Jidenna: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Sept. 5, 2017 | Bobby Carter -- "Classic Man," the 2015 debut single from Nigerian-American MC Jidenna, caught everyone off guard. The song found him teetering between rapping and singing about elegance, politeness and Nat "King" Cole, and the melody felt irresistible. Then there's the look: He rocks thrift-wear tailored to a T. The song eventually went double platinum and earned a Grammy nomination. Jidenna followed it with a few more club bangers before releasing his debut album, The Chief, earlier this year. A tribute to his father, a Nigerian chief, the record is peppered with African rhythms and themes.
Jidenna and his band recently visited NPR to perform three reworked selections from The Chief. They excitedly explored every nook and cranny of the Tiny Desk in search of props, eventually settling on a toy, the magic microphone, a tambourine and a bottle of whiskey. Jidenna bounced straight through "Trampoline" to "Long Live the Chief," in which he explains why his threads are always so sharp:
You can either sink, swim or be the captain
Get the last word I'ma get the last laugh in
Now they say, "Jidenna, why you dressing so classic?"
I don't want my best-dressed day in a casket
Finally, the band pauses, glides into the arresting harmonies of "Bambi," and finishes charming the socks off the entire room.
Set List
"Trampoline"
"Long Live the Chief"
"Bambi"
Musicians
Jidenna Theodore Mobisson (vocals); George Peters (percussion); Andrew Brown (bass, keys); Jordan Hemby (drums); William Gittens (guitar)
Credits
Producers: Bobby Carter, Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith, Tsering Bista; Production Assistant: Jenna Li; Photo: Liam James Doyle/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@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.

[@scottramsey9634]

He's awesome

[@namchart5534]

😂😂😂

[@CrystalMM]

No u r not !!!!

[@Genesisdoes87]

Clown statement for the best tiny desk you have.

[@rebecca3915]

Am I the only person who is mesmerized by this man's beauty?

[@sunshinesouline2224]

He's too hot for life

[@christalintentions]

No. 🙃

[@kiasky1]

Rebecca You’re the only one. Typical biracial man.

[@inGodswill311]

He's Gorgeous and I didn't understand why he had a hat on.

[@heart4serving]

No you are not! His style and aura is special😎😎

[@muleloops]

This is the most casual I've ever seen this man.

[@Thingdeux]

Magnificent! Bravo Jidenna!

[@briana14333]

An he's still super clean, right! love it

[@macdinomitem123]

Lol he was drinking a bottle of e&j during bambi. Don't think you can get more casual than that lol

[@shaleyah5333]

I had the same thought

[@herada6017]

casual? naah. he’s a classic man.

[@tkmayana]

This album did not get the love it deserved! He is so talented and refreshing.

[@deniseford2171]

Tk Mayana I I agree

[@PowderyloveASMR]

The album stays in my rotation. He is very underrated

[@TanRicky321]

85 to Africa will be a vibe though.

[@queenv4340]

Ikr

[@longsleevethong1457]

Because the album wasn’t good. All his fans are in this comment section lol

[@MissShila]

"We need to be free more, what the fuck we got degrees for, if we ain't flying overseas more, if we ain't fuckin on the seashore!" Word. I'm wit it.

[@AFO_AnalyRics]

A band with good sound is okay. But a band with good vibes is a beautiful thing. Those guys are so damned happy playing, they make me wanna pick up an instrument.

[@benchise15]

Wish I could love this.. It can be an average band, but if they have soul/passion, I can find myself loving them.

[@davidhill3223]

LoL👍😁😘😇

[@DeonkaCurlsNLipstickSKing]

AFO I love Bambi too 😍😍😍😍

[@caroljackson4093]

But, can you play though 🤔.

[@gustavjonathandeyce409]

Bro was whistling

[@nabzalrash4955]

This guy is a performer.. he gets into character for each song. He had a toy mic for long live the chief and when he sang bambi he was vibing with the bottle but did not actually drink. True artist, he has to “feel” everything.

[@SKATE87410]

nabz al rash artist and performer. I’m an artist but not much of a performer

[@Silvana716]

Reminds me of classic torch singers, still the way songs are performed in parts of Spain and southern Italy, total immersion and acting out the song. Love it.

[@isaiahjeremiah8510]

I wonder what’s the name of the drink he was sippin💯

[@toluo9468]

I've never seen band/backup singers have so much fun - I watched their faces more than I watched Jidenna😂

[@UKLeonie]

Tolu O So very true,they made the experience even better. You can tell they are a connected crew.

[@dbjdi]

Did you see how emotional the tamborine/maracas guy got when they were saying bounce it like a trampoline at 1:20 hahaha he was reliving some good memories

[@tyk5824]

Check out Tyler the creator NPR. :-)

[@jayjustjay7871]

Y is he so underrated...

[@davidhill3223]

the bluejay 😀

[@jadenwhite1608]

Whenever he said, "Bounce bounce bounce bounce" all I could think of was The remix to ignition by R. Kelly 😂

[@mhgni.b6314]

Jaden White yess

[@JsDon15]

Jaden White that was the whole point...

[@MATZ302]

WORD!! hahahahahahah same here!

[@mxntanaescobar8490]

Jaden White 😂😂😂😂😂

[@nanotam89]

its called an amage or and allusion. its done to make the experience and meaning deeper. there's levels to it you and i know. sit down.

[@shaterawilcoxson1259]

You're doing the Lord's work, NPR.

[@indiashante1560]

Agree 🙌🏽

[@Cherryflavouredrose]

🤣🤣facts!!!

[@j.riffney7939]

😂🤣😅

[@piscestheDon]

Yass🙌

[@nandehlumeloqinga1867]

MFkin word🔥🔥🔥

[@jeremybabila5814]

Found this guy through Luke Cage and that's still my favorite moment in the show. So glad to see him here too.

[@TheGreatApe121]

Jeremy Babila same

[@roronoaz4lyfe1947]

Yim Yam what show

[@deidreweeks-palomino9239]

I found Jidenna before I watched Luke cage and about died when that scene came on. Died.

[@LuanaMaria22]

Saaaammmeeeee

[@alnot]

​@@roronoaz4lyfe1947"Luke Cage"

[@whompinash88]

God damn. He is so charming, under-rated and ahead of the game. His band is also outrageous

[@sadisawesome]

And so effing pretty!!!!

[@TheOmar]

The most handsome band ever

[@davidmcleod1098]

For some reason, "Bambi" is something I could visualize Harry Belefonte singing if he was born in this generation. lol

[@hambalidikko6688]

Shout out to my Nigerian brother 🇳🇬🇳🇬🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@andilethabethe9876]

The guitar guy didn't have so go hard at his Bambi solo. Pure fire.

[@luyandoblbmuyuni2827]

Will gittens. He has a whole KZbin channel. He is a great singer too 🔥🔥

[@ERNESTOCHONOGOR]

My exact sentiments😂. He went too hard

[@kingjayz101]

10:07 homie on the guitar hit that milly rock cause he knew whats good. Love this tiny desk so much.

[@trulydiamond]

Jayshil Charan YES

[@abilinc]

Ok

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

lmao thank you, can't believe i didn't catch it the first couple watches!!

[@lynnw2953]

he is a gorgeous man. beard + smile. 😍

[@JoWayne1]

You're a gorgeous woman. I'll be lucky to know you.

[@SAnderson54]

Jidenna is bomb but this band is on some next level stuff! Even my man's whistling was A-1 lbs

[@eastwindstudios]

AS are you are funny

[@pbmartin4994]

Loved it. This dude has a different tone to his music. His music that was used in luke cage was amazing

[@JustUdoro]

HOW THE HECK DID I MISS THIS!!???? Yes!!!! My goodness...Jidenna...Yes!! 🇳🇬

[@zislec]

Uuuuunderrated ☝️😌

[@jesseyoung6277]

way to underrated complete package

[@fukiibukii]

Eyyy with the J Dilla picture 👍🏽

[@zislec]

jose rodriguez 😎🤙

[@kymccord1]

The spirit took me during Long Live the Chief and half a verse came out my mouth without missing a beat.

[@ClarissaGiles]

I've watched this an unhealthy amount of times

[@misspandesal]

THERE NEEDS TO BE A REAL NPR MUSIC TINY DESK CONCERT ON TOUR!!!!

[@chand911]

I'm just impressed at the amount of sound we get out of those tiny shakers.

[@cinemamelia]

The way they switched up Long Live the Chief!!!!!!!!!! Amazing. Jidenna and band are truly talented. Forever a fan.

[@Teenom]

First time I'm hearing a direct shoutout/show of appreciation from the artist to npr for doing what they do. His mum raised him well. Ezigbo nwa!

[@victorezeh5877]

you heard Ti, Ty Dollar Sign lots others... Jidenna Still my chief tho

[@Blueissuperior]

Holy shit these versions are awesome

[@benchise15]

Man, how is it that soo many of these are better than the tracks on the record. I love this version of Long Live the Chief. It is soo good, that I can hardly listen to the original now. Got Damn son! Killing it at NPR!

[@izzyunger-weiss1565]

That rendition of "Long Live The Chief" is just... fuckin killer man

[@GeezMuzick]

The drummer is murdering that set.

[@OH5311883]

My brother Jidenna, I was at Planet fitness gym one day and your music video "classic man" was played and I just about jumped off the treadmill in excitement. I was like, that is my brother right there y'all. Great job, keep representing us well.

[@cherrymmon]

Omg his hair looks lush, what a handsome man

[@Rissy617]

The energy of the key boardist ❤❤❤ he's jammin the entire time

[@zionwitherspoon880]

YES!!! I Loved This. Beautiful Black Men enjoying themselves. BAMBI 🙌😍

[@janelasuba2828]

Just found this in 2022. Love this version of bambi

[@Colendro]

0:00 "Trampoline" 4:30 "Long Live the Chief" 7:30 "Bambi"

[@Cindarella57]

As a fellow Nigerian, brings me so much joy to hear him and his band perform, nothing but all smiles

[@BRITTANY-NICOLE]

I love Jidenna!

[@locallibrary9758]

This is crazy, dude has so much talent

[@Dominucastro47]

BAMBI GO HARD!

[@WiiRFAM]

So Hard!

[@germyw]

All my ancestors welled up inside listening to those rhythms.

[@PlasticDreamz]

Come here daily for it!

[@kiwthebeauty]

Jidenna is an incredible performer seriously! I just captured him during One Music Fest and he is amazing serious. Lots of energy and swag! You must see him live he moves all over the stage and dance. I think he was a little restricted at Tiny Desk but he is still dope! It's not many like Him but he is great! Please get his The Chief Album!

[@KalamitySnow]

Why is he staring into my soul singing Bambi!!! This is my favorite song everrrrrrrr😊😊😊

[@jtz100607]

😉

[@saviicarey]

How is the whole band fine af 😍 golly

[@hojelln]

All of these men are beautiful

[@brianowise4656]

THE GUY ON THE GUITAR IS DOPE. AM GONNA LEARN GUITAR COS OF HIM . WHO IS WITH ME

[@Celialillie]

So if you work at NPR you get private concerts......are you hiring?

[@reign1016]

Nancelia Prince 😂😂😂

[@samcherry4741]

And without all the harsh noise of a regular one too

[@luveniahuff2665]

Nancelia Prince 35 yrs plus ago, The Apparrel Mart in Downtown Atlanta gave free concerts for its employees!

[@charathedesigner1117]

They are taking apps for an internship until October 29th now

[@sonofmanrob9651]

I'll work my way up, make up a position for me, and yes I work well with others 😉

[@TeamAYB]

perfect setlist to show his versatility

[@docsci]

Agreed…

[@spencergoodridge5431]

One of the best Tiny Desk sessions I've listened to period...

[@jasmineharper3781]

My heart is so full of happiness now

[@mskambooduh]

Anyone else glad to be in a generation with him 😍❤️

[@kenjoyner5471]

"Trampoline" is Molly's theme song. I thought it was so fitting to hear it on "Insecure".

[@musiczmyescape12]

Ken Joyner yes!

[@gigiajavon122]

They went to school together

[@shadyshady2463]

One of the best. After Anderson Paak ..check his out of you haven't

[@jhevaughn]

Facts!

[@MATZ302]

what about chance's show? t.pain also killed it i feel it's hard to tell with these shows, they're sooo damn good, gets the best out of artists

[@ferrerorochai7222]

Andersons tiny desk actually made me a fan. I also liked nonames quite a lot

[@brwnsuga0987]

He's third tank and the bangaz first and Anderson paak second

[@dockinfamous1703]

Yessss lawwwd

[@tasiaowens.]

His smile is deadass contagious

[@divineselfentity]

GOD BLESS JIDENNA FOREVER!! .... THE BRUTHA ON THE GUITAR 🎸 WAS AMAZING & RIVETING!!!!

[@TheDoRunRun]

long live the chief in this version is dope!

[@keyaishathomas]

The man sings, raps, is educated and handsome. What wrong can he do😭😭😍😍😍😍

[@DonovanPresents]

I didn't like the version of Trampoline that I heard on tv and the radio, but Tiny Desks makes it sound so good that I actually like this version and the rest of the songs on this video. I love the work of whomever does the audio for these Tiny Desks!

[@iceleefoxx5196]

He’s so beautiful.

[@MATZ302]

Am i the only one who thinks he can listen to the band only and the dude whistling for an hr straight?

[@TheJakeThatVlogs]

This band on repeat is my ideal study music. Wish Jidenna would release some acoustic or stripped down versions of his albums.

[@alibey1393]

got me thinking the Roots who?

[@zapporacamper1318]

@@alibey1393 nah, don't count the roots out... I will take them both...

[@RacquelNM]

He has a beautiful smile that reaches his eyes.

[@lynnw2953]

aaaah. what a pleasant surprise! 😍 thanks npr & jidenna for making this shitty monday morning a lot less shitty!

[@infinagon]

Lynn W I love u too

[@lynnw2953]

DatBoiSheed uh… okay? lol.

[@lynnw2953]

this thread quickly went from random, unsolicited love shown to murdering families to murdering families for hire. i'm disappointed. *yet still entertained. continue on boys.*

[@cmac08yea]

Sooo Lynn, what time should I pick you up?

[@infinagon]

TheFruntFrooter how your going to solicit ass from her then take her on a date. You a simp. Bet you wear khaki shorts

[@sarahpeshoffdidier2774]

Yeah this is maybe the best Tiny Desk ever.

[@Cocogoddesstharoyalgoddess]

I want to be there when they have their jam sessions! They probably vibe so hard.

[@briana14333]

Is it wrong for me to think a lotta them don't appreciate the bomb artistry in the building? I would be so hype.

[@sojiogungbesan5547]

I love them all, but this is my favorite Tiny Desk....

[@hazelleyes319]

Young man with an old soul..

[@dd1987x]

His voice is so beautiful *melts*

[@naslundr7]

Jidenna gives me LIFE!!!! Thank you Tiny Desk!!

[@hizbonnymyclyde12]

Bambi👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 such a beautiful song.

[@bisonchicka]

He's so cute and talented. Who are these people who thumbs down???

[@megerber]

Jidenna is wholly made of AMAZING!

[@FlorenceW101]

This band is awesome.

[@AshleyWilliams-qp1hj]

I have never commented before but I just had to after watching this performance. Loved it all but Bambi was my favorite. You go boy

[@britemphuthi2980]

The last track is on another level making you feel sentimental.

[@greenboxtv247]

Naija everywhere doing the most 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@redcorvette89]

Jesus!!!he is mesmerizing!!

[@evaneleven17]

His smile all through the performance is really impressive.

[@tnjp1911]

This cat is sooooo wayyyyy underrated..Hisstyle is effortless and he shines over much of what is currently considered r&b in this current day. Real Talk!

[@ElToeknee08]

Jidenna never disappoints!

[@folayemisijacobs5991]

This man is devilishly beautiful

[@docsci]

Well put…😉

[@yousifa7354]

This is amazing

[@tajmacameron1693]

Jidenna is such a talented artist. I love his energy.

[@adrienneford4361]

The percussionist. I am feeling his vibe though.You shake them shakers man!

[@ikechukwudarlington7990]

Grammy awards you deserve it every year

[@philipa.1747]

This Tiny Desk Concert is underappreciated

[@ransfordkwabenaarthur2334]

The band attitude and contribution and all that.......

[@danahall1757]

IT IS ABOUT TIME!!

[@drewbaxter2606]

These guys' stage presence is amazing. They look so comfortable and you can tell they love the music they are playing.

[@chrisbrowngone]

Just went to his concert Sunday and I highly recommend ppl to experience his energy on the stage.

[@armandyiu5347]

so happy to have met Jidenna last October in Toronto. Such a down to earth dude. Really good performer too

[@praisebeesus2785]

Why is he so hot

[@1QYITSTORM]

Praise Beesus the guitarist, is hott!!!

[@chryyys.fiction]

He's so charming! It's definitely a mix between his eyes and that smile!!

[@desireegarrison4909]

Chrys Monae...don't forget the hair. By the way, stay away from from my man, he's takin. Love you guys.

[@chryyys.fiction]

HAHAH!!! You're right but ya know...I'm actually 100% not into guys so you have nothing to worry about lol

[@ClarissaGiles]

it's the casual confidence, the swagger that makes him so attractive!

[@totalwomanja9105]

Short and captivating. ❤

[@liyabonakilani8384]

I LOVE THIS RENDITION OF LONG LIVE THE CHIEF!!!!

[@EricCKeys]

Jidenna is such a well rounded artist. Bambi is absolutely incredible. NPR is killing it with their artist choices.

[@MrCAMjA]

Could've been atleast 1 more song... they killed it.

[@lynnw2953]

Chike Walker agreed

[@lynnw2953]

i vote for 'the let out' or 'safari'.

[@sashajohnson4118]

But neither is fine ! 😊 shout out to this stellar band ✨️ dont hide ! Let us see whats inside 😊 ❤ jidenna i absolutely adore this moi magnifique ! 💯 the fork in the road ! 😊❤ god i love this !

[@cherieblack367]

Love Jidenna and the band !!!

[@beatsbykana]

an awesome animated performance, and I like how he sang to the camera also so us youtubers felt like we were there lol

[@rosejones2535]

I hope Jidenna makes it to the top