Kehlani Makes ‘Tiny Desk Concert’ Debut With Sultry Career-Spanning Set

Oakland-bred singer, songwriter and dancer Kehlani recently swung by NPR Music’s headquarters in Washington D.C. to perform for the Tiny Desk Concert series. Kehlani turned in a five-song set featuring songs released throughout their decade-long career.

While opening with the soul-laden “Nights Like This” from their 2019 mixtape, Nights Like This, Kehlani greets those gathered around the desk and appreciation for the experience. “It’s been a long time coming,” they said. “I definitely know I’m overdue for doing this, so thank you for making sure I was able to get here this far along in my process.”

Kehlani pulled “Distraction” off their debut album, SweetSexySavage, next and then belted out “The Way.” The acclaimed performer was joined by a full band featuring guitarist Freaky Rob, keyboardist Doctor O, bassist Simba and drummer Jermaine Poindexter as well as backing vocalists Karyn Porter, Chelsea West and Jasmine Patton. Freaky Rob pulled off a sensational solo to bring “The Way” to a close.

The set rolled on with Kehlani’s 2020 single “Can I,” which was featured on their sophomore studio album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. Kehlani then took moment to acknowledge the strife in the world. “I want to take a second to say: Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free Yemen. Free Hawaii. Free Guam,” they said. “It’s deeper than this. I need everybody that’s here right now, everybody that’s watching, to step up, to use their voices,” after calling for an end to the occupation.

The band went on to vamp on “After Hours” from their latest album, Crash, which came out last month, Kehlani launched into the song to close the set. Watch Kehlani’s Tiny Desk Concert session below: