Amaarae: Tiny Desk Concert

NPR Music is celebrating Black Music Month with an array of brand new Tiny Desk concerts. 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.
Sidney Madden | June 22, 2023
“I think we’re in the groove now,” Amaarae laughs to her bandmates midway through her Tiny Desk concert. As one of the few breaks she takes in a 20-minute set, the singer-songwriter uses this pause to check the energy and drip of her musical consiglieres. While Amaarae and her soprano command attention in a distressed, rust-colored trench and corset top, the 11-piece band compliment their star by rocking t-shirts of the same color palette embroidered with standout lyrics from the songs she’s performing; “See my essence, feel my blessings,” “Wasted eyes on you”, “I like coffee with some head in the morning.”
It's this level of intention, precision and playfulness that has gotten the Ghanaian-American artist to her Tiny Desk moment. As a writer, her searing wordplay beckons with confidence that’s cooler than the other side of the pillow. As a producer, her ear for opposites-attract rhythms create singular moments on any chart they grace. As a Tiny Desk performer, the sunny, juicy jam of “Big Steppa,” acoustic imagining of “Disguise” and extended jubilance of “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” are anchored by Amaarae’s knowledge that she’s serving up something so forward-facing, it’s incomparable.
Born in the Bronx but hailing from Accra, Ghana, Amaarae’s appearance on NPR Music’s Black Music Month lineup proves how far the sounds of West Africa have stretched to influence the U.S. and, more implicitly, just how much the music defies catch-all labels like ‘Afrobeats.’ Fountain Baby, the album that’s home to most of the songs Amaarae performs at the Desk, represents what she does best. While it may be categorized as “pop” by streaming services, as an experience, Fountain Baby is an overflowing stream of genre-swerving liquid dopamine, lulling and surprising its listener in waves. Pulling influence from a grab bag of global incantations, Amaarae makes African percussion flirt with baile funk and alté, pop punk and garage, resulting in one of most triumphant albums and Tiny Desk Concerts of 2023 so far.
SET LIST
“Reckless & Sweet”
“Wasted Eyes”
“Disguise”
“Big Steppa”
“Co-Star”
“HELLZ ANGEL”
“SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”
MUSICIANS
Amaarae: vocals
KZDidIt: arrangement, percussion
Kyu Steed: arrangement, vocals, shaker
Tom Levesque: trumpet
Alex Goldblatt: guitar
Braxton Cook: saxophone
Amber Nicole: backing vocals
Dominique Abrams: backing vocals
The Compozers
Nana Pokes: bass
Charlie Biggz: 1st keyboard
David Melodee: 2nd keyboard
Stephen Asamoah-Duah: drums
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Sidney Madden
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #blackmusicmonth #amaarae

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@Mark.mp3]

Her new album is INSANE! My favorite of the year. So creative and fun

[@ayubayusif778]

She has the best album this 2023

[@SriLankanStuff]

Janelle Monáe dropped a bomb. Give it a listen too. Amaarae is featured too

[@Deenique16]

Just downloaded it

[@Deenique16]

@@SriLankanStuffwill do

[@alayjahk2348]

I completely agree! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 and already preordered the vinyl :)

[@strawberrypanic11]

Her natural speaking voice is deep, I didn’t expect it considering how light her voice is 😳

[@arletyramosricart994]

exactly what i thought

[@dani.1170]

RIGHT

[@Dirtysoda_]

I need some vocal training to do this lol. I strain so hard just going a little above my speaking voice

[@mizstinkie]

nah she def sounds like her songs. just sounds like she’s singing. like how pink pantheress voice isn’t super bright

[@ati_modis]

Track timestamps, if anyone has courage to skip any part of the video =D 0:00 “Reckless & Sweet” 2:45 “Wasted Eyes” 5:30 “Disguise” 8:08 “Big Steppa” 11:33 “Co-Star” 14:09 “HELLZ ANGEL” 16:48 “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”

[@giselew8509]

Thank you!!

[@candyjamaican]

Delete this mess!!! How disrespectful!!!

[@ati_modis]

​@@candyjamaican ​ what do u mean? its just the tracknames for anybody interested in looking for the songs on spotify or chords on google.

[@ayajiboye]

@@ati_modisdon’t mind them; a silly person. Good job! 👍🏾

[@emersonsn3590]

Thank you for! Loved co-star.

[@cybercollectorgeorge9180]

Amaarae's "Fountain Baby" was just named "METACRITIC's Official #1 Album of 2023" 🏆🥇 Congratulations !!!

[@SPINUNDRUM]

She's just straight up incredible. Fountain Baby album of the 2020's so far, I'm sure the Grammy's will miss it.

[@speakz2030]

Yup they did🤧

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

Jajajajajajaja they did it and SHE SUBMITTED HER WORK FOR AOTY, grammys are clowns

[@edjack5on]

Amaarae is incredibly talented and such a great representation of the power of Afropop. Thank you, Tiny Desk!

[@bo2.4u6]

Afropop ❤. Smh 😃

[@kwameeugene2502]

This afro alte not afropo

[@kelli6411]

Stop lying

[@jozieash5016]

@@kwameeugene2502alté is a subgenre of Afropop (or Afrobeats)

[@smilesallround]

🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 I love that all the band and back up singers are wearing t-shirts with her song lyrics!

[@whatis.afairy]

Ikrrrrr now THAT'S marketing !!!!

[@aseyasiddiqua6125]

I literally went to her website to see if she sells them or not....unfortunately not :(

[@C2G2]

I did not realize that thanks for sharing that info.🙂

[@MrGeez513]

I caught that and thought that was a dope touch💯💪🏾

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

Tiny Desk has always been great but lately they are locating and spotlighting such an incredibly diverse group of artists and genres and collaborations. It’s a real joy to be able to stream these offerings around the world !

[@tobeherself]

It's how you can tell the band is really vibing with her performance

[@castroleiro]

Been waiting for one of the Alte Afrobeat folks to get to the desk. Amaarae has been shining from the moment she dropped her first music.

[@sarayb.5083]

Great vibes. She has a light/airy tone and on some songs my ears were missing the support that a bass background singer gives (nerd moment) but when you could hear them it made everything more🔥🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾

[@StuHolland]

Agreed, sounds flat af

[@Sky-dz1gj]

I def missed that control of her voice but she was killing those soft vocals

[@melissacine4820]

Tiny desk needs to make an album of it’s live performance and upload them to streaming platforms bc this is just too good

[@ifortunata]

PLEASE !!!

[@emdw6724]

I wish she sang more of her old tunes as well, bc they’re bangers as well!!

[@sibobanzana3811]

FLUID!!!

[@9darshana]

​@@sibobanzana3811I was wondering if someone was going to say Fluid because it's on repeat at all times. Love it!

[@ibuthemagician]

Facts..

[@olakunbiidris9387]

Was hoping to hear fantasy!

[@schwap7210]

I’m glad she did Hellz Angel tho 😇 it sounds great live. I’ll go listen to Fluid now haha

[@brianadubose7841]

Her band is EVERYTHING. Such a 🔥🔥🔥 performance

[@revelation7070]

Fantastic performance from Amaarae❤. Ghana 🇬🇭 is proud!!

[@ugochukwualexandra7201]

She is a Nigerian

[@revelation7070]

​@@ugochukwualexandra7201I know her parents. They are proudly Ghanaian.

[@ugochukwualexandra7201]

@@revelation7070 she is a Nigerian lol

[@papzdee9671]

@@ugochukwualexandra7201 When she started her performance she said "My name is Amaarae, hailing from Accra,Ghana Ayekooo" or is it the English language you don't understand..? ok..no worries I got another option use Google search and 🤫

[@akuaasantewaamanteaw4642]

Nigerians want to claim everyone. Is there a new state in Naija called Accra ei

[@headcrack]

The most impressing Tiny Desk Concert ever. 12 musicians on stage and the arrangement ist a dream, out of this world. Regards from a retired audio engineer from Germany.

[@pullzthestringz]

Can't believe much she's grown. Was completely blown away by her debut The Angel You Don't Know. Fountain Baby an amazing follow up, even though TAYDK still my personal favorite since it's more experimental. I love her take on Afrobeats. Amaarae is an amazing talent, hit maker❤❤❤ And she has so much swagg🥵🔥🔥

[@fendybendy6466]

The live trumpet was an absolute necessityyyyy

[@derrickekowowusu-bh3dy]

Amaarae to the world 🇬🇭🌎 This performance is definitely one of the best

[@lionessofie]

AMA WE ARE SO PROUD! 🇬🇭💜

[@niifakye4456]

I love your music too ❤️

[@lisasabwe]

No one’s doing it like Amaarae🥺

[@jamesnotjames]

These live arrangements were SICK 👏🏻🙌🏻🤩🙌🏻👏🏻

[@emilynormakudze5501]

Ghana STAND UP!!!!!! Probably one of my favourite NPR tiny Desks Amaarae keep doing what you do girl. Love love your music!!!!!

[@sherrianbrown4828]

This was such a vibe. I'm loving all the artists for Black Music Month🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@zhanazhana1001]

I just found her and her new album goes NUTSSSS 🫡 I’ve been listening a week straight. And the band 😍😍 whew they fionneeee

[@philipahagan]

Wasted eyes will always give me chills. I love her!

[@user-yg5be3lm6j]

God bless Kaytranada for putting me on to this lady a couple weeks ago and God bless this beautiful performance! Much love to everyone experiencing this glorious occasion together!

[@Tu51ndBl4d3]

Where he post her at?

[@Sky-dz1gj]

​@@Tu51ndBl4d3I think he means her feature on the kaytramine album which put me on too

[@ashleyraquelzurdo4451]

I just love when musicians vibe so hard with the music they just made 🤍✨

[@nnankeebri8452]

This live performance was so good her voice so soft and the band did the dang thing

[@Swizzbills]

Amaarae is just nice with it. She’s gonna go places for real

[@nicholasvinson9862]

I love the live instrumentation!! It sounds so jazzy

[@planetzoraa]

I love how the band is wearing shirts w her lyrics on it😍 cute merch! Purr Amaarae

[@kristianarnell]

Loveee when artists sound even better live than the studio album, Amaarae is the future of pop frfr!

[@Oguike100]

I didn’t realize I could love these songs more then here she comes making them even better.

[@joshuatangu132]

OMG first Ghanaian artist on Tiny Desk🥰😍🥰

[@FKAdenz]

I was obsessed with co-star when she first dropped it. My mouth literally dropped and felt joyful when i heard co-star live!!! Also I’ve played her new album Fountain Baby on repeat. Hopefully she tours in the US soon 😭

[@tgodi]

Thank you for bringing her greatness to Tiny Desk 🥲🫶🏾

[@omhinhyun3133]

this was toooooo good. I loved how the backup singers and the instrumentals were all just vibing. straight up fireeeeee!!! I also loved how I was able to see the little quirks

[@samboghini]

Fountain baby has been on repeat for me since last week, so this is a pleasant surprise. Live afrobeat drumming is a marvel👂🏽❤❤❤🎶🎶🎶

[@kaeuymah]

When I say I am living for Amaarae? She is so talented and-I'm gonna say it-"Fountain Baby" is one of the best album releases of the decade! As a 1st-generation West African who grew up during the 2000s-this album is so fun, nostalgic, musically innovative, and a breath of fresh air. She did it; Amaarae created a timeless record for the kids who grew up on Ashanti, Missy Elliott, P-Square, and Paramore 🙌🏾

[@daniellewilliams6767]

She has a good team! The afro beat/high life grooves, the merch. Well done

[@thisislenard]

one of my fav Tiny Desk, the band have such great chemistry with each other. Foundation Baby probably in the running for my AOTY 🔥

[@rashidatawiah6498]

No it’s the way The Composers are feeling it for me😂❤🎉🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@12olokun28]

I’m glad she’s getting the recognition she deserves. I’ve always been a fan. Phenomenal.

[@david_daniels]

This is saucy sensual goodness 🇬🇭 has a way with music

[@henriquepereira2813]

i love amaarae, what a voice, what a rhythm, she is amazing!

[@AddieFresh]

Unbelievable voice... good to know she can sing live like this))) I'm impressed 🎉🎉🎉

[@Tania-wh7sg]

Her voice tone is unique I love it 🥹

[@michaelbuchholz2164]

Great. I can hear african, south american and also arabic influences. Really great and fine songs.

[@clinsmanodurogyasi4192]

This girl is Damm good 😊.. Ghana 🇬🇭 to the world ❤

[@randyopoku1536]

we are proud of you Ama great Ghanaian Girl wow

[@lagoonalust]

this arrangement is absoutley iconic. she is that girl! her team were amazing

[@Itsganyo]

🇬🇭 in the building. let’s go! 🫶🏾

[@AfroKidOne]

GANG!!! 💪🏿

[@soprubix]

Wow!! The live arrangements of her songs is so good omfggg

[@Addyjoeboy15]

Wow amaarae love ❤️ from Accra Ghana 🇬🇭 toooo

[@Dani_L13]

She deserves much more recognition as she is such an excellent artist. Your new album is flawless.

[@robswales6118]

I totally agree! At least it's the most highly critically acclaimed album so far this year (rightfully so too!). That ought to drum up some more recognition

[@sunsetwavey]

This make me want to move to visit 🇬🇭 and buy land there

[@rokrboy92]

Ghana making magic music love from México 🇬🇭❤ 🇲🇽

[@sag3th3philosopher]

Amaarae finally on tiny desk is a dream come true 😭😭😭

[@LEvELSCALES]

WE NEED THIS COLLECTION OF T-SHIRTS

[@emoglobal_]

definitely, where can I found itttt ? 😭

[@saraxv1]

I want a Tiny Kitchen concert with them to perform while I have breakfast. Love from Venice Italy❤

[@presidentanp]

Fountain baby was such a dope album, glad to see her with a tiny desk!

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

I knew this would be good, but my expectations were far exceeded. Fountain Baby is such a beautifully crafted album.

[@notoriouslyNAY]

AMAARAE! Why am i just finding out about this 😢. I love her voice so much! THE TEAMS SHIRTS! I just noticed the lyrics! I need one

[@Broseph359]

Glad I found it! Tiny desk quietly drops these jewels & we’re always hyped to find them

[@wil_darock]

first time seeing the band being so enjoyed playing and matching with the vibe 🔥🔥

[@jeffreycallaway4614]

Love her voice and her talented musicians & background singers. Made my musical listening moment -very happy & pleasant. Thank you 🙏🏾 Tiny Desk for presenting this musical gem. Happy “Black Music Month.” 🎤🎹🎸🎼🎵

[@reimic_1]

First Ghanaian to this , love you Queen

[@NolanFriedline]

Beautifully soft sounds from such a large band. This is fire!

[@joelyawson1202]

Amaarae is just something else 🤩🤩🤩🤩 super talented

[@florencekpeglo1322]

Wasted eyes is such a jam !

[@jaytunez3073]

Fountain baby on repeat since it dropped 🥺❤️🎧

[@realperson806]

WE ARE SO PROUD 🇬🇭

[@jalahscomfycouch]

This album is GOLDEN! 🌟🌟🌟

[@siniagreen96]

I’ve been listening to her for awhile such an amazing inspiration this has made me wanna see her live this instrumental yall

[@LernyLomotey]

This is dope! Absolutely fire Her voice is so pure, Compozers did their thing as usual, all 12 of them delivered!!! 🙌🏾🔥👏🏾

[@davidmcclair2957]

Heard about a minute of her on a podcast and had to hear more. It’s good to follow your instincts sometimes !!

[@TexasPenny]

Tiny desk never disappoints ❤

[@Cecemma777]

She's a godess 🤩

[@UnfrendlyBlackHottie]

U and Janelle Monae dropped the best projects of 2023!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Belvalovette]

Beautiful woman with an angel voice! Representing 🇬🇭 so well! ❤️

[@suadabdul-razak765]

Incredibly talented 🥳🥳

[@emilymoreau5045]

my god, shes so so beautiful and heavenly

[@applejackzo]

Braxton Cook on the sax too?!?! stoooooop this is everything!!

[@Favour_Ntoimo]

I've been waiting for this! The way she and the band devoured this performance!

[@actsofwisdom7]

I love Amaarae's voice so much. Such a beautiful female, with a beautiful, blessed voice. Keep going chic, your doing great. Your voice is so Angelic. Your voice is incredibly unique. I've not heard anyone with a voice like yours. 👍🏽❤️🔥🔥🔥💯

[@daimon080]

One of my faves coming up ❤❤

[@ndowden16]

Omg this band thooooooo🤯!! I gotta see her live!!

[@boriqueerreads]

Amaarae is such an amazing performer and she is probably one of the sweetest people I've ever met.

[@godplan1391]

A classic performance that you can watch for a lifetime. A gem!

[@danielsunkrief-2483]

It's fun to see and hear the musicians play and enjoy what they do, Its not obvious. Thanks💜

[@jalyphagrand594]

That was a beautiful one ..stay bless 🙏

[@ibreathemusic]

Her new album is so fire!!! Amaarae Is HER!!🔥

[@yaaboatemaa21]

such an incredibly talented young lady. Love from Accra❤❤

[@iamyasmeen1999]

My goodness she’s even better in person!!! Gotta see a concert now

[@estherb7128]

She ate this up!!! Yessss fountain baby!!!🔥🔥

[@Goldentongue2002]

Amaarae is really special,amazing talent & beautiful 🎉❤

[@missmorris625]

❤✊🏽🥰 this has been such an amazing month of black music and amazing performances!!! NPR, Tiny Desk, ❤ thank you for all the work you do

[@xhiah5894]

Love her album love this love her. Stay true Amaarae you going straight to the top and imma stick beside you

[@tumimatha]

She sounds amazing!!!!! everything sweet ❤‍🔥