Adekunle Gold: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

This year, NPR Music is celebrating Black Music Month with an array of brand new Tiny Desk concerts - both from home and from behind our beloved Desk. Together, these artists represent the past, present and future of Black music. This month of carefully curated shows is a celebration of Black artists expressing themselves in ways we've never seen before, and of the Tiny Desk’s unique way of showcasing that talent.
Ashley Pointer | June 2, 2022
Attention passengers: Please make sure your seat belts are fastened and tray tables are stored away as Adekunle Gold is ready for takeoff. The shape of the Nigerian singer-songwriter's Tiny Desk (home) concert mimics a flight pattern sonically and energetically, starting off laid back and ascending to greater heights that'll make you dance and move your feet.
AG's career first picked up steam after the release of his debut single "Sade," a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life," in 2014; then, he released his debut album Gold in 2016. Three albums later, the Yoruba sensation's sound has evolved from highlife to Afropop.
AG filmed his (home) concert with his band in Los Angeles, inside a retro, faux airport terminal - home of AG Baby Airlines. Opening with "Sinner," a modern take on the Biblical story of King David and Bathsheba, the band's arrangement translates seamlessly live, with AG's smooth vocals complimented by violin and driven by steady, rhythmic drums.
Closing his set with the uptempo and jaunty "Okay," a reliable banger from his record Afro Pop, Vol. 1, AG explains: "It's such an energy giver - the people turn up, and we are about to turn up now." Embarking on his first North American Tour Catch Me If You Can, which has its first stop today in Boston - as noted on the AG Baby Airlines signage - "turn up" is precisely the correct term as AG Baby is letting you know that he may be bringing his signature soulful Afropop to a city near you.
SET LIST
"Sinner"
"Something Different"
"One Woman"
"Okay"
MUSICIANS
Adekunle Gold: vocals
Omar Perrin: keys/MD
Cam Griffin: guitar
Darius Woodley: drums
Clark Sims: bass
Lulu V: violin
CREDITS
Director: Robin Burke
Producer: Kristene Lew, Kat Boyd
Creative Director: Grace Hsiu
Producer: 1983 Creative
Director of Photography: Mikey Van Beuren
Camera Operators: Danny Corey, Kyle Messina
1st AC: Dima Shorin, Garrett Hoffmann
2nd AC: Natasha Abdul
Editors: Wolf De Burgo, Cole Benton
Gaffer: Adam Schaffer
Electric: Wesley Aharoni
Key Grip: Ryan Silver
Audio Engineer: Liz Robson
Assistant Engineer: Anthony Culpepper
Mix Engineer: Bakare Michael
Mix and Master Engineer: Mike Tucci
Truck PA: Herbie Finn Bailey De Vos
Set PA: Patrick Amirbehboody
Management: Elizabeth Sobowale, Ola Fowosere
Extra: Tyler Lazalere, Zoë Montano, Dionte Goodlett
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Michael Zamora
Audio Mastering: Andie Huether
Animation: Kaz Fantone
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Josh Rogosin, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #tinydeskconcert #adekunlegold

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@AdekunleGold]

Thank you so much Tiny Desk. All my love.❤️

[@lindatauhid9958]

Great concert! Where are you playing in the US? (Houston)

[@KaiPhD]

🙏🏽♥️

[@organicallygrownwoman]

Thankful for what you bring to the table musically. I so vibe with you! Welldone Sir🤗Sending 💞 to you and yours! 🇳🇬 🇳🇬 Finest.

[@berrymoe30]

You killed this!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Kaniani]

Top Notch Performance ♥

[@unkle_sam]

The violinist really brought her A game🔥

[@iconackah786]

You couldn’t have said it any better 🙌🏾

[@iiamucheee]

Bills were due!!!

[@nannimwuyep]

​@@iiamucheee😂😂

[@marcosmausse9000]

It’s so good to see African music growing and having space in the global industry

[@greatlove7337]

they can’t without us we are legendary generation u can’t avoid 🔥🔥🔥

[@machkaya4108]

I'm like a proud dad. Hitting the podium shouting, "SEE SEE! FINALLY!" 😭🇺🇬

[@joecostello1624]

Sounded more hispanic lol

[@priscillamayuka7733]

Its not growing, its always been big.

[@MPUMIMLAMBO_]

We deserve this and more

[@lightandspace7938]

This man’s rebrand from a folksy, Yoruba aesthetic to smooth r&b gets me every time 🔥🔥

[@madjoabutterfly]

Not folksy lol he went from West African Ghana highlife style singing in Yoruba to afrobeats, all dope.

[@kingdarey8000]

@@madjoabutterfly are you Ghanaian?

[@BlessedAdams-yo2ww]

@@madjoabutterfly ghanians are never short of being silly

[@ntenun]

​@@BlessedAdams-yo2wwSilly. Very silly statement Adams.

[@DaviesTechTips]

Nigeria to the World!!!!🇳🇬🇳🇬🔥

[@gemeauxjewels]

🙏🏾

[@Melissa-td6ln]

My heart is full. This man is a genius. Tiny Desk, please do the Cavemen next.

[@034Design]

We want to visit the cave 😉

[@akweleymazaraelartey6522]

YES THE CAVEMEN

[@enyioma_desmond]

I stand for this

[@ogunyomifemijoseph8590]

Tiny will get bigger in the cave ... coz na men full there ⛷️

[@onyinyee1]

I support this

[@Graciieymae]

Aunty with the violin really went in!!!

[@TheLuluV]

Thank you 🙏🏼🎻

[@kingsleyudom4010]

@@TheLuluV You good!!!!

[@CuStywuS]

Wow!!...you mean she really went in!!

[@alexandrauzan8]

Yesss I love him!! and the greatest part he's that he's married to Simi who is an incredible artist too!! Bring her next ! Nigeria you have my heart forever

[@Jojo-mc7ku]

Wow I didn't know they're married That's beautiful

[@essayellohemee]

Is that true!!! That's such a sweet fact I enjoy both their music so much!

[@mitzietheodore2589]

Props to the extras in the background for staying professional. I would have broke character for sure! My hips are hard wired to sway when in the midst of vibes.

[@epifan3_]

Was literally laughing at myself for this because I was trying to watch and consume the performance and still ended up singing and dancing along!!! Lol

[@dont4get77]

Literally within the first few seconds! Hips have a mind of their own💃🏾

[@john-adriancoker2789]

The violinist solo from 2:35 - 3:03 was a 🔥 moment, the band were 🥶 & AG baby brought the lamba!

[@TheLuluV]

Thank you 🖤🎻🙏🏼

[@MOlanitori]

Felt that🔥 Uhhh

[@habeebahdawodu]

For realll

[@vibesvibes1556]

Lulu...you're such an amazing talent

[@K3lvin.J]

That violin spoke to my soulllll

[@masereka2564]

I love the way AG just enjoys his own music 🎶 Closing his eyes wen singing is touching Special talent

[@countrygospel601]

When I am alone, God is my comforter When I am nothing, God is my everything. When I am sad and lonely, God is my song and my joy. When I am weak and helpless, God is my strength. Amen.💕

[@nyfaniloandrianjafy8171]

I didn't know who this guy was and now I am a huge fan. This was mad fun to listen to and watch

[@sweetiesis]

He's featured on one of NAO'S songs. Love her too.🥰

[@sweetiesis]

Antedote

[@barrakatadebunmi]

He's Adekunle Gold @adekunlegold you can check him out

[@nyfaniloandrianjafy8171]

@@barrakatadebunmi Don't worry, I immediately did check his other works after watching this ;-)

[@mmasimi]

I just came back from his concert and it was incredible

[@rackball]

Not gonna lie, I skipped this auto play a couple of time. Now I kick myself for being so ignorant of such good music. Everything about this performance was fantastic. I am a fan. I need to trust NPR more.

[@KenyanOtaku]

I have also skipped it a couple of times but looks at us...here now...who could have thought? 😅

[@sedarhenri]

This band is 🔥!!! That bass guy been throwing mad bass lines with a very unorthodox right hand position. I love it !

[@chrys8478]

😂😂 now that you mention it, I see it.

[@kofosuonbass]

His thumb muting technique was chef’s kiss. Glad you’ve pointed it out. 💯

[@Luminogoc]

The palm muting is perfect for the ambience of that space. The drummer is doing the same thing.

[@mbalisiphokazimdladla3072]

Appreciation post to Tiny Desk! You guy's are connecting the world through music and it's beautiful🎶 🎵 ❤️

[@daraoginni9428]

Vibes on vibes! And shoutout to bro reading the newspaper on the side too. That's how I'll be playing AG to my kids whilst they're telling me they love it

[@UKLeonie]

Spotted dude like that's me with my book right now 🤣😂🤣

[@damiloladavidkehinde2700]

That guy just dey like say he dey on headset😂😂

[@thebearszn]

This is so good! AG Baby can singggggggg! That violinist has my heart. Shout out to the band, they brought life to his singing.

[@anthonywhite2960]

Tiny desk is a treasure. How nice to wake up and find this. Just beautiful.

[@michaeltaylor7332]

My man from Nigeria keeping that rythmic RB alive,all cunning artisan's at the top of thier game,we in the US miss this groove. As a Black Man from the states I say Thankyou !

[@kendigitari6656]

The violinist and how much Adekunle is enjoying himself! What a masterpiece ❤️

[@ursularice2724]

His outfit was on point.

[@timzyvibez2649]

That violinist was surreal 😮‍💨

[@aframaco9491]

Adekunle “ worth your weight in” Gold!

[@pusranana]

If he had backup singers on this with some bomb harmonies I think my soul would have left my body 😩😩😩

[@jarrell3606]

With all due respect, this is in the top tier of NPR Tiny Desk Performances! Wow. New Fan.

[@anonymouss1452]

Lol

[@MrRgevert]

drummer is insane

[@patriciapeoples5667]

Congratulations on all of your hits. Love always Patricia ❤😊

[@gemeauxjewels]

I wish I could like this one more than once. Thank you Tiny desk!

[@rayuelaas]

You know you're cool when there's a guy at your show just sitting around reading the news

[@lukmanaliyu7386]

You literally drew my attention to him 😁

[@KCRUBYWOO]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 AG BABY 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Something Different will always be my favorite song!!

[@NirNaethCZ]

The man casually reading in the background & nodding his head to the beat :))

[@ayenifiyin8732]

The lady at the reception desk just chilling throughout

[@iraazela]

Adekunle Gold is a whole morning vibe!!! Tiny desk magic is real!

[@lekanemmanuelrasaq4403]

Guy I need Simi and BUJU on this platform

[@dayoezekiel6083]

Wait o! No backup singer???didn't even notice on time🤯🤯🤯 This man is Omooooo ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@enyioma_desmond]

From Orente to Tiny Desk, AG to the world 🌎 🔥

[@lucyleshomo]

Orente and Ready are my jams!!!!

[@HFCwrites]

From Sade actually

[@TeaTimeWithEyek]

I wish he performed that!!!

[@its_vebb]

Super proud of him ❤

[@Nattypro_]

I like it's because even without backing singers it is superb. Like to record u one day son.

[@Tobi-wn2sj]

Been saying this for years Adekunle is wining Grammy next. This man is a lyrical genius

[@Dzidzeme]

He shut down the Apollo in New York! 🔥🔥 AG Baby litttt🔥

[@Dahnielz]

That lady on the Violin needs a raise asap!!!

[@VivaLaNneoma]

Such a stunning performance. And the 70s Lagos airport vibes. 10/10 AG Baby 🇳🇬🤍🤞🏾

[@barrakatadebunmi]

If you're here after the mail say Hi🤚... AG to the freaking worldddd🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@mrsortizplease]

I told people 10 years ago African music would take over...Ya'll see it...Ayeee Momma Africa again blessing the world

[@timpreston497]

One of the best Afro-beats artists. Authentic high-life sound.

[@Brian_02597]

The smile on my face when this video popped up☺

[@sonoftatanzambe248]

The violinist really love her job waoh she plays with such enthusiasm

[@ronaldkasese868]

The lady with the violin in the first performance killed it. I loved it!

[@damiadegun8101]

This has to be my absolute favorite tiny desk concert and one of the very best! Forever stan AG baby!

[@roselynbenson2235]

Burna Boy's, have you watched that?

[@janetb6413]

Same here.. it’s beautiful music

[@bukolaotubu4957]

I've been a huge fan of AG Baby since 'Orente' days then his phenomenal transformation occurred! I'm so proud of this young man right here, and I have never been disappointed at his delivery and dexterity musically to this day. AG is specially gifted and good at what he does. Keep up the good work dear, we are proud of you. Nigeria to the world!!🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬❤❤❤❤

[@michaelk7962]

WHERE SIMI AT?!!! SIMI NEEDS A TINY DESK CONCERT TOO

[@miamilamiw]

That would be heaven

[@senayon85]

I know right!

[@cheneyrobert]

Lulu V is killing it 🎻🔥🔥🔥on violin 🎻

[@janetb6413]

The intro to the first song is beautiful with the violin. Couldn’t help but notice it’s the same progression like burna burna boy’s ’YE’

[@user-lb3sy1el1p]

Lie oh 😏 that last progression follows dat of wizkid Ojuelegba

[@janetb6413]

@@user-lb3sy1el1p the intro. The chord progression is (M S T L) same as ye. Ojuelegba has a different pattern progression and different beat .

[@Damian-rt3rt]

@@janetb6413 the instrumentalists on this performance decided to add that Ye- esque progression. It isn’t so in the original

[@cuzzimusic]

It's the way he interacted with his musicians for me. Great stuff!💯

[@boipelokarabo3463]

I would have gone mad had you not sang One Woman 😩 Thank you AG 🔥

[@JBes2Sassy]

Sinner is so intoxicating 😩😭

[@manifestingluna654]

I don’t what’s more beautiful 😩 him or his voice 💕

[@genevavalencia3360]

His voice sounds better than the studio om❤️❤️❤️😭

[@lanskay7]

AG is my favourite Naija artist. 🙌🏿🙌🏿🎶

[@aybanks1856]

So sad these type of concerts don't get to trend

[@shannonwingfield4002]

My favorite Nigerian artist. Enjoyed every minute. Thank you Adekunle Gold and Tiny Desk! Good luck with your tour. God Bless...

[@CuStywuS]

Hope you wouldn't drop this same comment on Davido, wizkid or some other Nigeria big musical artist stage performance, cos the word favourite, means just (1)...ONE.

[@heldercorreiamusic]

His vocals 🥺🥺🔥 way better live 🇲🇿🇳🇬🌍

[@graceadhiamboomondi9499]

It's so good the background actors are bobbing their heads.

[@fortuneadegoke6031]

Thank you for redeeming the nonsense Marley did😂😂

[@StevoskyMusic]

AG still remain my all time best Afro-pop vocalist 🌙😩

[@Manizzie]

Always Gold from Adekunle ✌🏾

[@blessingojo3048]

Here from AG Letters..... Where the AG fans at... Lets run this mad views.. Like this when you check in.. Lets take attendance😄

[@chasura001]

A collab with Sir would make me super happy

[@mokaLARE]

I love the decor really reflecting the airport as mentioned in the description and on the cover on the wall. You even have passengers waiting for their flight on the other side while reading magazines.

[@Key3de]

Great eye for detail 👏🏾

[@ninanwudi]

4 years of pitching and a beautiful thing was done here!💫✨

[@akpoeziopepe8240]

lets give the violinist her flowers....nice one Ag baby

[@oluwaseyifaokunla]

the falsetto at 8:20😭❤️

[@dj_whybee]

AG baby Gbemidebe!!!! Vocals 😘 Performance 😍 Song choice 🤩 everything is 10/10.

[@janetb6413]

8:55 come on bass player .. He need to score that line in the original, that was the beauty of the instrumental. And that lead guitar are letting the performance down but the singer delivered 🔥 I’m very impressed hearing this live

[@ReniasKasuka]

¹¹¹

[@danielchile6845]

No one’s talking bout the bassist😩🔥

[@kingnexa7257]

This drummer>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[@roderickmcneil432]

This is pristine music… very soothing. Cigar and whiskey vibes.

[@kwakuopoku-ware6015]

*Adekunle Gold blessed us with soulful vibes in this Tiny Desk! His vocals were silky smooth and packed with emotion. Bro had me feeling all the feels. 🥲 The live band brought the perfect accompaniment to let Adekunle's voice shine. You can tell he was really feeling the music and connecting with it on a deep level. This man is talented beyond words. Adekunle Gold represented Nigeria to the fullest with his signature afrobeats style. What an amazing showcase of his artistry in this intimate setting! NPR always coming through, spotlighting phenomenal artists. Adekunle Gold has the voice of an angel and a heart of gold. His positive message came through loud and clear. I'm gonna be replaying this to lift my spirits whenever I need. A real treat for any music lover! Legend in the making right here. 👏🏾*

[@jeremiahc_musicc]

This piano guy let me down! But all in all, good show! Glad to see AfroBeats growi

[@olaitanadesoji3719]

I really hope Tiny Desk invites Asa one day

[@asksholej2872]

He is all in my Spotify playlist! Love his music! I was introduced to this artist when I heard his music at an African wedding.

[@thyellowkid9128]

Appreciation message to Adekunle and Tiny Desk, watching this all the way from SA... Love you AG Baby❤️

[@lightandspace7938]

I need him to stop playing with us and release an acoustic album

[@perseverancezamanyambosema7737]

All the way from south africa❤❤❤❤ Adenkule Gold God bless

[@emelda4576]

The steady and consistent growth in Adekunle Gold's music is just beautiful to watch. Once again AG baby started and finished work🙌🏽💯 thank you Tiny Desk.

[@organicallygrownwoman]

Tiny Desk you keep topping yourselves. This was a beautiful global treat! So thankful for AG. 💞 to Nigeria 🇳🇬 Welldone Tiny Desk. We Global 🌎

[@chantalsenterre3955]

Tiny desk playing with the notifications! How did I miss this?! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@juliaudejiattah9414]

See Simi's baby ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love it so much

[@gollo2713]

Just in time🌿

[@joshuatemitope2353]

This is pure magic😋😍😍 Adekunle is gooooood😍😍 Great to see African music doing well all over the world.

[@berenicenkonge2615]

This is class and musical excellence at it's best. And from an African king . Couldn't be more pleased with this.

[@beloncekamz2821]

Yessss Black Music Month it is. AG baby representing Naija and the Motherland🖤🖤. Amazing stuff 💃🏿💃🏿🔥. Africa🌍 stand up😎

[@divineselfentity]

Loving the atmospheric VIBES. The setup is so DOPE!

[@mailsylas1338]

If AG baby was a woman,he already has my heart. His songs is a another whole vibe,cool jams❤️

[@oyewumiifedayo]

Cheers to growth! AG Baby to the world

[@sibz.0027]

That violinist ateee 🤪🤝

[@censuslo-liyong1986]

Adekunle you have a beautiful voice.

[@kwandamesia]

I want to give some props to the creative director and the Set designer! You got it right!

[@DerrickKagoobya]

My best african album