NPR Music And GlobalFEST Announce Return Of Tiny Desk Series For Its Fourth Year

NPR Music, in collaboration with globalFEST, is set to present the fourth edition of the Tiny Desk x globalFEST series. This year's festival will spotlight performances from three distinguished artists from across the globe: Thandiswa Mazwai from South Africa, Tarta Relena from Spain, and Laberinto del Coco from Puerto Rico. These concerts will be recorded at the iconic Tiny Desk in NPR's headquarters and will be available for streaming on the NPR Music YouTube channel and npr.org, offering a unique blend of cultural and musical expressions to a worldwide audience.

Thandiswa Mazwai, a celebrated South African artist, is renowned for her fusion of traditional Xhosa rhythms with contemporary music, earning her numerous accolades over her illustrious career. On the other hand, Tarta Relena, an electro folk duo from Catalonia, delves into a cappella and vocal music sonorities. They strive to craft a distinctive repertoire that navigates through traditional to contemporary songs, heavily influenced by Mediterranean sounds. Meanwhile, Laberinto del Coco brings a fresh perspective to Puerto Rican Bomba music by integrating elements of jazz, funk, and world music into their performances. Known for their vibrant energy and innovative soundscapes, they have garnered international acclaim.

The inception of the Tiny Desk x globalFEST series in 2021 was aimed at adapting globalFEST’s mission of showcasing international music discovery into a format accessible from the comfort of one's home. By recording this year's performances at the Tiny Desk, NPR Music and globalFEST are not only providing these artists with a new platform but also furthering globalFEST’s objective of promoting global and American regional music traditions.

globalFEST has transitioned from being merely a festival/showcase to becoming a non-profit service organization that supports curators, artists, and the performing arts field at large. It plays a pivotal role in fostering networking opportunities, cultural diplomacy, and deepening cultural understanding while also expanding the audience for international music within the United States.

NPR Music has established itself as a cornerstone in music journalism by engaging millions of music enthusiasts through its comprehensive coverage that includes feature stories, live performances, and interviews. Collaborating closely with NPR's news programs, public radio member stations, and its vast listener community, NPR Music has been instrumental in celebrating outstanding musical talent and uncovering new artists. Projects like the Tiny Desk concert series, Turning the Tables project, and podcasts such as All Songs Considered and Alt.Latino exemplify their commitment to delivering rich musical content.

This collaboration between NPR Music and globalFEST underscores their shared dedication to enriching the cultural landscape by bringing diverse musical traditions to a broader audience. As these performances are set to be streamed globally, music lovers around the world can look forward to experiencing an eclectic mix of sounds that promise to captivate and inspire.