Kehlani Uses Tiny Desk Debut to Spotlight Global Crises
In her first NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Kehlani showcased her music and advocacy for Palestine, Congo, and other regions facing geopolitical conflict.
The “After Hours” singer stated during the performance, “Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free Yemen. Free Hawai’i. Free Guam. Beyond a ceasefire, we need an end to the occupation.”
Kehlani during her recent Tiny Desk concert:
— People's City Council – Los Angeles (@PplsCityCouncil) July 31, 2024
“Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free Yemen. Free Hawai’i. Free Guam. Beyond a ceasefire, we need an end to the occupation. It’s deeper than this.” pic.twitter.com/3fAmZyOyT2
This wasn’t the first time Kehlani used her platform for advocacy. She also raised awareness in her “Next 2 U” music video from her latest album, Crash, and collaborated with Palestinian designers for the single’s merchandise, donating the proceeds to the cause.
Her message during the performance resonated with viewers, who shared posts about it on social media.
In tears after watching Kehlani use her tiny desk to speak on the end to the occupation in Palestine, the Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Hawai’i, & Guåhan (Guam). When I look back at which artists used their platforms to shout down empire & mobilize our people: I’ll always remember Kehlani
— Terisa Siagatonu (@terisasiagatonu) July 31, 2024
this is how you use a platform & this is how you speak up and make a difference. where it most matters. humanity & freedom for all.
— sebas. (@yoboysebass) July 31, 2024
KEHLANI TINY DESK OUT NOW IM SO PROUD!!! pic.twitter.com/2w0yguxc3y
Fans had been anticipating Kehlani’s Tiny Desk Concert for years.
We need Kehlani on tiny desk.
— Shinigami (Taichō) (@thekaluwa) March 1, 2021
at this point, kehlani is just declining those phone calls from tiny desk. i fear we’re never getting it… pic.twitter.com/Ydyi8Knk7F
— julia (@whileimgrieving) June 21, 2023
During her set, she admitted, “I’m nervous, I’m shy, I’m naturally shy. That’s why it took me so long to do this.”
Fans also shared posts on X, surprised at the performance length, with some who wanted it to be longer.
I wanted Kehlani tiny desk to be an hour but I’ll settle for the shortness
— Shaé (@gambinoschild) July 31, 2024
There is no way that Kehlani’s Tiny Desk was just 15 minutes.. is this a sick joke!!?
— Sarafina McIntosh (@McintoshRose01) July 31, 2024
She opened her Tiny Desk with “Nights Like This,” followed by “Distraction,” “The Way,” “Can I,” and “After Hours.” The performance marked the first live rendition of “After Hours.” Fans can catch her live on her “Crash World Tour” to see the whole album live.
Despite Crash’s recent release, the artist confirmed While We Wait 2, a sequel to one of her mixtapes. On Instagram, she announced that she would release a snippet every Wednesday, dubbing it While We Wednesday.
While fans await the tour and the mixtape release, they can watch the complete Tiny Desk performance below.
