Kelela: Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | Februrary 24, 2024
Kelela took her opportunity at the Tiny Desk to create something new. She swapped key pieces from her recordings (hard drums and effects) for a harp and piano. She also presented us with a challenge or two as well. While there weren't many bodies behind the Desk, the instruments left little room for movement. Pianist Briley Harris was barricaded by the keys, and background vocalists Brittney Mills and Alayna Rodgers were nestled next to Ahya Simone's big beautiful harp. When an artist presents us with a distinctive, creative vision for their performance, the fun part is collaborating to execute that idea.
This Tiny Desk was a homecoming for Kelela. She let the music do most of the speaking but not before shouting out Washington, D.C., where she was born. The setlist seamlessly showcases most parts of her catalog with a couple of brand new arrangements. "Enough" and "Take Me Apart" are almost unrecognizable, recast to allow Kelela's vocals to sit gently within the harp and keys. The singer found a thunder tube in our percussion section and tinkered with it during soundcheck. Toward the end of "The High," she sings through it to alter her voice. That exploration and experimentation perfectly capture the essence of the show.
SET LIST
"Raven"
"Take Me Apart"
"Bank Head"
"Waitin"
"Enough"
"Bluff"
"The High"
MUSICIANS
Kelela: vocals
Briley Harris: keys
Brandon Donald: drums
Alayna Rodgers: vocals
Brittney Mills: vocals
Ahya Simone: harp
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Hannah Gluvna
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#nprmusic #tinydesk #kelela

[@nprmusic]

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[@ThinkLuckie]

If you’ve heard the original version then you know how much this versions of enough means 😢❤

[@bmw08ct]

This needs to happen again! This was awesome! ❤

[@jtali6122]

Kelela is in a different league. She literally created her own sound, which is hard to do when the industry is so saturated with the same ol ish.

[@amandaescobar692]

it's kind of insane when you really think about it

[@quepena4879]

and shes not major label. shes got solange in her corner and its the kind of music that we are so blessed to have.

[@nya55155]

idgaf

[@possiblymaybe6711]

@@nya55155 ??? Ok

[@malditangbaog]

Tamaaa

[@dianecouncil9165]

That sista playing the Harp,is a special treat. But all be and stay blessed.

[@malikholmes8873]

Ahya Simone! Very talented (also a GREAT DJ)

[@thatsseauxnish_]

Detroit’s finest.

[@yazminehenderson4819]

Ahya’s talent is godly, no lie ❤🙌🏽

[@willszabo8157]

Beautiful music played on a gorgeous instrument, I will be checking her music out. Whole band is on fire.@@malikholmes8873

[@ahyasimone5015]

Thank you so much✨💓🥰

[@BrooklynJPakathi]

Kelela is MOTHER. she rearranged her songs and gave us a completely new experience. we need this on vinyl and streaming! the stripped-down ep.

[@CheeseGreater]

Check out the track AHYA SIMONE_ENOUGH_NO BPM on the Take Me Apart remix album!

[@phillipth3deystroyr758]

YESS

[@TheFreakyOfficial]

totally agree

[@chalupa808]

Every song is better on Tiny Desk

[@possiblymaybe6711]

@@CheeseGreaterit’s in my top 3 most played kelela tracks I’m so overjoyed she did it live

[@anthonycurtis9148]

The way she harnesses the mic as a complete instrument.... stepping away to create a fade out, her mastery of volume control... Kelela is so subtle and intense in her performance. Its genuinely incredible to watch. I'm studying this like a textbook on vocal mastery

[@Missjunebugfreak]

You can tell she had jazz vocal training. She has great control and knows how to utilize the microphone for her voice.

[@roymantic1833]

10:32 this part !!!

[@dine9244]

We dont need big voices, just pure ones.

[@lauramomu]

This is a big voice too

[@dine9244]

@@lauramomu no, not a Adele/Mariah diva one, but more contrast and vibes to it.

[@ashantesamuels4654]

I have a pure voice 😅

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Kelela has such a classy beautiful voice.

[@dine9244]

@@_emeryrudolphjr yes, and actuallo no at the same time. Used to feel like this about the weeknd and look what happened... i like my artist on the low radar for better quality than on any commercial sh*t

[@sawayaaron]

kelela takes her time. that’s why her discography and performances feels so intriguing and captivating. being a black woman in alternative r&b/dance music is so important right now. her career is timeless ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kelelafucksmysoul4340]

i think it is the essential ingredient for rnb soul genre

[@dorcaslarry8014]

Kelela could make an all humming album and I’m gonna listen to it

[@Briooiuou]

This is the best comment here. Love and feel this so much

[@cbcbmail1125]

THIS!!!!

[@gab_luc]

she kinda did already lol ... check out aquaphoria mixtape

[@rui4313]

i second this ​@@gab_luc

[@guardiguard]

She's so multidimensional. Those keys and harp remind us that Kelela is a great R&B singer

[@Ultraviolencari]

A 7 songs ???? We were blessed. AND A BLUFF OMGGGG

[@shawnsingleton6892]

I said the same thing

[@SimplyAliyahNicole]

WHEN SHE DID BLUFF I FELT SO HEARD

[@CandiJanoki]

I'm speechless 😭😭😭

[@copiouscat]

Chile that bluff took me back to some golden memories 🥹😮‍💨

[@amoraslucha]

i felt affirmed, aligned, loved, looked after when they started performing Bluff for sure 😫😩😭

[@monij6642]

Her and little dragon would sound so amazing together

[@selfsoul4448]

Alright now

[@Ktea314]

OMG YES

[@agoobledigook]

Waiting for that collab

[@thesoulporpoise]

omg youre so right

[@leonardosilva9087]

omg little dragon is my fav band. they'd fit together. make it happennnn

[@m_ike]

Nprmusic, where da 🍃🍃 at?! Love her.

[@jb.outtheway]

Me as soon as she transitioned into Take Me Apart

[@Rosyid2040]

Alternative R&B at it's finest.

[@YoungEartha]

she played some of my FAVORITE songs. Honestly i’m left speechless. when people ask my favorite artist, I say Kelela because overall I connect with her the most. Thank you Kelela 🤍 and thank you for being Pro-Palestine 🇵🇸

[@kiajahasmr]

She took it back 😍😍

[@possiblymaybe6711]

@@kiajahasmrtook what back

[@keniahale5445]

as in she took it back in time, since she did so many older songs 💕

[@possiblymaybe6711]

@@keniahale5445oh lol okay I was like ummm why is this person lying hahahaha thank you

[@ninaninofilms6164]

She was like... ok npr, you invite me now cause I'm hype but you'll get only gems of "Take Me Apart", if you want Raven you have to invite me again 😅😅😅😅

[@bryanvavrick1049]

Cut 4 me is one of the most influential records of the 2010s. Not just for r&b, but also electronic music. The sound of that decade can be heard through that mixtape.

[@luisg3235]

The night slugs and fade to minds producer were so ahead of their time and are so underrated in their influence in the sonic landscapes of this current era

[@QuietStorm26]

I heard Kelela in 2016 on tumblr and have been hooked ever since. So happy to see her on Tiny Desk.

[@zariaspell1635]

Discovered her on tumblr around the same time too! Such a great artist

[@diogofigueiredo3274]

starting with Raven is INSANE, and the rest ? UGHHH the woman that you are Kelela

[@magic____micah8687]

This is now my favourite tiny desk performance

[@thoughtnot]

Who’s gonna top this ?!? Like how could u ?!

[@YWiggy5]

Yes!

[@lookforthegood1]

Sam smiths was mind blowing, same with JID. The Sweeney Todd one was really fun@@thoughtnot

[@Nalpha]

samphas newest one might be the best ngl. tyler the creator too@@lookforthegood1

[@thoughtnot]

@@lookforthegood1 I’m sure if u took the non white faces out of the Sam Smith performance, not much would be left

[@jimmybootz1277]

Been a fan since I heard Bank Head about 10 years ago, she's amazing, and we need to give her skin honorable mention.......Wow!!!!😶‍🌫️

[@ijustneedmyself]

Yessss, Bank Head was my intro too!!

[@ashr451]

Bankhead was also my intro back in 2013!! Cut 4 Me is diamond in my house to this day.

[@chabantu]

Go all night 🥹❤

[@blessgodess5146]

Brah has it been 10yrs I was hooked when I first heard Bank head too,,🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Eugene_Chambers]

The Spotify Alternative R&B playlist in 2013 was too fire

[@Romalvx]

An angel at the harp seat. Amazing

[@CandiJanoki]

Yes she's one of my favorite 💗

[@mdhall]

Ahya Simone

[@marcusomariprp2006]

Wow! When the music is stripped down and you realize/hear she REALLY can saaang! This is what Tiny Desk does. 🙌🏾 ❤😮

[@dnicole1391]

I always thought her vocals shine through in her music.

[@foodi.esti.nauti.]

I’m so sad she didn’t sing all the way down, that’s my favorite 😢

[@Missjunebugfreak]

That's my fav too. But we still got a great setlist so I can't complain.

[@foodi.esti.nauti.]

@@Missjunebugfreak true! I knew it would be amazing nonetheless. I’m so happy she finally got set 🥰

[@9hunnitonthabeat690]

im screaming at my compuuter about LMK & Bluelight lol but i got Waitin so its all Gravy lol

[@cbcbmail1125]

Same and Holier and Washed Away 😎

[@leo-gi3yc]

She's has alot Hits that didn't make it❤❤❤

[@GabrielCardoso-zl6li]

Tracklist/Canções: Raven - 0:00 Take Me Apart - 3:39 Bank Head - 4:52 Waitin - 7:09 Enough - 12:17 Bluff - 17:05 The High - 18:22

[@theamp1986]

Thank you ❤

[@aspire2begreat938]

Heaven sent 😊

[@AllAmericanBabe]

Mvp

[@ricwill85]

Just saw this now I can't wait til she gets to Bankhead & the High. ❤

[@TaureanDreams]

Thank you!

[@elove2.038]

She sporting one of the hairstyles Mary J. Blige had around "97"

[@jasminegadson]

Yess ✨✨

[@GABRIELGON1]

we don’t talk enough about how beautiful her face is: the jaw structure, the cheeks, her smooth and warm-toned skin… she’s GORGEOUS.

[@possiblymaybe6711]

I love her chin

[@darkskinss]

She gave me daughter of iconic Iman here.

[@GABRIELGON1]

@@darkskinss kelela is east african as well (ethiopian)

[@RW-ff2sd]

She is naturally stunning

[@MsLolaTaylor]

I just said this! Her head shape and features are iconic

[@tyronemoorejr.7233]

the kaytra remix live rendition oh my god…. my life

[@copiouscat]

I have no edges now. 🥹😩

[@angieb1480]

listen ever since that song dropped something about it has kept me incredibly hooked for the last 6 years I can't even explain how it makes me feel when I listen to it, it's just like a perfect song you know? and it's my favorite Kelela song (now along with it came Sorbet) so when she started singing it here ... I'm at work and my jaw actually dropped like fully hands over my face in shock this rendition was INSANE no one is seeing her for real for real because never did I think it would translate so easily into live acoustic music and yet not only did she do it she also did it SO. GOOD.

[@picklepuff2055]

words cannot describe how important kelela is to the music scene right now more than ever. we need to get her accolades.

[@aaliyahwilson8502]

Her vibrato is such a treat😫😍

[@davidwave4]

Strong case for Kelela being one of the best vocalists in popular music right now.

[@visionofsolace8961]

She is on my top 5.Along with SZA.

[@kabrinaw3029]

I love the soft forcefulness of her voice ❤

[@YWiggy5]

You described it perfectly!

[@susiq1121]

She has perfected her instrument

[@alaya-lou]

the DMV’s princess ❣️this performance feels like the most beautiful homecoming

[@carap6343]

Yessss! DMV stand up!

[@thisisthelaw.co_]

Saw her live once in Seattle and I still think about that set. She sounds exactly like she does on her records, perhaps even better. Voice of an angel. So happy she’s getting her flowers! 💐

[@Emma-xz8fo]

I saw her live once before she put out Hallucinogens, she played a few songs off the record as a treat for us. The way I could sing along to the songs when they came out because her performance was so PERFECT omg

[@dopeplanetwatcher4471]

@@Emma-xz8foI bet it was amazing

[@arnoguido]

How have i missed Kelela?! Love discovering new music this way 🎵😌another gem from tiny desk to put into high repeat!

[@jt2698]

so excited for you, I wish I could relive hearing these for the first time 😭 the recorded versions are just as potent, she’s truly so talented

[@Emma-xz8fo]

Find one of her shows and you will be utterly in love 🥰

[@say.yes.]

Wait and rewind are so great

[@justzaya]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Soooo freaking amazing 😭😭😭😭😭 The arrangements, the vocals, the emotion, the subtleties, the beauty🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@CandiJanoki]

Perfect comment 😭😭😭😭

[@justzaya]

​@@CandiJanoki🥺♡

[@PJ-se6ue]

A special performance from a modern legend

[@jasminegadson]

The transition from Raven to Take Me Apart ✨>>>>

[@kevinyeohck]

Now that's what I call an artist.

[@tyronemoorejr.7233]

adding the keys into the Enough remix i’m gagginggggg that was such a beautiful touch

[@tyronemoorejr.7233]

on top of Ahya playing tf outta that harp 😭

[@thicccy4528]

The fact that she sang songs off of Cut 4 Me and Hallucinogen !!! she truly gave us Kelelians a treat with this oneeee!!!!! omgsh so happy to see her on here I love u Kelela!!!!!

[@jackiem3516]

Truly an artist who deserves way more recognition.

[@amandafeliciano542]

Didn't know her before this but her voice reminds me of Janet, great talent!

[@thinkimfeelingu]

janet is a big inspiration for her

[@amandafeliciano542]

@@thinkimfeelingu I knew it lol

[@vibrationzzz]

listen to her albums you’ll get that vibe ALOT

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Janet is one of her main influences. Definitely check out her albums and you'll hear it.

[@chinemazing]

she's always been that girl!!! literally over a decade in and still my most listened to artist. Kelela's music is basically the soundtrack to my adult life. so many memories. so many emotions. forever grateful she chose to share her gift to the world even. also, s/o to the band!!

[@abih7586]

She makes quietly devastating music and I’ll forever love her for that

[@zain5496]

Kelela should continue to pair with this harpist, what a lovely combination they are.

[@42069wastaken]

i love when artists take the opportunity to use tiny desk performances to create something so magical

[@youregoinginthesoup5570]

her performing the high at the end sent me in a trance that’s my all time fav song of hers

[@daniel_vaughannn]

Kelela is an ethereal talent. It’s always an amazing experience to hear her voice ❤️

[@nattyophelia7879]

I started this video and ethereal is exactly the word that came to mind. Captivating. ❤

[@shadoyamamoto4651]

I got my life with Tinashe, but not THE Kelela gracing the tiny desk AND resetting the standard! And come on “bluff”. Nuff said! 2024 is starting strong!

[@miyolomkonto8193]

There is no artist like Kelela. I'm so blessed to experience her talent.

[@Realitybit]

Absolutely no one

[@strawbery97]

I think I will cry of joy, Tinashe and now Kelela? omg.....

[@copiouscat]

RIGHTTTTTT

[@NiaMSnow]

sameeee ❤🎉

[@janeosun]

seamless transition from raven to take me apart!!!!!!!!!! she did that!!!!!! 👑👑👑👑

[@chezneys]

The choice of arranging the songs this way with little breaks and letting each instrument have space to let her vocals and stories shine was such a beautiful and smart choice to showcase it all. I love this so much. I love you Kelela this made made my heart and soul melt.

[@lattianaali]

Wow, I haven’t heard of her before and she had me locked in, still and quiet. I am a fan. That harp was MAJESTIC AF.

[@darkskinss]

She is SO soulful. The way she started off with the soft wisps of vocal, control, and vibrato...I can't. ❤

[@BABYXJAY]

tiny desk, we need yall to start putting these live performances on streaming platforms if yall can 🥹🥹🫶🏾

[@aderonx]

'Bank Head' holds such a precious memory for me. I always listened to it whilst riding the ferry back into the city centre when I lived in Amsterdam. It had me in such a trance watching the waves and hearing Kelela's beautiful voice.

[@blip]

same here. in the comfort of my car commuting to work years back i had bank head on repeat. driving on the 110 past downtown LA

[@RonaboSoul]

I'm Calling Your Bluff @17:04 is so short yet deep. The harmony is on point. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DwayneVocals]

I love her singing style, hardly any runs and trills, she just uses her pure tone and straight notes for dynamics 🔥🔥

[@Realitybit]

Thank you well said

[@iwishihaddeletedit]

how does she sound EXACTLY like on the record

[@juan0806]

No cap here. She sounds just like that ❤

[@nickf6194]

Having followed Kelela since cut4me this is really insane to see - it’s only up and forward for her and it feels so rewarding LONG LIVE MOTHER

[@yourfavoriteoompaloompa139]

I've never heard of Kelela before this. This is my first listen ever and I am SOOO heavenly thoroughly enjoying this. They are so remarkably increible. Wow, I'm in awe. Kelela deserves all their flowers. I hope their music is enjoyed and recognized by many. PERFECT choice to have on Tiny Desk Concert and it's great for people like me to get to discover great artist like this.

[@vibrationzzz]

listen to her albums they are phenomenal

[@emedepaula]

Them weaves is giving me all the life that I need. Gorgeous performance! She will flip a coin on you and leave you gagged. Mother behaviour! Great Kelela! Black excellence.

[@jamirx9]

the intention in this arrangement is so clear and moving. From the way Kelela has made the transitions between songs so seamless as an ode to electronic music. the composition, the band + backup vocalists, the outfits, her relationship with the microphone. an ARTISTE! 💐💐💐💐💐

[@Itsjustjalynn]

Back 6 days later just to say I have not stopped watching this since it dropped. I'm also inspired to learn how to play the harp.

[@MsLeeDennis]

I went to school with Kelela! Way to go girl!!🥳

[@MyDumbdumbdumb]

That’s awesome! what was she like?

[@DurandbernarrTM]

My body can’t take it!!!! 🥹

[@nickf6194]

collab when omg

[@Realitybit]

Literally vibrating

[@lianosh_hamalka]

theres no other artist like her. the musical innovation and genre blending is genuis and the heart and soul she puts into her music is just breathtaking. magical

[@soonerangel3837]

Victoria Monet amd Sza got there grammy recognitions now its Tinashe and Kelala's turn to win 🏆 some...they been doing music for awhile too🫶🏽✊🏾🖤👑💣💥🔥🦋

[@possiblymaybe6711]

They don’t have the record labels for that and they’re better off honestly

[@marspurnell671]

There's something magical about her tone and vibrato; it makes me feel separate from myself 😌 it's such a freeing sound

[@Ktea314]

I was at her impromptu intimate performance in NYC a few weeks before this! She said she was testing the music and just arranged this band a few days prior to the show. I think she was live prepping for this with the crowd, and she even let us request songs quite a few are performed here. ❤️ What a treat

[@viralwrangler]

Bank Head is arguably one of kelela’s best songs. This acoustic rendition of it is so beautiful. I love how much kelela’s emotions come to life during her performance. Really captures the song so well. Thank you kelela for your art and being pro-Palestine. 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@thoughtnot]

The NAILS !!!! CLAW ME

[@reddmann2756]

Kelela = Enthralling!!! As a longtime fan, I am STILL truly mesmerized

[@avdmk111]

Raven was so slept on last year, I hope this performance gets more people to recognize her greatness. Unsurprisingly amazing performance wow

[@germanrudecindo3382]

why this is my first time listening to Kelela. I was flabbergasted as soon it started. just a wonder experience

[@possiblymaybe6711]

If you want a full recording of at least 1 of the tracks on here there is a harp remix of enough on her take me apart remix album. I think it’s the last track I’m not sure but it’s the full extended ahya Simone remix on there. She’s mostly an electronic rnb girl but she’s been leaning into more ambient jazzy recordings lately and I’m so excited for what’s to come next

[@milikaswann3505]

Omg enjoy listening to her music! It’s honestly a beautiful discography ! You’re gonna be SHOOK🤪😌💛

[@dinolondyn3962]

She made this set list for meee!! Ending with The High??? She loves me fr

[@possiblymaybe6711]

No she made it for me u are mistaken

[@dinolondyn3962]

@@possiblymaybe6711 two things can be true

[@possiblymaybe6711]

@@dinolondyn3962nope just me

[@Realitybit]

The high is such an experience

[@parcsome]

Probably one of the best Tiny Desk of all time but for sure the best of this decade

[@NoFate97]

“Despite what you took/ I miss what you gave” The Take Me Apart album is fire, love seeing her here

[@ljubalicious]

I am such a fan of her work. Such a strong artist identity and range at the same time

[@user-eo4ne7os4f]

Day one here. She has amazing vocals and does her own fades. Rare talent. Band and background vocals 🔥 🔥 🔥 as usual.

[@saracakmak6592]

I just watched this 5 times in a row and I’m not joking

[@SimplyRaecosmetics]

Her voice makes me feel so many emotions. I can’t even explain it

[@Realitybit]

I just want to cry

[@jessicagarrett8208]

She doesn’t get enough praise. Here since Rewind

[@justrachstories88]

Yea right.

[@visionofsolace8961]

In my mind, she is absolutely one of the best things that happened to music in the last 20 years.

[@lynetteminute]

Finally, she and Yukimi Nagano have similar, warm, serene vocals that can lull you into a reassuring space. Love Kelela, hope she tours in my area soon.

[@nonamee5703]

Yukimi was the one that encouraged her to get into music :)

[@lynetteminute]

@@nonamee5703 Shutuup. Never knew they even crossed paths. Makes sense though.

[@YELL0001]

her voice and ability is incredible, love her songs

[@beauty-bizness2845]

I love Kelea's smooth soft vocals and bravo to the musicians and backup singers too! Great performance. Thx for never disappointing Tiny Desk. 🥰

[@Ii1ith]

this version of take me apart... wow

[@olivia.3232]

i dont know how to explain it but there is such a clarity in her voice its so beautiful

[@zainakyaire]

Y'all have no idea how much I love this woman. She deserves so much. HER VOICE & TONE IS CRAZY !!!!!

[@river4000]

absolutely transcedent but also mother PLEASE put the Raven album back on youtube 😭

[@camishajrobinson]

Love how they opened it with Raven. She’s so amazing.

[@saturngoghia]

the setlist omg, the high, her voice and the new arrangements

[@killezbums]

I NEED THE WHOLE SETLIST ON STREAMING SERVICES 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨‼️❣️❣️❣️🔥🔥🔥

[@reiiikou]

kelela is truly a once in a generation artist

[@erydiaz7077]

I love Kelela so much… the arrangements for this are top tier

[@CandiJanoki]

That rendition of bankhead was magical af. ❤

[@zahrai7063]

kelela you are a true visionary!! reinventing your music in the most beautiful of ways. shoutout to ahya simone for the harp adaptation too!!!

[@gilvanferreira5414]

I was in need of tears, but they simply wouldn't come. I thank kelela for helping me feel.

[@thisisthelaw.co_]

❤

[@sweetpotatoes9530]

This version of Enough with Ahya Simone is available to stream on Take Me A_Part remix album btw. So happy they teamed up for this Tiny Desk!

[@shadowmoonninja]

Has anyone been listening to this performance at random places like cafes, gym, in the caretc. Cause it's been on repeat for me 😂