DakhaBrakha: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

People always ask me, "What's your favorite Tiny Desk Concert?" Well, right now it's the one recently performed by DakhaBrakha. The creative quartet from Kiev, Ukraine make music that sounds like nothing I've ever heard, with strands of everything I've ever heard. There are rhythms that sound West African and drone that feels as if it could have emanated from India or Australia. At times, DakhaBrakha is simply a rock band whose crazy homeland harmonies are filled with joy. All the while, they play tight-knit tunes featuring accordion, drums, reeds and shakers while wearing tall, Marge Simpson-looking wool hats that made me jealous.
I want the world to see this Tiny Desk Concert more than any other right now. It's refreshing to hear the power of acoustic music and the many worlds of sound still waiting to be explored. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Sho Z-Pod Duba" 0:00
"Torokh" 3:43
"Divka-Marusechka" 8:07
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Morgan McCloy, Maggie Starbard, AJ Wilhelm; Assistant Producer: Annie Bartholomew; photo by Colin Marshall/NPR

[@lynnpehrson8826]

Came for the hats, stayed for the music

[@blakesleyk.7166]

lynn pehrson perfect observation. Agreed!

[@jeffolmstead9218]

some how i can see the b-52's doing a combo

[@Grievous-]

Came for the hats, left from the music.

[@lefthopegv9422]

I didn't even realize that's what happened to me until I read your comment.

[@ZZ-jd9kl]

Same

[@kathyunger724]

Confused. Alarmed. Aroused. Joyous. Fascinated. The 5 steps of the DakhaBrahka experience.

[@MrShbbz]

there is an unconscious step 6, Edward Bernays supplies it, you will feel it when you watch news about the Russian aggression against Ukraine, be it true or not.

[@BurmaShane]

Ok. I'll stay too, especially if there's a chance of musical arousal....

[@georgefromgreece4119]

To me it was just first contact love, and love to the end. Cheers from Greece!

[@rebekahtowers7130]

Hahahaha. Love it.

[@hhhokl69]

@@MrShbbz true it is

[@MikeCaseyMusic]

Will never forget being in the room for this - a special memory and an incredible intro to Ukrainian culture. Hope they are safe and sending love to Ukraine!

[@kevinnix5495]

God I hope they are ok right now

[@_Amor_Fati]

You're kidding me?!? U got to see their Tiny Desk LIVE?!? THAT sounds like more than a special memory... Its like u can hear the pain & pride of their ancestors in their voices... like a battle cry. Moves me to relax and evaluate my life every listen. I've watched lots of their performances on YT, and Tiny Desk has that wonderful intimate feel, I had no idea there was even room for an audience in there! ;) Sending love to dakhabrakha and their people of Ukraine. Thanks for sharing your unique music w the rest of the world ❤🧡💛💚💙💙💜✌🌍

[@MikeCaseyMusic]

@@_Amor_Fati very special indeed. it was part of a composers residency at the Kennedy Center I did in 2015 called Betty Carter Jazz Ahead. Great program that changed my life. Towards the end they took us on a tour of NPR Music. and to our surprise we walked right into a tiny desk concert, which happened to be this one! let's just say the room is much bigger than it looks haha

[@_Amor_Fati]

@@MikeCaseyMusic unreal. What an incredible life you opened yourself up to. Congrats!

[@peaches2220]

I went down a memory rabbit hole and went searching for this..I forgot they were from Ukraine! Prayers

[@heidihemore7812]

How can a person NOT get into this band?? Holy Christ have they just created their own genre? This is some of the most incredible music I've ever experienced. I am now one of your greatest American fans!!!

[@lanagukina3338]

It comes from Ukrainian folk

[@heidihemore7812]

European Urban Folk.

[@lanagukina3338]

@@heidihemore7812 *Eastern European

[@heidihemore7812]

@@lanagukina3338 Yes, of course Eastern

[@user-px4ml9td3f]

Це Україна, музика волі, так співає вільна душа. Слава нації.

[@dwightgaston6079]

What the--? It's rock, it's New Age, it's Tibetan drone, it's African call and response, it's Slavic folk, it's so old and so new and it makes me want to headbang and hippie groove and do the cossack dance at the same time! I am joyful right now because of this joyful, utterly unique music!!!

[@staninjapan07]

That's how I should have expressed my thoughts about this. You did it so much more meaningfully than me.

[@1WEareBUFO1]

its like western europe got hit with a music bomb from the B52s

[@nasticanasta]

why not slap another label on this you poor excuse for a music critic...it's not rock...it's ethnic...and ethnic music can't be progressive because if you do, it ceases to be ethnic.

[@ahnenthor]

@@nasticanasta Chill man... It's not like everybody has that deeper understanding of music genres like you, the enlightened one, has. Don't be so full of yourself and let other people experience music in their own due time.

[@omega1231]

@@ahnenthor Well the way it was said maybe was bit off, but it's true, the vast majority of what they do is Ukrainian folk. They have a few songs that have modern influences, but those are obvious. It doesn't have to be Tibetan just because it has drone tones, a ton of folkmusic has drone tones, it also doesn't have to be African just because it has call and response, also quite common in folkmusic.

[@heihan1675]

Dear Marco, Irina, Elena and Nina, we hope very much you are well in these troubled times. We wish you all the best.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Just had first row seats at a dazzling concert by this fascinating group! Not only was their performance incredible, but, on the large screen behind them, the graphics were beautiful, the photos moving, and the film brought tears. If you have a chance , GO SEE AND SUPPORT THIS WONDERFUL GROUP!!

[@hamptontanguero]

Three beautiful women in wedding dresses and a guy yelling. Couldn't get any better! Love the music.

[@Funnysterste]

The moment when you listen to a song for the first time and you want to marry the whole band.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

Funnysterste Haha I had a similar thought, which was “I want to be this band!” ☺️❤️👌🏼

[@staninjapan07]

YEAH

[@LeksiW]

Well, it's a good thing they wore their wedding dresses.

[@MyrrdinMerlin]

hahahaha...lol, super comment :)

[@jeroenunger7688]

Including that dude!🙏🏼

[@therev6730]

Just discovered DakhaBrakha last Friday and am currently obsessed. In light of the current war on Ukraine I searched for Ukrainian music and certainly wasn't disappointed. Ukraine is in my heart.

[@vladislavjacobson6593]

Magic is real and alive in Ukraine - this is some of the best musical expressions of that magic. Victory, Peace, and Glory to Ukraine!

[@dawnbender7014]

This song started it all. I'm so in love with this band. They've changed my life❤️💯☮️🇺🇦

[@zhanteimi3575]

How?

[@luciustitius]

Which one?

[@joeoge9347]

yah that song changed my life too

[@elismycat]

Seen them live twice!! Mindblowing!!! Best live concert ever! Powerful, enthralling, fascinating, humurous, addictive, energizing,, one of my favorite bands ever! See them live if you can!!!

[@davidgittelman6778]

I’m seeing them tomorrow at NC State. Waited 5 years for this!! So stoked!!

[@jongarzamx]

Whoever is high in that studio is having the best trip of his life.

[@nasticanasta]

ever do shrooms? this is the last thing you would wanna hear tripping.

[@jeffkopher3468]

@@nasticanasta No, this would be awesome!

[@porkrind225]

@@nasticanasta set and setting, if it were in a tent village in the middle of a grassy field around a campfire it could be enjoyable. In the middle of a cramped room in a chair surrounded by people I don't know, that's a different story lol

[@d.m.webb-benjamin3576]

LOL

[@ThisGuy76]

Whoever's high while listening to this video is having a pretty good trip...

[@SocietyKilledTheUnicorn]

That beautiful smile on the right one though, I can't stop watching her play/sing.

[@blainesnow1476]

O.M.G. - my new favorite group! They remind me of a cross between the wildness of Ukranian Eugene Hutz's Gogol Bordello and the famed vocal harmonies of the Bulgarian Women's Choir with a bit of West African beat thrown in. Simply amazing!

[@JRandallS]

If this group isn't cast as the band in the next Star Wars dive bar, then somebody isn't paying attention. Got to love me some DakhaBrakha!!

[@launica209]

I got cantina band vibes too

[@olguiq1013]

🤣😂... So PICTURED it... ❤❤❤❤❤❤....

[@pekinbikeguy]

Best comment ever

[@natashaclarke8372]

Yesss!!!

[@patymoonkaraoke]

This isn't music, this is an experience. So much art here. Thank you!!!

[@Gen_X_TurdCutter]

😂 I just hear Polish music

[@silviac221]

They are so insanely good that they have nothing left to prove, so they can afford to do something really wild, and unique. Three brides in Cossack hats! And they have so much fun it's infectious!

[@ericwehrlin3122]

Extraordinary discovery : never heard such original music. Many thanks to Tiny desk and its team.

[@errolfellows409]

@@AFNacapella I saw that performance last night. I went BINGO!!

[@ianc4901]

@@AFNacapella thanks for the recommendation, I'll look that up !

[@johnwrath3612]

The first song is actually a Ukrainian cover of “Friday” by Rebecca Black

[@jennoam]

I've seen them live in a festival in Devon, England. Nobody knew what the music would be like. As the performance ended and the audience 'recovered' from the fantastic experience, everyone were running to the CD shop to buy their album. Stunning gig.

[@visibleimagery]

I'm in Devon, wish I had known about them back then!!!

[@misio200]

It is what you can call Slavic soul. I see a lot of elements from Ukrainian folklore.

[@theantibelfield5132]

Where they at sidmouth folk festival

[@reuse_or_die]

I wouldn't mind betting they were at Sidmouth

[@frankdepiction6506]

Saw this quartet a year and a half ago in Toronto. Audience ages from 12 to in their 80s. About the third song, I noticed that everyone in the audience was rocking out in a chair dance, to every song. One of the best concerts I've been to, ever.

[@martinlros]

Sending prayers to Ukraine, heartbreaking news,.

[@shasongs]

[@garymelnyk7910]

Thank you Martin! They are appreciated!

[@andreasschmitt666]

Nazis at Government and sorry to say not only at the Goverment. ...bur the music is nice.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

It's been said before but the engineering on these concerts is incredible. These guys have acoustic instruments and they're being mic'ed from across the desk but it sounds great on headphones.

[@theepicosityofpizza]

It blows my mind every time Legit sounds better than most studio releases

[@mattbuszko]

been said before, but still very much worth repeating. Sounds dope!

[@goingsnakeh.spiritchaser5413]

I hope these beautiful Ukrainians and their families and friends are safe 🖤🖤🖤 - big love from USA

[@kevinnix5495]

Came to say the same thing

[@lesclampinsdabord359]

They're not. See New York Times.

[@goingsnakeh.spiritchaser5413]

@@lesclampinsdabord359 actually they are fine for now, according to them, not NY Times.

[@mifis57]

They are currently touring the US

[@Docentino1914]

Unfortunatunately they're not safe. As long your US brain has no president, excuse me, as long as long has no... fugde it! I'm old . (Who's in charge of my prompter? Xe's fired!)

[@zebra3stripes]

Loved it. I am a slav to the rhythm.

[@loganmohler737]

Nice!!!!

[@TomClothier]

Fuck this just got me good. One thumbs up for you good sir

[@stephenlotto4364]

Booh...

[@JasonElectron]

Not really a pun as the word 'slave' comes from the world 'slavic' originally.

[@Alex.Kalashnik]

joo juniper That’s just one offbeat theory...

[@sakelambo91]

This is awesome on so many levels. Easily one of the best Tiny Desk Jams ever.

[@_Amor_Fati]

Agree! It gives me such loving appreciation for Tiny Desk, THIS is the video that I pull up to show to others what tinydesk is, and why it's so great! ❤✌🌍 Bringing artists of all styles together without fighting for the front row at a concert. Not to mention their audio quality is top notch! I hope to someday be there in person.

[@robinmccullars4971]

Why this is not more popular I've no idea. Tiny Desk should be a Radio Station in every town world wide! Where I live, it's all 40, 50 year old rock or country that you've heard to death. This is soooo refreshing!

[@kristallyzation]

Sometimes I get so sad that I’ll never be able to experience ALL of the music

[@user-dp8pr1mq4v]

Найкращі !! Любимо вас!

[@kevinnix5495]

God I sure hope they are safe and ok right now during these dark times in Ukraine. Strength be with you wherever you are!

[@mauricemusician7636]

11:47 Carol of the Bells (which is originally based on a Ukrainian folk song)

[@mader348]

Found this last night, watched multiple vids, drank, danced and fell in love with this band. So very Cool😎

[@_Amor_Fati]

Came back again to listen today because I remembered they're from Kiev, Ukraine! Sending Love to Ukraine! Thanks for a chilling performance. Chills start @2:00 ❤🧡💛💚💙💜✌🌍

[@maryjanegreen8687]

This video never gets old.

[@heathen-greaser]

Sending love and strength to all of Ukraine, stay strong 🇬🇧 ❤ 🇺🇦

[@HollyFurgason]

I live in Ukraine now and got to see them on concert. It was incredible!

[@olguiq1013]

WOW!!!!! NICE!!

[@berthonpowell7366]

Hope you are safe 🙏

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

Thank you allmighty KZbin algorithm for making my day...

[@tantalus_complex]

This whole thing was fire and I'm only disappointed that I am only now discovering it.

[@nikaprusnik]

Praying and thinking about all the Ukranian souls right now who are facing war. Music connects, music heals! The world is with YOU. 🙏🏽❤️🌌

[@kevinnix5495]

Came here to say the same thing, I really hope they are somewhere safe with their families.

[@myplaylistsareimportanttom7925]

"Hey, this rhythm is kinda mellow and enchanting.." *SUDDEN YELLING* (Love it tho)

[@user-mm1ye6bj3n]

Ваша музика-це щось надзвичайне! Дякую ❤️

[@Lex-tl4vm]

I'm due to give birth any minute, I'm going to request this in my delivery room lol

[@reuse_or_die]

how did it go lovely?

[@Stinktierchen]

@@reuse_or_die I am sure you really do care.. swimp

[@irina-timbondarev7751]

I am sure the baby will come out super musical!!! 😊💜

[@reuse_or_die]

@@Stinktierchenis that some sort of insult? why? who hurt you?

[@Stinktierchen]

@@reuse_or_die Why would you call a total stranger woman to you... lovely? So... several peoppe have hurt me and I have hurt people... thats called life man... so whats your point? The question is.. who took your balls away?

[@glenmason4576]

They explore all the rhythms of planet earth this shows again music has no boundaries

[@BraindeadCRY]

What a great concert. Came because I was curious, stayed because it was genuinely good music.

[@Previati]

Gotta love the lady on the right who looks like she's having a blast playing this crazy music. I would love to see this group live.

[@carlatrujillog]

This Tiny concert just blew my mind! Amazing! Just wowed with this band

[@julianfisher8190]

In a perfect world beauty and creative genius would annihilate destructive stupidity every time. Maybe it still will. You're wonderful, DakhaBrakha❤❤❤. Bless you!

[@DeniseReedis]

I did NOT understand one word but TOTALLY love every bit of this performance.

[@josh0g]

See also: Dagadana The members are from Ukraine and Poland, so lots of similarities. Well worth checking out if you enjoyed this.

[@Balabonyk]

Me neither. But unlike you I'm ... Ukrainian native speaker. :LOL

[@digitalsketchguy]

I think they're singing about two lovers that meet in a Skoda factory & go hunting for Elk.

[@VonBlade]

Music is universal. I don't understand half of Jenny and the Mexicats, and almost nothing of Eugene Hutz, but who cares if it grooves. (just to make it clear, I'm agreeing with you, not suggesting you said that you care you don't understand the lyrics)

[@vetal215]

As ukrainian I assure you that most of their lyrics have no sense.

[@jodywager6043]

Sending love and prayers for peace to Ukraine and all who are struggling to survive.

[@wizardoffrobozz]

HI. Saw you perform with my Mum in a free concert Downtown Los Angeles. We were right up front. Mum, when she was MUCH younger was part of a Ukrainian Dance Troupe. i have a couple photos. WE BOTH SO ENJOYED THE MUSIC AND THE POLITICS!!!!! bought one of your CDs. One of the best times Mum and I spent together. Riveting, Captivating, Mesmerizing, Beautiful

[@kolinevans9127]

Whatever dimension this is it’s a good one.

[@christinertheweiner]

The perpetual smile on the cellist's face makes her very beautiful.

[@rileyschwarcz6322]

+christinertheweiner they're all so talented!

[@gladtobealoser5305]

atownlefttrain ,haha love the honesty and straight forwardness of that

[@atownlefttrain]

Gotta make sure that all music makers are recognized for the hot pieces of tail that they are, male and female alike!

[@arnoldlane68]

I love your Zardoz avatar, btw

[@remimarkable4834]

How dare you comment on her physical appearance positively good sir? I believe we are all equally appalled by your boorish behavior. Tsk-tsk.

[@hughdixon752]

Hauntingly beautiful. Hope them and theirs are safe....

[@gogizoidze5399]

They use their voices as another instrument and mix the vocal so well with the sound

[@nadinelibre3922]

Ça recharge les batteries, çà rend joyeux 🎉❤️🙏🎶 Merci 🎵🎈🎶🎼👍🙏🎈

[@malibug9889]

NPR always adding gold to my playlist ❤️🎶✨

[@stephx420]

Music is the universal language. No clue what they are saying, but I'm in love!

[@jamesmoore9289]

Saw them perform at Bonnaroo 2014. They were incredible and the crowd was totally feeling them. A great time was had by all.

[@mjw-bgr8]

this BLOWS my MIND!!! its like I've discovered music again for the first time ....

[@prashant381]

Just made my unborn 8m twins listen to it. It felt like blessings to them. Thank u

[@theepochman1]

It's artists like this that makes me love music.

[@serpaaa]

Congratulations NPR Music for the work you're doing, bringing authentic, international music to people who are looking for true good music, done by people who play from their hearts and souls. This is what people are craving for nowadays, it's easy to understand that, just look at the number of views...2 Million so far. Thank you for that !!!

[@dianashypula]

one of the best Ukrainian music performers!!! Well done DakhaBrakha! Slava Ukraine!!!!

[@squib5000]

DakhaBrakha just played at Festival International in Lafayette, Louisiana and it was magic.

[@spiritual_music7396]

Ann Burruss thanks for your comment Ann, i have never heard of any international music festivals here in the southwest

[@pnkpricess059]

Yes! It was so amazing! Magic is the perfect word to describe their performance.

[@jonvelde5730]

OhMyGod, the cello player is absolutely adorable! I've hear the advice to performers "look like you're having fun" and thought it was kind've dumb, but Jesus, she just draws your eyes with that grin!

[@torreydunn2170]

Don’t understand a single word, but I know great songs when I hear em!!!!!

[@myronchild349]

I am so in love with these guys. I've been playing for half a century and this is some of the most profoundly cool music I have ever heard.

[@tsoishik]

11:45-12:50 gets me every time. "Carol of the bells' as you've never heard it before. This group is amazing. Just saw them in Odessa, Ukraine. Thank you so much for hosting talent like this from around the world!

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

I was waiting for someone to mark this sequence. They isolated it with harmonies genuinely. Nothing but respect for this group. Oh hey something I meant to ask when I commented first was, did you get a chance to see them play "Baby" live? That's on my bucket list but my goodness that's a goose bumper for the ages!

[@MrMaxlines]

It is a Ukrainian folk song actually.

[@dishusse]

@@MrMaxlines Щедрик!

[@wh023]

The moment you realize the music we'll be listening to in 100 years is the same music we listened to 100 years ago from now.

[@leoray1234]

That bass/cello is the coolest sound ever

[@kakistocracyusa]

This is like hearing the B-52's for the first time, in another dimension. Wonderful.

[@fieryfredthebeaconlighter2259]

I totally get that 😁

[@stupid314]

No matter how many times I watch this, it never loses it's magic. Beautiful performance

[@8656737s]

I agree!

[@roxylooney2585]

I'm hooked I keep trying to get all my friends to watch their performance

[@RomaN1077]

Год назад комментил. Опять повторюсь. Ребята вы просто чудо!!!!👏👏👏💪

[@PinkAmadeus]

What a sensory and visual trip! Music is an international language if ever there was one. Thanks for yet another marvel!

[@fieryfredthebeaconlighter2259]

At last I’m going to see them live in London tomorrow night (20 January 2022). Postscript: it was possibly the best gig I have ever been to, which considering I have seen a great many world class acts (Led Zep, the Floyd, Yes, Genesis etc.) I am genuinely astounded by how good DB are live! ❤️

[@nolandionne1262]

So, so wonderful. Joyous, sly, aggressive, and soaring. Thanks for highlighting this band. Bob Boilen for President.

[@timtrainor9720]

Woooooow, I am Blown away! This music stirs something deep inside. I want more. Thank you, NPR. Thank you, DakhaBrakha. You Guys Rock!

[@zeigs23]

One of strangest and coolest things I've ever seen....

[@Honesty976]

Just one week ago I saw DakhaBrakha perfomance here, in Toronto. They are the best ethno group ever! Being a Ukrainian myself I am not too shy to say that:) Talented, vibrant, colorful, UKRAINIAN!!:)

[@bryancooper9581]

I have never seen Nina without a smile. I love Dakhabrakha, and Dakh Daugthers. My favourite cellist. xxx.

[@olehskoteckiy4572]

In song YELENA she did it all time

[@olhachytaylo4022]

they are the best! :)

[@bryancooper9581]

Thank you for this. I love this song. And Nina has her Cello, and Bow! Thank you, and be safe!

[@per2]

nina's smile literally makes my day better, she must be lovely person to be around

[@resistenzainutile]

i've literally listen to 3 seconds of this video, and i know i'm gonn listen to this music for the next months

[@resistenzainutile]

I was right! 😃

[@shanehenry7215]

I know this feeling. Started with a song and many months later I am listening to all their albums as often as I can. Their first album is available on Bandcamp for purchase. I can’t get enough.

[@josephinefasching-gray4635]

I saw them in Bratislava in December. They were thrilling!! THeir Music moves you tothe core!!❤‍🔥

[@honestyfenix530]

What a group! Inspiring and creative to the max. Ukraine never stops surprising me.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

this group was just here in Taos, NM this past December…I went and saw them and the whole crowd feel madly in love with them…they were INCREDIBLE live.

[@DJLA]

Whatever happened between 7:15 - 7:28 touched my soul! It hit so differently. Magical stuff!!

[@GaryKrum]

Howdy from Texas!! One of the most unique and original bands since the B-52's!! Keep it coming!!

[@olguiq1013]

Well said!!!!

[@mnels5214]

I wasn't the only one who was reminded of the B-52s! Thought it was just me...

[@cthulhuhoops7538]

This goes on the "Jams" playlist for sure. I love stuff like this, in a language I don't understand, yet so much emotion is conveyed none the less.

[@rudidower]

Beautiful souls, beautiful faces, beautiful sounds from beautiful places:- Tiny desk concert. Thanks for posting😃

[@taniawhatarangi-bell5180]

I came upon this accidentally and I am hooked. Magnificent. It takes me to another place. Stunning,

[@dkroyley]

One of three reasons the internet is a good thing. This!! ☝🏿

[@shez2]

These folks are wonderful - so talented; such a unique and exciting sound!!!

[@passionpuertorico]

We truly lived in an amazing era. Saw the Cubs take the title and was fortunate enough to listen to this in my life. Thank you universe.

[@user-jt4oc6dm7k]

Universe-Bid "U" don't mess with that

[@enriquerivas8578]

Colo Riqueno : yeah but indians lost 😞

[@filipczaban1]

In Poland, we used to say, if someone makes something VERY STRONG we call him/her ,,KOZAK" .....it is definitely KOZAckie hi hi.....Powerfull stream :)))))))

[@araticum2]

11:25 love that smile and that yeeaah. And how she makes the cello sound like a guitar at 12:29

[@Mariekesone]

Very Exciting Bunch of Musicians... Wonderful!!!

[@shervellebergholz]

Love this!! I mean.... absolutely FUCKING LOVE THIS!!!

[@codedreamer8]

Love the music. Solidarity with the people of free Ukraine 🤜🇺🇦🤛

[@adzdahlman9724]

30 times later........ still listening ~ sharing this wonderful set . All the best to you folk* PS . If I commented every ten listens ; you'd think I was a stalker .

[@lanehartwell]

I can imagine this music in What We Do in the Shadows.

[@abbyd254]

That's so perfect 😂❤️

[@Helda_Ilweranta]

I would love that so much!!

[@jasonleard_]

Great Show

[@Adam.G.Trapper]

Yes, its Carpathian Arial