Our Favourite Tiny Desk Concert Performances by Nigerian Artists

Nigerian Stars Who Brought Afrobeats Magic to NPR’s Tiny Desk

NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series has become the ultimate litmus test for authentic artistry. Stripped of pyrotechnics, backup dancers, and overproduced theatrics, the intimate setting demands one thing: raw talent. For Nigerian artists representing Afrobeats on the global stage, these performances have become defining moments—proof that when you remove all the bells and whistles, the music still speaks volumes.

The African giant himself, Burna Boy, brought the heat in 2019 with a setlist that included “Gbona,” “Wetin Man Go Do,” “Dangote,” and the anthemic “Ye.” Fast forward to 2021, and Davido delivered his own commanding performance featuring classics like “Gobe,” “Aye,” “Risky,” and the emotional “Jowo.” The OBO proved why he remains one of Afrobeats’ most consistent hitmakers. Fireboy DML followed in 2022 with a dreamy home session performing “Like I Do,” “Tattoo,” and his global crossover smash “Peru.” That same year, Adekunle Gold also recorded from home, blessing fans with renditions of “Sinner,” “Something Different,” “One Woman,” and “Okay.”

Tems, whose vocal prowess needs no introduction, graced the Tiny Desk in 2024 with a stunning showcase that included “Me & U,” “Ice T,” “Unfortunate,” “Forever,” and her Grammy-winning record “Love Me JeJe.” Omah Lay had already left his mark in 2023, performing “Bad Influence,” “i’m a mess,” “soso,” and “never forget,” along with a medley of “Infinity,” “bend you,” and “understand.” The Afro-fusion sensation Asake took things to another level in 2025, bringing Fuji influences to the forefront with an extensive nine-song set including “Why Love,” “Amapiano,” “Awodi,” “Remember,” “Lonely at the Top,” “Ototo,” “MMS,” “Organise,” and “Fuji Vibe.”

Meanwhile, Tiwa Savage, the undisputed African Queen, recorded her home session in 2020, delivering powerful performances of “Dangerous Love,” “Attention,” “Like,” and “Koroba.” Most recently, rising superstar Ayra Starr commanded the Tiny Desk stage in 2026 with an impressive eight-song showcase featuring “Birds Sing of Money,” “Gimme Dat,” “Who’s Dat Girl,” “Tornado,” “Rush,” “Commas,” “Amin,” and “Orun.” These performances collectively demonstrate that Nigerian artists aren’t just making noise—they’re making history, one stripped-down session at a time.

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