Mereba: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Mereba play "Black Truck", "Stay Tru", "Dodging The Devil" and "Kinfolk" at the Tiny Desk.
More from NPR Music:
Tiny Desk Concerts: www.npr.org/tinydesk
Twitter: / nprmusic
Instagram: / nprmusic
Dec 2, 2019 | Rodney Carmichael -- Very few artists get to return to the Tiny Desk, and fewer still return twice in the same year. But after contributing background vocals behind the desk for Dreamville artist Bas in early 2019, we invited Mereba back for a solo set that puts her eclectic, major-label debut The Jungle Is The Only Way Out into sharp focus.
"I'm so excited to be here with you guys," she said one song into a set that features the multi-instrumentalist alternating between keys and guitar. "Wow. Dreams coming true."
The stripped-down soundscape Mereba achieves live with her four-piece band is equally dreamlike here, drawing from influences as wide-ranging as the many places she's called home (Alabama, Philly, North Carolina, Atlanta, Ethiopia). As she pulls from genres as seemingly disparate as folk, rap and spoken word, her set reflects the years she spent perfecting her craft on live stages in Atlanta cafes and clubs, where she attracted the attention of the indie creative collective Spillage Village (EarthGang, J.I.D, 6lack) before joining them in 2014.
But it's under the main spotlight that Mereba shines best, with her gift for lyrical storytelling putting her centerstage where the devil himself couldn't cast doubt on her dreams.
SET LIST
"Black Truck"
"Stay Tru"
"Dodging The Devil"
"Kinfolk"
MUSICIANS
Mereba: vocals, guitar; Sam Hoffman: guitar, bass; Chris James: bass; Aisha Gaillard: drums; Olivia Walker: vocals
CREDITS
Producers: Rodney Carmichael, Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Tsering Bista, Jack Corbett; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Mhari Shaw/NPR

[@TimmWith2Ms]

Tiny desk keep their ear on that true pulse of music.

[@senoracheapee1864]

yass! always introducing me to artists I've never heard of

[@ashleybriel8786]

TimmWith2Ms Nothing but the truth. I love it.

[@slady7072]

TimmWith2Ms they sure do!!

[@tamaraaispuro6976]

Yeees

[@TheNervousnation]

If you cannot preform it live, you in the wrong house my guy.

[@emmanuelcyle7054]

I’m glad Mereba is getting her recognition, she’s been fire from the jump 🔥 The Jungle Is The Only Way Out is a phenomenal piece of work

[@kevinsimaomassingue9442]

Preach! It gets better with every play, she was outstanding from the first to last track and I can't wait to see her conquer the industry one beautiful crafted piece of music at a time

[@ulisesleon4340]

Facts!!!!!

[@jtw2112]

one of the best albums of 2019!

[@JessePlautz]

This woman brings tears of joy to my eyes.

[@allysonperry1740]

I love her style

[@TygaTakesTheTime]

Her album was the soundtrack to one of my hardest points in life this year. I found her a week before I lost my first love suddenly. And her music helped me through and gave me peace. This is well deserved.

[@halfpastfashion5474]

Sending you light and strength girl I lost my first love in a car crash and music got me through it. The pain will never subside but it will get easier to carry it around! ❤️

[@TygaTakesTheTime]

Half Past Fashion Thankyou for the kind words. sending you love also. It definitely doesn’t subside.

[@william4661]

Bless you.

[@abundantsunflower1107]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@marcus.6487]

✊🏿™️

[@CatharticCreation]

she has PRESENCE. voice, musicianship, poetry, and beauty.

[@takingitonedayatatime7851]

"Don't plant a seed in your mind if you do not wish to grow it"💯👏

[@chiebert290]

What a brilliant line! Tattoo worthy.

[@brielle9336]

No Regrets Baby Just Good Vibes Over Here Ty🙏🏾

[@Nicole-ww4lg]

Basically buddhism in a nutshell

[@gontsemadopi4733]

Mereba got such an intimate relationship with her own music. It meets her where she made it. I think we'd ever barely comprehend as listeners.

[@kingco-bruh7271]

she's too dope..one of my best musical discoveries of 2019

[@emilioguzmanalvarez420]

sameeeeeee

[@tramainechapman8289]

Yassssssssssss I'm so fortunate she was discovered

[@iridescence2068]

i love the backup singer's voice and energy!

[@oliviawalker5]

Thank you!!!!!! Check me out!!! xoxo

[@emilioguzmanalvarez420]

@@oliviawalker5 you guys take the time to respond to our comments thats so cuteeeeeeeeee

[@FrequencyDojo]

She's awsome

[@OlObuffalo]

@@oliviawalker5 subscribed. waiting to hear more

[@oliviawalker5]

@@OlObuffalo thank you!

[@nplovingham]

just learning about Mereba, will definitely listen more. also looked up here drummer (Aisha Gaillard), because you don't see many black female drummers. keeping an eye on her too. Good Job Lady's!

[@aishagdrums]

nplovingham wow you’re so right! I really appreciate that :) I love Mereba for having me on this concert. Women empowerment is so important!

[@jeffheikes5968]

Ha! That is exactly what I was doing. All of this is so good!

[@noxolonoxmtolo2959]

@@aishagdrums 1 year later and You truly rocked it😍🥁💖. ..sending my love all the way from the Motherland, South Africa 💖

[@giraffebecky]

This girl is special! She's not trying to fit into a category. She's just coming from the heart! She's beautiful too! (Inside and out!)

[@karabonqongwane5746]

Gorgeous Music. Her skin looks UNREAL! My edges grew just by listening to this. Thank you NPR ❤️ sending love and blessings from Sunny South Africa 🇿🇦

[@tropicalmk3519]

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@nds5796]

Lol me too

[@jd-tc9ji]

Haibo, not the edges. You are hilarious! She does glow in the dark

[@rethabilemosia8200]

🇿🇦🇿🇦👌

[@yourgirl_dearshney]

She looks gorgeous 😍❤️

[@ehgabika]

I swear her music has healing/restorative properties. This is so beautiful

[@zamokwakhesishi6528]

she got bars this woman can you imagine this is the first i've heard of her wow mind blown.

[@ezmunny]

i got to see her open for jid live, truly beautiful performance :D

[@zamokwakhesishi6528]

@@ezmunny difficult to find musicians these days it's all just falks that can harmonise that get passes off as people that can sing or artists

[@jtw2112]

spillage village baby

[@eboogieellison6004]

You've been blessed

[@NotGregoryStevens]

I've watched this about 200 times. "Black Truck" and "Dodging the Devil" touch my soul.

[@bumbleeistheequeen4052]

The energy is so organic to the point you just start smiling as if you’re in the same room with her 😩

[@apolloknight1112]

Collectively and individually her band looks like the most amazing, interesting, loyal friends ever.

[@earthangelashley]

just perfect.

[@oliviawalker5]

We all saw this comment and gushed over your kind words. we are indeed loyal friends and its so beautiful that you picked up on that!

[@fitemmz8540]

Loving the female drummer ❤️

[@aishagdrums]

Emmanuel Ololo Awww thank you! :)

[@MutindiTindi]

@@aishagdrums you're amazing❤

[@earthangelashley]

@@aishagdrums you are so mesmerizing! just back there vibing ;-)

[@aishagdrums]

earth angel ashley Aww thanks love!

[@aishagdrums]

Mutindi Muasa I really appreciate that!

[@SheKeepsPassinMeBy]

Black Truck is how I found her and never turned back. This is beautiful. 💗

[@bean1944]

Same

[@Demsky83]

I found her through sandstorm. Been riding ever since

[@SheKeepsPassinMeBy]

@@Demsky83 Love that song.

[@rouxquier6578]

As they say Once you go Black you never go back

[@jaszzyemm1515]

Word to that "broken people ain't always the brokest" people are quick to believe money fixes everything,

[@shootonsiteentertainmentda2415]

Jasz Mathurin this is the best statement I ever heard in my life 🙏🏽

[@NallahBrown]

First of all QUEEN.. you're golden! Second of all QUEEN you sound like the magic you bring to this world.

[@Sweetrihanna1]

I've been through the fire I felt embers down my spine And I've said "World would you please have some mercy on me? Or could you please lift the curses on me?" I said, you always did Like it the hard way since you was a kid Look at the scars on your leg, you know You keep choosing the wild road Ooh, I'm not sorry Stay sick cause I follow my gut They say I was pushing my luck Ima push me a matte all black truck No, I'm not sorry Stay sick cause I follow my gut They say I was pushing my luck Ima push me a all black truck Ima push me a all black truck Ima push me a matte all- I been through the storm I heard thunder in my heart And I've said "World would you please shine a light up on me? Or would you show me a sign you love me?" I said, you always did Like it the hard way since you was a kid Time after time, again You keep the choosing the wild road

[@NamhlaSithole]

This was EXCEPTIONAL!! This is one of the best Tiny Desks I've seen. Plus she's just so gorgeous. I'm so mesmerised by her

[@jonesy8457]

Namhla Sithole no lie no lie

[@thategon]

You didn't lie 😭

[@shoebox256]

Hey Sis, I still come back to this years later. Love you.💛Ntombi

[@bethg6787]

Impressive vocal range and lyrical ability~ The diversity of skills showcased during this performance is amazing. Different vocal styles, poetry, rapping, keyboard, guitar or whatever Backup singer is on point and both guys are good but Chris is crazy with the violin.

[@oliviawalker5]

thank you!!!!!! check me out! the whole fam is amazing!!

[@funprints1]

That guitar hit me long before anyone opened their lips 🥰😍

[@serenity6831]

Her voice is enchanting, and the poetryyyy 💜💜

[@courtneenotcourtney]

Finally the queen has a chance to come through!

[@ethelzenahall3487]

Her tone is as fine as her complexion.

[@desireeesposito6496]

I Like That

[@whisperywind8768]

That poem was everything I needed but didn't know

[@ayonnazglam9050]

facts!

[@_callmeebee_]

What she does is so phenomenal. From her energy, to her voice, to her lyrics, and the music... this was a great pick for tiny desk.

[@JK-pn6lj]

Her voice is so. Boom. Like, when she goes into rapping she's just so, like, in her power. I don't know how to describe it. I'm just in awe.

[@mbalenhlemkhwanazi9369]

I'm SCCCRRRREEEEEAAAAMING! Samthandi! I loooove her!

[@nqobilemkwanazi7617]

That's why we share a surname ❤️

[@ndzohugo9715]

Simthanda sonke❤

[@Bonakele22]

Sonke siyamthanda, she's amazing ♥️

[@tropicalmk3519]

She is everything man yohhh🙌🏾😍 it's nice to see South Africans hop onto her music🙌🏾🔥🔥

[@phumelelemayeni2185]

I'm glad I'm not the only one in S.A who's mad hyped by her😍

[@afregistry]

Black Truck does things to me

[@koketsok7391]

I find my inner peace with her woo note

[@jescuz1]

Absolute same.

[@cameronwilson3577]

Homie on the electric violin though 🔥

[@oliviawalker5]

Chris Hellastrings Check him out!! Theres a whole project on soundcloud

[@flofearless9173]

Bruh...that violin set the tone. Had the stank face when I heard it with immediate goosebumps 😂

[@cameronwilson3577]

@@flofearless9173 right?? Dude is mad talented.

[@sisterphyllis4753]

I love her music. As I began to hear her music, it placed me sitting on the top of a mountain looking out over the canvas of earth and life until I feel backwards to the earth. When my back connected to it, the dust stirred, my eyes opened to the heavens and I was captivated by wholeness. The background singer and band is fantastic. Drummer - Black Girl Rock.

[@oliviawalker5]

wow... these words.. thank you Queen!!!

[@alaynahester9476]

Sister Phyllis wow amazing description

[@ceezliive23]

Her album is a VIBE. SO HAPPY they got her on here. When she gets on tour, I'm in there!

[@maximem.4930]

The Jungle IS The Only Way Out is the best album of 2019, she needs more recognition like this

[@abigailsolomons9828]

She's so cool. She seems so intune with herself ❤️❤️

[@cestjp]

Her voice is so soothing 🥺

[@kaylalassiter7005]

I love her voice. Not just singing but just her voice period. So smooth, easy, and strong.

[@kali.espanol]

I'm so in love with mereba, her energy is amazing

[@serenity6831]

It's literally 5 AM but I don't care. I LOVE MEREBA!! 😍😍😍💜

[@shootonsiteentertainmentda2415]

serenity6831 it’s 6:33 right now idc with lol

[@jovani1820]

She is such an ethereal beauty with a lovely and unique voice.

[@Angelsclaycreations]

it’s June of 2023 now and I found “Stay True” just a few days ago after listening to “Sandstorm” for months. I love that I can scroll through through this channel, find, & appreciate these gems of live performances of some of my favorite songs. Hearing this music live is so so special

[@cherh3325]

So happy for this set. I love her vibe musically and naturally. 😍😍😻

[@pzee83]

She is just present when she sings, there's so much realness any time she's on it.

[@an34502ef]

I got to see her live now! So proud of you Mereba. Best click I've made all 2019

[@RanchScience]

Mereba is CRIMINALLY underrated.

[@ElizabethHernandez-cz5sh]

She’s so worth seeing live! I saw her in a small crowd while everyone else went to go see usher perform, and I know I didn’t miss out on anything 🧡

[@andrewbugarchich6768]

Omg yessss never clicked on a Tiny Desk so fast

[@tumiintholeng7112]

Same!!!

[@beezysane]

nah cause me too.

[@GlacticSoul]

Mereba touched my soul💜

[@K.YouTube2]

She's so soulful and her music so spiritual. I just feel like she *knows* things (teach me sis! 😭). Such a vibe! ❣

[@deandreburton910]

oh my god, I love Mereba so much. She's a complete treasure.

[@lonwabosityebi412]

And she opened with Blacktruck😭❤ everything about this performance is incredible. The guitar, her skin, her flow, nothing short of amazing... Simply perfect; also S/O Insecure.

[@adelbertdean7860]

Giant sigh of relief after seeing her do vocals for Bas and his Tiny Desk that she was able to do her own love mood music and she definitely is a big mood!

[@ishenarobinson9616]

That first performance alone...oh my gosh, she has never stopped impressing me from the day I was lucky enough to find the visual of her album here on youtube. I'm so gratfeul she is making her art. It feels like its speaking directly to me.

[@universalher]

She is truly a beautiful yet articulate artist in this day in age. Her voice and tone is truly unique yet her words are poetry. Thank you Tiny Desk for blessing your viewers with this beautiful talented women 🙏🏽 love her ❤️

[@jacifrankie9893]

Tone. Skin. Braids. Color. Words. Band. Dope af 🔥

[@ntombikadaddio1657]

NPR once again you did the things. Thanks for bringing in such awesome artists.

[@shiro7907]

Words can't explain the feeling her music gives me!! 😍

[@t.lunaimhotepmdiv135]

Seriously my whole life soundtrack of 2019. I love her dearly. So happy for her!

[@Nonzmedia]

Love this!!!! really wish she done sandstorm tooo

[@farrisdurrani6269]

wouldnt be good without JID tho

[@surprisemonyai3059]

@@farrisdurrani6269 I looove me some JID but I honestly think she would've still killed it without him. She's a great artist

[@farrisdurrani6269]

Still they have a back and forth part between Mereba and JID. That's what makes the song great. Mereba is still awesome

[@thatsseauxnish_]

Yes! My favorite song. 💕

[@ashaylacalvin7636]

Yessss I love that song 💗

[@amakaokpalugo5099]

I- she is so beautiful.This whole performance is so beautiful

[@verdaylove]

LOOK AT AISHAAAAA! SHOUTOUT TO THE DRUMMER GYAL

[@aishagdrums]

Alexis Verday aww thanks love!

[@hauntedmasc]

This was REAL nice to wake up to.

[@MAKEITmakeSense-]

Baby!!!! Her background vocalist went clean tf off!!!! She can sang!!!!!

[@hetwall1780]

Fresh sound & I love that these desk productions draw attention to all the amazing band musicians out there.

[@nocapken]

Perfect playing band, Mereba good performance👏.

[@anitaekpo3170]

Bruh I’m so happy for Mereba she’s so amazing and everyone needs to know!!

[@shinebabyshine.]

She’s a real one and her pen is something else 💕

[@igotSCW]

I wanna hear Kinfolk in a new black western. That would be fire. You killed it!

[@oliviawalker5]

youre a visionary

[@theaveragepapi]

She is beautiful from inside out and her album is a true blessing for my soul.

[@ChefNaiCook]

So blessed by this performance,Mereba is a phenomenal,true,badass artist ! Saw her live at Baby’s Alright in NYC earlier this year too thank you tiny desk for showcasing true gems 💕

[@mohalelepheane5815]

She really has a soul that shines bright through the music she creates... It's amazing...

[@keykiyox]

I like this. Above all I love that plain major seventh chords at the beginning of the second track and ensuing singing by her. It reminds me of something I dreamt when I was a kid. Major seventh chord got some beautiful soul within. I noticed her diverged taste and that added icing.

[@Kveds]

I keep coming back to this Tiny Desk. One of the real raw ones!

[@nicolle7040]

FINALLY!! straight up been waiting since she posted it on her instagram thank you NPR music

[@numinouswavs]

she’s so 🔥

[@andrewohara8920]

Love seeing more of Spillage Village on here

[@ericaso6508]

this woman is so beautiful. not just her appearance, but her energy and musicality is unreal. she calms me and makes me feel like everything will be okay. how people acquire this level of artistry and confidence will always amaze me.

[@Shondelisa]

Seeing her tomorrow, cannot wait to bask in her glory

[@glennholdaway5356]

Whole band crushed it, shoutout to tha Juice Joint fam!

[@k.239]

this is actually amazing i’m so mesmerized by her and this performance. love!

[@Rebeccalaurn]

I clicked because I thought she looked absolutely beautiful in the thumbnail. I stayed because her voice is so mesmerizing; energy is just so pure; her words are like honey: they stick but it would go over your head if you aren’t paying attention ✨✨✨💕

[@user-wv6ew1qt3b]

Cant believe I'll be seeing her live for the first time next week!!!

[@FromtheeyesofShaun]

loved mereba since I heard STAY TRU. always saw a lil her in j.i.d but I never knew she had some j.i.d in her lol (she can spit!!!!!!)

[@sinendlovu6237]

And dude on the violin thingy whooooaaa mesmerized by every note 🙆🏾‍♀️

[@munckybutt]

She (they) killed this. Hands down, my top 5 Tiny Desk Concert! To Tiny Desk: Sohn AALEGRA next please

[@Sihle-fr]

Great Performance by Mereba.

[@JonEffinZoidberg]

Made me cry man. Absolutely incredible... Learned about JID last year and recently Spillage Village's Spilligion and through that her. There is no greater joy to me than discovering new & incredible music and the artists that make it. Maybe late to the origin of the artist but never too late to enjoy what they create.

[@rerezi]

Finally! I loooooooove Mereba♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@audiovisualproof5407]

Her skin and tone are flawless.

[@jhamari95]

I really appreciate how close she was to the mic

[@se7669]

stay tru is such an underrated bop

[@nungu60a]

I've been looking for my lost friend..'Chris' and I just found him in this video. Wow...not surprised. We used to jam in Norfolk. A true natural talent. Great band and SANger.

[@TheZohan907]

Tiny Desk always uploads when its 1am here in Alaska, but its worth it for stuff like this

[@JEM3]

5am here and it's so worth it! 😊

[@monisolaelliott9346]

I'm from Anchorage. I miss Alaska.

[@hanalord8522]

I'm gonna cry. Liniker, Mereba, and Raveena in the past month? Amazing. All my favorites

[@zalituge6668]

I love you Mereba ❤️❤️All the way from SA🇿🇦🇿🇦. I listen to black truck every morning 😍😊

[@Sunnie_Shak]

This was the perfect way to follow behind my meditation this morning! I’m so glad that she’s finally receiving the recognition she deserves. By far one of my favorite artists!💛🌻 Also the fact that she sounds the exact same live says a whole lot!👏🏾

[@valr.tonyabbott2280]

This is amazing dude. Absolutely amazing.

[@kayjohnson2703]

"No ruler should rule you, but the one who never binds you." Wow, so much truth and power in Mereba's words!

[@tohru2025]

My soul feels so at peace listening to her