Protoje: 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.
Abby O'Neill | September 8, 2020
Protoje is a not-so-secret treasure who's been a vital force in the reggae revival movement these last several years. Perched in the hills of Irish Town on the fringe of Kingston, Protoje welcomes us into his backyard (which doubles as The Habitat Studio) for a uniquely fresh spin on a Tiny Desk (home) Concert. With a custom-designed set flanked by lush greens and mountains in the distance, this creative backdrop complements the uplifting feeling of Protoje's music. He speaks to his spiritual philosophy and faith on "Deliverance" with a chorus stating, "I hold my order, give my praises / Oh Jah, deliver me through these days, Jah deliver me / Sometimes really hard to go and face it / Oh this life can truly be amazing, amazing." The accompanying songs in this performance, "Strange Happenings" and "Same So", are also featured on his latest and fifth album, In Search of Lost Time. He wraps his performance with his most recognizable chart-topping hit, "Who Knows," which featured Chronixx on the original recording. All in all, the vibes are plentiful and highly in-demand right about now.
SET LIST
"Deliverance"
"Strange Happenings"
"Same So"
"Who Knows"
MUSICIANS
Protoje: vocals; Peter Samaru: drums; Donald Dennis: bass; Lamont Savory: guitar; Sean Roberts: vocals, drum loop
CREDITS
Video by: Yannick Reid Lindsey Lodenquai Travis-John "Habibi" Bailey Aaliyah Hinds; 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: Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

Sickest ting!

[@ofirbenezra8735]

We just need another collab

[@TheLoccCodyGee]

🎶Love your music Lila🎶

[@pediconesebastiano3781]

😘😘❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️n1 “

[@meskelsounds]

Love energy y’all set for artiste like us to come ride

[@jjboy5157]

Lila love u

[@matthewlloyd243]

The other guy kills it with vocals and the violin 🎻

[@ericpham9780]

You should release that version of Who Knows! Such a vibe!!!

[@karmelbythebay1]

This the type of desk I’m trying to work at

[@SouthEpi]

Entire setup is fire.

[@six3920]

Lol

[@nomad_333_]

Me too. Let me be the background guy who just bobs his head ... XD XD

[@joehoward2442]

When Can U Start Mi Bredren?¿?

[@FernandoRomero-nd8cm]

I love it!!!.

[@EasyEV]

Love Protoje, but I also got to shout out to the band. These guys are groovin in the background of so many great sets

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Deliverance* (4:40) 5:20 / 5:52 - *Strange Happenings* (9:26) 10:08 - *Same So* (13:50) 14:27 - *Who Knows* (17:56)

[@thesuncollective1475]

You given me an idea. We should be able to vote for fav tracks....NPR you listening?

[@robertduggan2085]

I love how he slides over to sample the beats

[@noxmagubane9515]

thank you so much for this... his set was infallible..

[@sagevalentina1026]

Amazing!! Good job to everyone involved!! ❤

[@hannabaye7962]

Thank u

[@YannickReid]

OUTSIDE! Was so fun shooting this! Thanks to the whole team and NPR for sharing the music!

[@nprmusic]

Thank you!

[@2010Baldy]

@@nprmusic Thank you "NPR Music" from the other Side of the Earth 😊🤝🏻✊🏼✊BLM

[@wearethegloryofkings]

Thanks @NPR Music and all involved

[@MassageMystic775]

Blessssssinnnggss

[@MassageMystic775]

NO No NO MO BABYLON

[@maiigican]

Vocals & Playing Violin???? PHENOMENAL

[@sndrcve]

Ziah (I think that’s how it spelt). He's on Lila's Tiny desk too.

[@TheGrinerizer]

I return to this video often. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.

[@BcnEggNChz_]

This album is absolutely phenomenal. I'm not scared to say Album of the year. Such a vibe, just incredible. Bless up proteje

[@TS-ui2uu]

And I'm willing to stand on top of that hill with you! ALBUM TUFF YF

[@masskiller9206]

100% agreed got it on repeat and it still isn't getting old, not many albums worth the listen even these days let alone ones you can listen to front-to-back like that!

[@dungaanatole1469]

Not throwing shade but every proto album is and was phenomenal, Easily album of the year, dude been getting a raw deal and some bad mind from the marleys but anyways i think he is the greatest reggae artiste of this era and i could argue greatest ever peace out

[@dannyduran235]

Protoge

[@dannyduran235]

Seen PROTOGE at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Outstandingly outstanding !!!! 6-16-19

[@selahjade7374]

protoje is bae. i discovered him by accident 3 years ago. i found a flyer for his show in NYC on the ground. the show happened to be on the night of my 38th birthday and I had a blessed time. the man can perform LIVE fr fr. so glad he keeps dropping fire. RASSTAAfariii!!

[@fignewton0000]

I'm gonna save this for tomorrow morning and blast it out of speakers during my morning coffee/wake n bake

[@kalbrown9209]

Literally waiting for somebody to ask in the comments who d dude singing backup. Ziah at it again with the vocals 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@tupd]

lol he can ACTUALLY sing. Really dissapointed how terrible Protoje is live.

[@kalbrown9209]

@@tupd Well we live in a space now where to be an artiste we aren't as confined by vocal range or ability. Protoje isn't a vocalist or doesn't proclaim to be but I'll say his strength is more in his ear, eyes, and pen. He has a knack for curating sounds and talent that push the music forward. Ziah being one such talent. His lyrics also if not contextualized can pass as just a kool rhyme but generally, pretty decent. But agreed. Nt the best vocalist.

[@robertduggan2085]

JAH deliver me

[@august88837]

We Need Mortimer on here

[@lauraliesau1290]

@@kalbrown9209 what!!! Protege best at whatever he does...his voice n spirit..Incredible!!

[@desejoporviajar5943]

Protoje AND Tiny Desk I almost hurt my finger klicking so fast

[@theamericanaddict4810]

right. In a di hills too

[@joshuaseemungal8179]

Protoje is often looked over in the discussion of the best reggae artistes. For me, however, he has grown into the very best. Unique, smooth, daring, deep and enlightening. The very best attributes of a musician.

[@alvaldez22]

His vibe takes me on trips ✨ the band did it’s thangggg

[@stephanlarsen8169]

Transportation transformation fourth dimension lizard 🦎 Sun Yes I Jah Herb Jah love Jah Jerry Jah rastafari praises blessings respectfully Tucson Arizona Sonoran desert 🏜️ Jah sisters

[@MoontariArt]

Can we take a moment to admire my bwoy Sean Roberts and how he sang 'Who Knows' (song starting at 14:27)? I absolutely loved it! 🌴🎭

[@shamiirabrown]

Am I the only one obsessed with how the home concert stages are designed?😍 love the artwork!

[@joehoward2442]

No, I am Too! I Love Dua Lipa's set also Simz and many others. The home performances R great too! Who knew Tiny Desk Could get Better.

[@cripticofilms3615]

I love the art work too especially the human figure with all those colors. I wish I knew who the artist was.

[@ElimanGibba]

He is deep , humble & blessed to mention having a good band around him.

[@kentii4608]

Gotta See Protoje Live In This Lifetime! Inna My bucketList

[@221laroux]

Can we get Sevana, Empres Sativa, Jah9, Jesse Royal moreee Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid did I miss Koffees? More reggae more Love ❤️💛💚

[@TomVarco]

Chronixx did one a couple years ago and Koffee earlier this year!

[@221laroux]

@@TomVarco niceness for Chronixx i knew but forgot Koffees thank you!!!

[@876jesseJAMES]

And there's a lila ike one too don't forget that.. npr putting on

[@mitchcalehuff4866]

Check out BBC 1xtra - Dre Island and Jesse Royal

[@MackenzieKuenz]

up

[@fundesha]

iIt's been two years and the best of the best concerts have taken place. 😍😍😍

[@nocapken]

Jah Bless Jamaican Music Big Up the Protoje.

[@lewisgilfillan8679]

Glad that protoje getting more recognition, he been dope from long time

[@rockyrockdiworldnuh4749]

POW!!!!! GOOD MORNING WATTA GREAT FEELING TO SEE DIGGY HERE HE DESERVES EVERY SINGLE SUCCESS, DWEET YAW MAN YUH WORK HARD N TEAR DI ROAD N THIS ALBUM IS EVERYTING, MORE STRENGTH N POWER, BLESS UP.

[@OrganicAlumination]

Omg I love that he has books and paintings apart of his set🤍🤍🤍✨✨✨✨ Lol amazing 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@kalbrown9209]

Long overdue. Just wished he had an opportunity to do it at NPR would've loved to hear or see the reactions from the audience.

[@omeralsina3476]

Protoje still blazin ....respect my brother peace and love. Ethiopian love for protoje😍

[@eliashelali]

Big up Tiny Desk, big up Protoje and everyone involved in this project. Stay blessed

[@KhiryManagan]

The freshest, the indigg band always on point. Thanks Tiny Desk for putting JA artist and positive music on the platform.

[@stanwright5555]

Big up Protoje. Good music. Respect to the violinist.

[@QuestForKnowledge204]

Violinist is Ziah. Amazing vocalist and producer as well.

[@stanwright5555]

@@QuestForKnowledge204 Thanks for the information, he is really talented. 👍

[@snarkysharky7913]

Protoje is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 album of the year!

[@StacyAnnBuchanan]

I love that Protoje uses old school Jamaican talk in his lyrics like -nobaddy did ah "fly di gate fi mi" LOVE this session so much!

[@nerab.5678]

It's nothing nobody telling me, this new album was so LITT, as soon as he touch down I'm my city it's a wrap!!!

[@RobertSlover]

for watered down pop music?

[@nerab.5678]

@@RobertSlover but you watch it and come to the comment section... 😒

[@RobertSlover]

@@nerab.5678 to try and understand bad taste.....no luck so far.

[@EZPZLMNSQWZY]

King of Reggae Revival - Jah Bless

[@selwynamereatu8950]

Exactement👌🏼✌🏼💚

[@yaksta1611]

Nah bro all respect to Proto but Chronixx is the King of the Reggae Revival. All Love

[@Ptahdaboss]

Knollis King haha Chronixx himself was helped largely by Protoje...do a lil research

[@EZPZLMNSQWZY]

Knollis King that’s arguable. We’re blessed to have em both ! Jah Bless brother

[@yaksta1611]

@ptahdaboss helped or not Chronixx is the originator the one who led the charge... Lets not make it a competition. Just give respect where its due. Mi a follow di revival from it start from before 2010 when Chronixx name little chronicle. If you werent at those little live acoustic live sessions yo dont know di half. Study to show thyself approved my friend. Anyhow lets just show some love to Proto on his page.

[@jeffreynaish3235]

Phenomenal band and sharp lyrics, Protoje is the best.

[@waynebennettjr7431]

Tiny desk you know just how to put the smile on someone face. 😁😁😁😁

[@Matthew-uj2uf]

In.Digg.Nation always makes me want to invest more time in my creative side and be a better artist. Love the inspiration.

[@Luv2be]

Ok, just discovered Protoje a day ago bc his music was suggested to me based on my listening style. I’m so grateful. I’ve been listening to his catalog of music and I am not disappointed. He is so charismatic, positive, and talented. 🔥🙏🏾 Be blessed. 14:37 Who Knows

[@2411nicknick]

The album hot . Really good body of work 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@miebiwilliams6394]

This new version of who knows is just amazing...

[@djsomdayz4816]

Wow truly I love this performance

[@mrsapplez2007]

I remember the original of strange. Always loved that song.

[@QuestForKnowledge204]

Big up Papa San

[@mrsapplez2007]

@@QuestForKnowledge204 I couldn't remember who it was. Thank you. I'm also showing my age right about now😉

[@edrisphillips3798]

Yep had to watch Sans video when I heard it two weeks ago. Big up Papa San.

[@musakalyatila413]

Nice perfomnc 🇹🇿

[@chasem7130]

Wooooooooooooooooooooow I’ve got no words other than this is beautiful

[@30jersey478]

So glad to see Protege. I remember to put his name in one of NPR's surveys a while back. Don't know if they saw it, but who cares. Got to go to Nigeria for Rema or Teni next. Also NSG from London.

[@otiswhyte6330]

I am here before the Grammy. Real music is Protoje music.

[@U_evolve]

How beautiful to be playing in the hills , amazing stuff 💖🌱🧲

[@Ooooozer321]

Album of the year! Getting us through this 2020 madness!

[@robertpuranda1401]

Been listening over 10 yrs and still never disappoint

[@QuestForKnowledge204]

Needed this today. Big up NPR and Protoje and the InDiggNation. Big up Lila Iké, Sevana, Jaz Elise, and Ziah as well!

[@caseyschall7419]

A year later and I'm still feeling the positive vibes from this performance. Sending love out to the world.

[@patchadam37]

I had the great pleasure of watching him last Sunday in Manchester uk along side Lila ike and friends all I can say is my feet where battered from dancing but well worth the pain absolutely lit 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🤎🤎🤎

[@alialter3658]

I love you NPR. Sorry for the shade a while back....

[@nosferathu258]

Top 10 anime redemption arcs

[@yans21]

🤣Don't apologize, call them out when you need to lol.

[@chiefsallday842]

Coming down boy?

[@nomad_333_]

The ads bugging me, but the music set a vibe ☮️☸️💟

[@nprmusic]

Thanks for the love, but definitely hold us accountable! We need to know when we're slipping!

[@ThrowbackSoul]

During these strange times music soothes the soul and Protoje live from the hills ofJamaica 🇯🇲 is a real treat. I’ve had ‘feel the same ’ on rotation for weeks. The acoustic version of ‘Who know’ very special. 🔥👋🏾👌🏾✌🏾👊🏿🙏🏿

[@sharond3772]

It's feel the same lol

[@MaryMary-fw5rv]

The set up😍🥰.. Vibes👌😇.. Protoje's music is truly spiritual and uplifting and the background complements it so well🥺❤

[@vintagecouture2275]

NPR thank you for this, it was AMAZING!!! Now it's time for SEVANA. Big up yu self Protege and In Digg Nation!!!!

[@dre3195]

Real Talk Protoje is the REAL VIBES🙏🔥🤙

[@estuardozapil968]

De los mejores exponentes del reggae 💚💛❤️

[@shibamelissamazaza3909]

Sean Roberts is killing it back there! Thank you gentlemen, so blessed to be able to access your gift. "In Search" is a masterpiece for sure. ✨

[@legendarygreat7403]

His album is a garenteed Grammy nomination

[@donnajoandavies]

much love from Chile. This set has given me so much peace during this crazy time. thank you

[@rayfordrahming1594]

That "Who Knows" mix was crazy

[@b.sunnyortiz]

JAH provides all my wants & needs! ❤

[@lovewater4832]

Protoje makes making it look easy look easy...what a gift

[@shalandacampbell7314]

Big up Proto!!!!! My Jamaican culture is THE BEST!

[@The1musicCreator]

Facts 👏

[@MackenzieKuenz]

i've been sleeping on reggae for too long. thank you bless you

[@jayfranchize]

Big up NPR you bring a real artiste to the stage. Proto-Diggy big up yourself & the whole inDigg Team.

[@ike6209]

Baddis reggae artist of the new genna !!!

[@rastagideon8236]

This album is str8 fyah!

[@stanwright5555]

Real talk. I don't have to skip any songs.

[@yans21]

AYEEEEEEE! My artist! I love the whole setting, I'm too hype.

[@jhenelleduhaney8549]

I COULD CRY (I AM).....SO PROUD OF YOU OF YOU PROTO

[@luelhabekiristos5126]

one of my favorite npr concert..need more view..love and respect protoje

[@BunBabylon]

Sean Roberts is AMAZING 🙏🏽 Thank you for your beautiful voice and your talent. Jah Bless ❤🖤

[@danielmoura919]

This is one of the most important music video for me in this moment of my life. Thanks Protoje and npr.

[@ProFocusPhotography]

This is a Master Piece and that Violinist is fire!

[@mr.treinen]

I've listened little from Protoje but I got to admit, he's phenomenal, I am hooked!

[@sugerlipsxjamiewright4170]

Strange things fa real That's why Love is an will forever be paramount from my Heart to those to whom I send my my Love an respect as Always thank you for the sweet vibes energy Nice just how me like! ☝️😁✌

[@espinoza2434]

Blazing one from Los Angeles 🍃🍃🍃🔥🔥🔥💨💨💨 Protoje tha 🐐

[@Hellolizzagee]

Protoje the best🫶🏼 seen him going on 3x now!!! Just the best❤

[@excursioncouple]

Best tinydesk home performance. The right mood during quarantine days

[@the_officialprefeckk]

Timeless music🔥🔥

[@boochbass]

I just cant stop listening to this!! Protoje is out of this world

[@bigduds1]

Deliverance! My favourite track on the album. One a dem chune deh weh get mi thru some low periods

[@irieconnection1004]

This album is getting me through some tuff times right now! Couldn’t be released at a better time.

[@viktorvezdenetskyi7819]

wicked man absolutely wicked!!! my favorite singer bless up!! wish him all the best

[@2010Baldy]

Thanks you saved my Day/Night wit da first Song.

[@WordUpNorm]

Jamaica is lite!,!,!,! Outstanding PERFORMANCE !!!!!!!

[@moniquek9575]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 Loving the new album Proto 🔥

[@pablojimenez7789]

Deliverance is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 from the first second to the last very last one.

[@kadamawe1able]

PROTO YUH HAVE IT LOCK..and the Band is Phenomenal..GREAT JOB!!!🇯🇲✊🏾🔥

[@Insanetee100]

Npr for the win! Dweet nuh Diggy ❤️❤️

[@user-nt6kk3sg3f]

何時もReggaeありがとう。👍✌️🤟🤙🤞👋

[@Sean-od7lg]

Bullet bullet bullet! One of dem under rated artists deh with a unique flow. Big up Protoje! Gwan do yuh ting my yute.

[@gnaass1951]

Protoje never disappoint... everything is perfect, music, lyrics, performance and staging...

[@raquelcavalcante3979]

Alright! after Lila Iké and Protoje I ask, where is Sevana?

[@shalandacampbell7314]

She soon reach..she ah tek her time.

[@vintagecouture2275]

Agreed, we need Sevana next

[@leaffromthetree3213]

And chronixx*

[@kayonnewebley7123]

Chronixx already did Tiny Desk. He can come back again though, I would love that.

[@abyrd8]

We need Small Axe, Jesse Royal next!

[@nerdy2729]

finally!! thank you tiny desk. i love it! we all love it 👌👌👌

[@Leonidas.Portmann]

Love the way how they perform Who Knows !!! Hope to see you guys live soon - really miss concerts !!!

[@beellaaa]

Love this performance!! And beautiful set up😍😍

[@RozziBonTon]

Same So!...I love it Very enchanting atmosphere❤