Facing dual challenges of the pandemic, along with hardening of international borders, globalFEST, for the first time, teamed with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk concerts to present exclusive video performances by 16 artists via NPR Music’s digital platforms, in a series entitled NPR Music’s Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.

 

Thank you for 4 incredible nights of celebration and global music! If you were unable to watch all four nights, catch up now on YouTube:

 

Rewatch All Four Nights:

Night One Here | Night Two Here | Night Three Here | Night Four Here

 

Featuring 12 new artists, as well as 4 globalFEST Alums, the four-night series (Jan 11-14) was hosted by African superstar Angélique Kidjo, who performed at the inaugural edition of globalFEST in 2004.

 

“Since the early 2000s, globalFEST has been my high point for uncovering new music from around the world. The annual NYC gathering inspired me to bring many of my discoveries to the Tiny Desk,” said Bob Boilen, creator of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series. “Korea’s SsingSsing, the Palestinian electronics of 47Soul, and Jamaica’s Brushy One String have been a few stellar discoveries. And though we can’t gather together in a club this year, I’m thrilled that team globalFEST will bring new remarkable talents to our Tiny Desk (home) concert series, and we can all celebrate the joys of these expansive talents together.”