Black History Month

This February, The Nickelodeon Theater proudly presents “Rhythm of Revolution: A Celebration of Black Music and Culture,” a Black History Month film series honoring the transformative power of Black artistry and music. In collaboration with local artist Preach Jacobs and his platform, Mo Betta Soul, the series showcases four groundbreaking films that highlight the creativity, resilience, and influence of Black musicians across generations.

The curated lineup features:

• Luther: Never Too Much (2025): An intimate portrait of Luther Vandross, the velvet-voiced icon whose music redefined R&B and inspired generations.
• Soul Power (2008): A vibrant documentary chronicling the 1974 Zaire music festival that accompanied the iconic Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman “Rumble in the Jungle” Fight.
• Wattstax (1973): Known as the “Black Woodstock,” this electrifying concert film captures the energy and spirit of Stax Records’ legendary 1972 music festival in Los Angeles.
• Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande (2022): An exploration of the pioneering British funk band Cymande, whose sound has influenced artists from De La Soul to the Fugees.

“I’m excited to highlight the deep connections between Black music and Black History Month”, said Preach Jacobs. “Coming from hip-hop culture, I see music as a powerful tool for political and social activism—it’s a connective thread within the community and beyond. Black music, in particular, serves as both a mirror and a report card for American society, and each of these films reflects that in its own way.”

In addition to the screenings, The Nick will host special programming, including live music performances, a DJ set curated by Jacobs, and community discussions about the cultural and social impact of the featured films.

Event Details:

• Dates: February 24–27, 2025
• Location: The Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main Street, Columbia, SC
• Tickets: Available now at
  https://nickelodeon.org/series/rhythm-of-revolution-a-celebration-of-black-music-and-culture/

About The Nickelodeon

Serving the Midlands of South Carolina, The Nickelodeon seeks to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable community through film presentations that both entertain and provoke critical dialogue. The Nick is South Carolina’s only nonprofit arthouse theater. Located in the heart of Columbia, it provides community members with the tools to gather, interpret and appreciate the moving image in all its variety through theatrical and educational programs.