NPR Music Celebrates Black Music Month with Powerhouse All-Female Lineup
NPR Music celebrates 2024 Black Music Month by releasing nine Tiny Desk concerts from Black women.
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This June, NPR Music is turning up the volume for Black Music Month with something truly special – nine incredible Tiny Desk concerts featuring Black women who are absolute powerhouses in the music world. From legendary icons to rising stars, this lineup is a celebration of the diverse voices that have shaped and continue to revolutionize Black music.
Meet the Queens Taking Over Your Playlist
The star-studded lineup includes chart-topping Nigerian sensation Tems, alongside hip-hop favorites Flo Milli and the innovative Tierra Whack. Gospel powerhouse Kierra Sheard brings spiritual fire, while jazz virtuoso Lakecia Benjamin showcases her saxophone mastery. The legendary Meshell Ndegeocello represents neo-soul excellence, country artist Brittney Spencer breaks barriers in Nashville, R&B legends SWV remind us why they're timeless, and the incomparable Chaka Khan – the Queen of Funk herself – rounds out this incredible roster.
Why This Matters Right Now
Starting June 3rd, NPR's Tiny Desk team, led by host and series producer Bobby Carter, is highlighting the beautiful spectrum of Black women's contributions to music. This isn't just about celebrating the past – it's about recognizing the artists who are actively shaping the future of music right now.
"This Black Music Month, we're giving the ladies their flowers! We're releasing nine Tiny Desk concerts from Black women who've paved the way for what we hear today in Black music and others who are carving out their own paths. All of them are queens in their own right who represent a beautiful array of genres, generations and walks of life."
– Bobby Carter, NPR Tiny Desk Host & Series Producer
The Numbers Don't Lie
The Tiny Desk concert series has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting over 16 million monthly viewers and generating more than 45 million views per month. These intimate performances have launched careers, revitalized classics, and created some of the most memorable musical moments on the internet.
Where to Watch
Ready to dive in? You can catch all these incredible performances at npr.org/tinydesk. Whether you're discovering new favorites or revisiting beloved classics, this Black Music Month celebration promises to be an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of Black women's musical excellence.
Featured Performances to Watch
Bobby Carter
Nikki Birch
This celebration isn't just about music – it's about recognizing the incredible women who continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and inspire the next generation of artists. From Afrobeats to gospel, from hip-hop to jazz, these nine performances showcase the full spectrum of Black women's musical genius.
