Lila Iké: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Rising reggae star Lila Iké has an all-encompassing vibe, and you can feel it in this Tiny Desk (home) concert. Lila and her crew of musicians outfitted a home in Jamaica for this video, and the layout resembles the Tiny Desk's home in Washington, D.C. I was thrilled to see that Lila performed her hit single "I Spy" for this quarantine concert; it's full of the flair I've been missing the last several months. Lila's vocal agility can bend notes and transcend genres, the kind of voice that makes you want to turn to your friend at a show and say "Is she for real??" On "Solitude," she blends avant-garde R&B with contemporary reggae in a hauntingly elegant song complemented by violinist Sean "Ziah" Roberts. "Thy Will" (which borrows from the iconic reggae rhythm section Sly & Robbie) ends the set with an uptempo banger. I hope these vibes have a lasting effect and provide a tropical respite during the fall and winter months.
SET LIST
"Solitude"
"I Spy"
"Forget Me"
"Thy Will"
MUSICIANS
Lila Iké: vocals; Kristoff Morris: drums; Dane Peart: bass; Wade Johnson: keyboard; Stephen Forbes: percussion; Stephen Welsh: guitar; Ovasha Bartley: vocals; Tori-Ann Ivy: vocals; Sean "Ziah" Roberts: violin
CREDITS
Video by: Nickii Kane, Davy Freshh, Otraio Baker, Habibi Bailey; Audio by: Keinotain Johnson, Whitson Williams Jnr, Fumiaki "Superman" Ogata, Kwame Falconer & STT Entertainment & Production Ltd.; Producer: Abby O'Neill; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@nprmusic]

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[@gleyteixeira7570]

Gley Teixeira

[@KobiAbayomi]

Well said. Another way: if someone made something - not for you - and called it yours, would you call it yours? Why?

[@audreycrispin108]

Love❤

[@audreycrispin108]

​@@KobiAbayomi o😅o😅oo Oo O Ooooo

[@izamiranville]

😊😊😊😊

Thank you so much @tinydesk 🙏🏽😇

[@JobyJay]

Yes girl 👑🧡🧡🧡

[@chantelrochelle1267]

Great Job Lila! Watched 4 times already!

[@timuna7256]

Big Ting dis !!!!!!💥💥💥💥💥

[@SW-jg7yh]

Thank you for sharing your magic with the world, Lila 💜

[@andreyderisio4390]

You are amazing!

[@handymantv1623]

Who is still lessening to this 2024

Me

[@erekemedia]

Still

[@ferafona]

*listening

[@KaNa-Leela0909]

Forever❤

[@lukasresetko5464]

Me

[@ririroyalton4565]

One of my favorite artists! May you grow abundantly and share your voice to the entire world

[@yootoob2]

The back-up singers are a whole mood....

[@mocococo5853]

Her voice is liquid gold

[@sara78889]

So true. Love her voice.

[@sugarcaneplain2097]

Pure, powerful and vibrant 💫✨💫

[@thesuncollective1475]

"Free up"...love it..solid toons

[@loveschile7339]

Its so unique!

[@Nottotv]

Silk

[@iamtiamari8710]

Where all my lila ike fans at🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Nice

[@mhjgh3834]

💁🏽‍♀️☺️

[@hollivybez]

One of the best in the new generation of reggae artists ❤

[@nicholesgarden9026]

These background singers should be kept. They compliment the vibe so well. Reminds me of Sade.

[@PentameronSV]

0:01 - *Solitude* (3:56) 4:40 - *I Spy* (8:05) 8:42 - *Forget Me* (13:08) 13:56 - *Thy Will* (20:46)

[@trladams78]

The return to this vibe is daily and a must❣️ Blessings for the placements so I can get right to the vibe, or when my soul need it I just let it permeate the air💫✨🔥🙏🏽🙌🏽💚🖤💛😎🤙🏽💃🏽

[@gregwhitcher4312]

Thy will!

[@elleJay-mb4yn]

🙏🏽

[@rosenoire1641]

Those background singers and those hormonies are accurate

[@yipyoppa1]

Them girls were propa

[@phedragremillon]

ON POINT...

[@ihuomatuesday1600]

Like some expensive chocolate

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

yip

[@gazoakleychef]

wow Lila..& wow the violinist

[@jadealexander8233]

I know

[@SathyaToro]

Wow my favorite chef here!

[@willianbinho9209]

@@jadealexander8233 i i

[@staceywaller576]

That violin tuff❤️

[@tarokeefe7722]

Oh hello funny to see you here

[@SuperJohng1234]

The vibrato from lila is amazing

[@PaperPegasus254]

The ladies singing the background vocals are on point.

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

True

[@audleymclean2983]

Chris ...Yes very entertaining too.

[@MeinhardSRohr]

Waited for that comment. The tonality to double Lila is literally on point. 👏🏻

[@laleeahomes3348]

Hands down the best ive heard!

[@BeingTiffany]

that lil vibrato thing she does w her voice is so beautiful, I like her she's dope 🔥

[@RJNumber45]

caught that too...unique for the genre

[@kayziacoutureclothing4035]

well said

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

I agree

[@invinciblesticks]

syncopated as well I think. Incredible.

[@ishenarobinson9616]

I love it too. Her voice is magical and so unique.

[@mhjgh3834]

Lila Iké is definitely one of the best!💐 Much love sis.🫶🏽💜🩷💜

[@lloydmiller4439]

I really like the new school of Jamaican female artists. Their sound is so fresh and refreshing, especially this one, Lila Ike. Her style is not flashy, but it's the natural look and her great singing style voice which makes her so amazing. I expect huge things from her.

[@stephanlarsen8169]

Some others not just Jamaica..try awa fall..a Rasta.sister. try nattali rize.. Australian.. aboriginal?. Hip hop . Lady leshurr.. Nadia Rose 🌹..and then..sampa The great. Awa from.senegal. ..sampa.zambia. Lady and Nadia England then sa-roc mereba.... Yes young female talent. Times.be.good. praises blessings Jah Herb

[@miliyuensetorresgrajales9782]

Ofcourse

[@robbieprokop1745]

Got a chance to catch Michael Kiwanuke a few years back - even though I don't listen to mainstream radio, I SO appreciate Tiny Desk series for the chance to catch recent generations of PHENOmenal musicians of color I'd not likely ever hear. This young artist nails it!

[@neelz323]

Yes, yes. You are right. There is some seriously good talent stirring up jamaica right now....

[@ynage11-w6d]

jamaica big for music

[@misterwalker3598]

Been followig Lila Ike for a little while now, Jamaica has some massive talent getting recognition at the moment.... chronixx, koffee, Protoje, Sevana, Lila Ike.... Would really recommend the 1xtra rock and groove riddim video ;)

[@tierra02nicole]

Love that video!

[@bloomindoom]

Thx for the list. Been meaning to get back into Jamaican music

[@sugarcaneplain2097]

Koffee is a wonderful talent🎀

[@SW-jg7yh]

That video is THE BEST EVER

[@kingssweden11]

Im with you. Great music on 1extra!!!

[@susannanowland]

But I never heard her before and now I’m in love

[@aliyahkhalid2837]

Me too 💙

[@Dubvybes1]

@@aliyahkhalid2837 me too

[@diozkcur]

My thoughts exactly. She is so talented

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Nice !

[@minervaminavera2347]

Me…four? I can’t count ppl but I can count beats 😎

[@Morealz]

She reminds me of Erykah badu...her style, grace, and delivery...I love her music, new fan!

[@slipanslide5800]

That’s what had drawn me to her too

[@69shakti]

Actually she’s cooler! Not Jafakin!

[@morrisonmark8347]

Avery talented vocalist,can't imagine the sound of her n Rihanna n HER.salute

[@tosterthirtysix9415]

Thought exactly the same

[@oMiLiofficial]

Caribbean vibe like afrobeats inna rudegirl vibration 🔥 🔥

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

The violin is a nice touch.

[@pamelaadams8743]

Yessss

[@MoikHorst]

its more than a touch ;-)

[@AyeshaSmith]

Sevana next NPR!!!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@watsonunlimitedmusic]

YES !!

[@stephanieparkes5559]

Yesssss 🇯🇲 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@xraydesigns3880]

Yessssssss!!

[@samuelpierce6322]

Yeahhhhhhha!

[@yveqeshy]

Yesssssssss

[@theguywithabow]

Wow. Reggae mixed with funk mixed with Celtic fiddle mixed with blues .....

[@curtisknight2284]

I didn't hear no Celtic Fiddle, the Violinist is self taught so he was playing something else.

[@adamdreisler7365]

Reliatening… getting goosebumps… Lila Ike is a trailblazer… what she went through is rough… but she was chosen to break down certain mental barriers of Jamaicans… welcome to the 21st century… love and mad respect to Lila… and all sentient beings ✨🙏✨♥️✨🏆✨

[@Mienarrr]

This is the vibe we want in the house today.

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

right

[@Simone-en6hh]

The locs, fro, bantu knot, and a touch of Violin got me holding a whole VIBE.. AYEEE

[@lenardhibbert6804]

Locs sister say locs, as the word dreads is derived from the word dreadful. I’m sure you agree with the fact that everything about this video is beautiful and heavenly. Stay bless sister, jah bless ✊🏾

[@pearljantjies2562]

That violin. Yeah

[@Simone-en6hh]

@@lenardhibbert6804 got it. Corrected. Thank you

[@minervaminavera2347]

@@lenardhibbert6804 thank you :)

[@keronfarrier2198]

Yes my love indeed...Lila makes me relax after a stressfull day

[@Dylan-rm7nt]

Lila Ike has natural talent that is really on a different level. The band, the mood and vibe is unbeatable.

[@thefrozendivide]

One of the very best tiny desk concerts ever, phenomenal band and Lila is levels and levels, absolute fire

[@MrPrincePeri]

If you’re watching this as a Jamaican and not be proud something wrong with you. Props to Lila for doing her thing and keeping it authentic

[@FlorenceCGB]

If you're a Jamaican and not be proud something wrong with you. :)

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

true

[@trinievilkitty]

Trini here 🇹🇹 VERY proud of the talent from JA making waves all over the world!

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

I understand. Very nice 👍🏾

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

@@trinievilkitty Nice. You're right to be proud 💐

[@nicole4779]

A beautiful natural Black woman with natural amazing talent ❤️❤️❤️✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@PauloCesarpcesar]

vdd

[@JeffGrimes-bo4cc]

This Queen's a star in my book so many great tunes wow and pretty wow 😊

[@MrMarkdevir]

The shorts and the fro.... for a second I thought it was Betty Davis. Really enjoyed this, lovely voice, love the backing singers.

[@attemptedpolymath9660]

Tiny desk notifications are the only ones I click on without asking is this worth my time. Tiny desk is always worth the time.

[@shottaqueen1]

Real talk!

[@cabbuccino5558]

Agreed...never disappointed

[@ihuomatuesday1600]

Facts

[@tmbutaylicious0x3]

Preach

[@mhjgh3834]

Correct😊

[@maimericks80]

A beautiful Island filled with legends but these young artists like LILA, SEVENA and JAH 9 etc...are fire !!

[@jelker5778]

that energy ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@Kethjoy]

Cho 🖤💚💛 Jamaican again. MASSIVE country..eety bitty land space😜

[@teezymurowe8544]

The background singers are a vibe and the violinist 🔥

[@stacysiteiya6300]

The Violin guyyy Making that violin in solitude speak!

[@stevie324]

Yes!!

[@electriclioness4607]

This may have been the best band intro ever seen on a Tiny desk

[@amywansing877]

Love how much fun the backup vocalists are having

[@detroitwith5ive929]

Cant take my eyes off the background singers!!! yall are giving me the feels

[@Yougaljuboja]

same !

[@magicalmysteryride2158]

Absolutely!

[@shakerawest897]

Lila pon di mic!!!!!!!!!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@glenroylowe6053]

Lila pan the bomboclaat Mike !!!

[@dorotheabosca4702]

How could you not celebrate the life of this woman

[@liquidriddim1]

Something about lika makes me want to listen her on repeat

[@sethdlodlo]

I discovered one of my favourite artists today. Thank you NPR Musid

[@Rite3man]

🇯🇲

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Me too

[@jennycat4297]

Me three. The girl is jammin.

[@paulmedina6816]

Protoje brought her to the UK several years ago,I saw her in Bristol she was unknown at the time instantly you knew this girl was different.Tenderly brought through by genius Protoje, In the 37 yrs I’ve been avidly following Reggae,I’ve never seen a female artist emerge as good as Lila.Potentialy she’s Icon class .❤️🇯🇲🎤🇯🇲✊🏿🇬🇳

[@samuelpierce6322]

Absolutely Agree! Yeah!

[@beatnuts1uk]

I agree also! She has the potential to be a massive star.

[@yanikeonpurpose]

I can’t wait to see her progression. I have high hopes. I think we haven’t seen anything yet!!! 💯 She might have to pivot out of that roots & culture niche I think, but we’ll see 😁

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Nice development

[@homodeus8713]

Reminds me of some lovers rock sounds on Capital Radio years ago

[@breezecanada4038]

This is an EXCELLENT concert and this singer has a purely beautiful voice.

[@kimothogideon6107]

8.46 minute... that Forget me Jam Siccccccccccck, the Violin, the voice.... Vibing to it 14.03.2021..

[@yipyoppa1]

Shes a queen love her too much looks, natural voice and she cook too😂 this woman has everything!!!

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Yes

[@VoiceoftheAncient]

I am really here for my peace of mind, Lila's voice, the Violin/bass. Pure Jamaican Vibes Mi Breddah.

[@fishtigua]

I'm a more Southern boy from Antigua, but we love that voice and tone. Kisses and huggs

[@patriciapeoples5667]

Congratulations on all of your hits. Thanks for being patient. Love always Patricia ❤😊

[@srirachanoodles6914]

The minimalist parts really support the vocals really well, and then when it builds up, it really enforces it.

[@TR-1111]

she deserves more recognition 🔥🔥🔥 her voice is so pure n angelic

[@michezulu]

Violinist is amazing. Respect - Ziah! Great set.

[@qaarloshilaal2778]

Check out his performance in Protoje's Tiny Desk, Truly epic!

[@djmikeytoptenn]

Moziah is also a great vocalist. Bout time the world get to know him.

[@IGms.shaniel_]

Get Sevana Siren on here!!!! Thanks for this. So glad to see Lila Iké here. She's underated and deserve more recognition🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 Imagine Lila Iké and Sampa the Great collab? Waaaaww

[@cameroncoleman2579]

She dere now! your prayers have been answered!

[@IGms.shaniel_]

@@cameroncoleman2579 ikkrr😊❤

[@farier.series]

The description says "Lila's vocal agility can bend notes and transcend genres, the kind of voice that makes you want to turn to your friend at a show and say "Is she for real??"" and that is exactly what I did as soon as I heard the first song in this set. Lila Ike is my new favorite artist~ ~such smooth vibes~

[@mowvu5380]

check her dubplates. they're nasty good!

[@monib5814]

Again thank you NPR for exposure to such a vast array of artists and music! Love this - thank you Lila!

[@IAMDeeVine]

It’s the background singers doubling as background dancers for me lol ! This whole set was a BIG VIBE. Love to see it.

[@hamiltonsstreet4095]

thats first songgg is lifeeeee

[@sara78889]

Jamaica is a vibe. 💚💚

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

True

[@sistah.q9013]

Yall the real MVP’s for getting Lila on here! 😍 Protoje, Sevana, and Mortimer NEED one too! So much talent coming out of JA! ❤️

[@theunaBridgedversion]

And Chris Malachi

[@DE1CRAFTS]

@@theunaBridgedversion who

[@poeticempress3]

Most definitely

[@sadikielliott7884]

Mortimer did bbc 1xtra

[@cynthiavan-dunem3169]

Mortimer YES!!!

[@Jj-ty7qh]

Goosebumps. What is this? Mind blown. Everything with this band is on point. The lil violin, the guitar, the drums and the killer backup singers. Love the way the back up singer held back in the first song and just killed us softly and easy does it style. Wow. The beautiful hair. No weave in sight. This is black beauty and black excellence.

[@tewodrosebaye9532]

Her voice is soothing, its very calming

[@Hallofnugs]

It’s a little late but I love tiny desks for showing me vibes from new artists! ⚡️

[@danielwilliams4379]

never too late fam

[@ByaSaampaio]

This woman is incredible! Her voice is unreal 💗💗💗

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Agree

[@iammilorex]

This was a crash course in Jamaican Creole for me. Most fun Tiny Desk.

[@curtisknight2284]

They speak English and Patwa in Jamaica so the Creol is a stretch.

[@user-wo3jc1hs9d]

Lila ike is something else this video showed her true talent and personality love you

[@CookingUpAStorm]

WE LOVE YOU LILA!!

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Yes

[@stanwright5555]

From the BBC cypher I knew you were going to be a star.

[@jamwashjoni2355]

Lila Ike is Talented ...Grammy here we come ..

[@chamelleandtokito]

How is that even possible … sitting there easy, music so smooth and powerful 🙆🏻🤷🏻🫵🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽📿🫶🏽 when sno Allegra heard that, she quit …

[@patiencevirtue3932]

Lila is s born entertainer. She has the full package

[@shamanevoke]

Yes!! Lila Iké on Tiny Desk. My favorite artist in 2020, been rocking her new album since they dropped recently. Beautiful voice soulful vibes & phenomenal artist.

[@leyna5453]

One of the best Tiny desk concerts of all time

[@teraloliver5387]

Big up to her backup singers! I spy talent! I can’t wait to revisit Jamaica 🇯🇲/ take me back home!! As’E

[@zefzef2745]

My brain melted on "Forget Me" Violin was on point.

[@Wanderer25]

Yea Lila, glad yuh reach pon di desk! Gwan duh yuh ting 🇯🇲

[@mortexdreammusictv5020]

IN LOVE whit this vybe 💛🌍🌏🌎👌🏽😎🎧📻🎤🎵🎶

[@kristianjohnson9969]

and this concert finishes STRONG.... "CRAZY SELF TAUGHT!" violin

[@cocolee4765]

Love Lila"s voice, stage presence and beauty. When this lock down is over hopefully she comes to Canada🤞🤞❤

[@cavelleardiel]

Vancouver please!!

[@Kattie_Michelle_B]

When she said "Beautiful" I shouted YES! You are Beautiful

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Right

[@koimt6732]

Black is beautiful!!!!!!!

[@AuthenticSelector64]

This woman make me start listening Reggae again.... from Garnett Silk pass.... mi stop.... but the future bright again....

[@TheFergiefish]

I just love this young Jamaican singer and her music..............

[@IGms.shaniel_]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@DebieEA]

Her voice is just heavenly. I am so happy I have discovered such a talent from Jamaica! Much love from Brazil

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Right

[@tracyannjohnson7120]

🇯🇲

[@maxigeekerusquelis8284]

Juste je t’aime tellement Lila viens et reviens à no logo tu mets les gens en joie chaque matin !!! Merci merci tu es grande Nat Rennes

[@whisperywind8768]

The melanin, the musicality, the vocals, the hair, the drip, the decor... too many big vibes!!

[@hermanlane9846]

Yes Lila Ike in the building - who Jah bless no man curse - this is the vibe for 2020 we need.

[@rastagideon8236]

I'm very impressed by this Empress. So Blessed to have her on Tiny Desk, Give Thanks.

[@dannyroberts666]

Layla you bad❤bad, but them 2beautifull singers at tiny desk. Wow. You blessed. Big man slim

[@MrsHHL]

JEEZ, LILA U R AMAZINGGGGGG

[@demornaeclarke]

She makes me so proud to be 🇯🇲 I just need a her ft on a song Ari Lennox n I will be complete

[@theunaBridgedversion]

This would be fire!!

[@delanomendez6691]

Truer words have never been spoken

[@justinbanks861]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@donnarose-caesar1946]

Me too!! We have some super supreme talent!!

[@Janiiya]

100%, I’m glad Jamaican artists and not just artists influenced by Jamaica are getting the recognition they deserve.

[@shanashawhitson809]

The violin, yeeeeeeeessss

[@carlosmith4817]

I like to listen to music that is positive and inspirational.

[@100sexy4]

India.Arie vibes. Love it!!!

[@BrittanyYogurt]

This sounds delicious to my ears. Her voice never disappoints

[@ralphkeeldar4726]

Tue

[@rosenoire1641]

Wait a minute Npr.. u have Lila Ike on NpR tiny desk.. omg .. u keep on raising the bar.. ok so now u allowed Lila to the stage.. Can u please.. invite Sevana and Jaz elise and Naomi Cowan.. And i know u like surprising me but.. takebthe mentioned artist in consideration.. . I love love love this..

[@brianrobinmusic]

Naomi Cowan should be here and the entire crew Sevana 🔥

[@Nottotv]

That's the SQUAD right there. Love their 1 Xtra riddim video.

[@marymukami5299]

Yaaaaaaaaasss!!! Couldn't agree more!!!

[@jennycat4297]

Yes, Rose Noire yes! I agree👍

[@kensimmo]

The more I hear this artist the more impressed I am by her talent.

[@IGms.shaniel_]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲