André 3000 Honored with Honorary Doctorate and Delivers Inspiring Commencement Speech at Berklee College of Music’s 2025 Ceremony

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
André 3000 Honored with Honorary Doctorate and Delivers Inspiring Commencement Speech at Berklee College of Music’s 2025 Ceremony
André Benjamin
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah



On May 10, 2025, André Benjamin, widely known as André 3000, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree by Berklee College of Music during its commencement ceremony at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. This prestigious recognition celebrated his transformative contributions to music and culture, both as a solo artiste and as one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Outkast. 

The honor coincided with a milestone year for André, as he was also announced as a 2025 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Outkast partner Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. His innovative work, including the groundbreaking 2023 solo album NEW BLUE SUN, which became the first instrumental album to chart on the Billboard 200, underscored his lasting impact on the global music landscape.

During the commencement ceremony, André 3000 addressed over 1,500 graduates from 75 countries, sharing reflections on his musical journey and creative evolution. He spoke nostalgically about his childhood influences, recalling how hearing Joe Jackson’s STEPPIN’ OUT inspired a sense of stepping into the future. 

His speech encouraged the graduating class to embrace their unique artistic paths, emphasizing resilience and authenticity in the face of creative challenges. The ceremony, attended by students, faculty, and families, was part of a weekend celebration that began on May 9 with a tribute concert featuring over 200 student performers honoring André and fellow honoree Sara Bareilles, who also received an honorary doctorate.

The conferral of this honorary doctorate places André 3000 among an elite group of past Berklee honorees, including Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, and Missy Elliott, reflecting his profound influence as an artiste and innovator. His recent projects, such as the flute-driven NEW BLUE SUN and the 7 PIANO SKECHES EP, demonstrate his fearless approach to pushing musical boundaries, inspiring the next generation of artistes.

Posts captured the excitement, with users like sharing their experience listening to his commencement speech, highlighting its emotional resonance. As André continues to redefine artistry, his presence at Berklee’s 2025 commencement served as a powerful reminder to graduates to follow their creative instincts, wherever they may lead.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Moliy Graces Cover Of Billboard Africa’s March/April 2026 Issue
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 11th, 2026

Moliy Graces Cover Of Billboard Africa’s March/April 2026 Issue

Ghanaian-American singer, Moliy, has landed the cover of Billboard Africa for its March/April 2026 issue, where she reflects on her rapid rise in the global music scene and the online community that helped fuel her breakthrough...

Kelvynboy To Host Meet And Greet In New York City
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 11th, 2026

Kelvynboy To Host Meet And Greet In New York City

Ghanaian Afrobeats singer, Kelvynboy, is set to engage with fans in the United States through a special meet-and-greet event scheduled to take place at The Living Room in New York City...

Camidoh Announces New Single, PHONY
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 11th, 2026

Camidoh Announces New Single, PHONY

Over the years, the singer has earned international recognition for his unique sound and storytelling style, often delivering songs that explore themes of love, relationships and personal reflection...

Michael Blackson Announces Auditions For New Film Project In Accra
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 10th, 2026

Michael Blackson Announces Auditions For New Film Project In Accra

Ghanaian-American comedian and actor, Michael Blackson, is opening doors for aspiring talents in Ghana as auditions have been announced for an upcoming film project connected to the entertainer...

KiDi Performs Live From THE FRONT PORCH
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 10th, 2026

KiDi Performs Live From THE FRONT PORCH

Ghanaian Afrobeats star, KiDi, recently delivered an impressive live performance on Live From THE FRONT PORCH, the widely followed music platform hosted by Noochie…

Tiwa Savage Officially Launches Music Foundation To Support Emerging African Talent
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 10th, 2026

Tiwa Savage Officially Launches Music Foundation To Support Emerging African Talent

The grand launch took place in Lagos and brought together key figures from the entertainment industry, business sector and government...

Did You Know March Is Oral Health Month? Dr. Felix Govina Urges Preventive Oral Care
fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | March 10th, 2026

Did You Know March Is Oral Health Month? Dr. Felix Govina Urges Preventive Oral Care

He explained that proper teeth whitening involves professional assessment and preparatory procedures such as scaling and polishing to remove tartar buildup before applying whitening agents...

Owan & Larbi Open Up About Their Musical Journey And New Single
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 10th, 2026

Owan & Larbi Open Up About Their Musical Journey And New Single

Currently, the duo funds their music largely through personal resources and support from close friends, including a friend based in the United Kingdom who now helps manage aspects of their music career...

Rihanna Unharmed After Gunfire Incident At Her Los Angeles Mansion
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 9th, 2026

Rihanna Unharmed After Gunfire Incident At Her Los Angeles Mansion

Police in Los Angeles have arrested a 30-year-old woman after multiple gunshots were fired near the home of global superstar, Rihanna, on Sunday afternoon...

Nana Aba Anamoah Brings WOMEN OF VALOUR Conference To London
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 9th, 2026

Nana Aba Anamoah Brings WOMEN OF VALOUR Conference To London

Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, took her WOMEN OF VALOUR initiative beyond Ghana’s borders over the weekend, hosting the 2026 edition of the empowerment conference in London…

Maphya Sings SOUNDZ OF LUNGNI
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 9th, 2026

Maphya Sings SOUNDZ OF LUNGNI

Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Maphya, has officially unveiled his much-anticipated album SOUNDZ OF LUNGNI, a nine-track project that reflects his roots, culture and personal musical journey…

Trigmatic Calls For Stronger Music Industry Structures In Ghana
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 9th, 2026

Trigmatic Calls For Stronger Music Industry Structures In Ghana

“Everybody wants to be on stage,” he said. “But the real opportunities are often behind the scenes.”

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper