NPR is highlighting the intersection of jazz and pop through the lens of African musical innovation as Tiny Desk Radio showcases a set featuring pianist Nduduzo Makhathini alongside Nigerian stars Burna Boy and Ayra Starr.
The broadcast, airing on local stations this weekend, emphasizes artists who continue to push boundaries.
- NPR host Bobby Carter leads the program, curating a selection of performances that bridge traditional jazz sensibilities with contemporary pop sounds.
- The lineup includes a featured set from South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, alongside performances by Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Ayra Starr.
- The radio broadcast is produced by Noah Caldwell and Walter Ray Watson, with editorial oversight from Lars Gotrich and executive production by Suraya Mohamed.
Burna Boy, who previously recorded a Tiny Desk concert on Sept. 16, 2019, is featured alongside Ayra Starr and Nduduzo Makhathini in a presentation of African artists pushing the boundaries of jazz and pop. According to NPR, the program is specifically designed to highlight artists who are actively redefining the boundaries of their respective genres.
The production team behind this broadcast, including technical director Neil Tevault and VP of Music Sonali Mehta, has leaned into the “Tiny Desk Radio” format to reach audiences beyond the digital-first YouTube ecosystem.
| Artist | Primary Genre | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Nduduzo Makhathini | Jazz / Piano | South Africa |
| Burna Boy | Afrobeats / Pop | Nigeria |
| Ayra Starr | Afropop / R&B | Nigeria |
The radio program, which features a theme composed by Kaelin Ellis, is scheduled to hit the airwaves across local NPR member stations beginning this weekend, Northern Public Radio reported. For listeners looking to engage with the performances in their original visual format, NPR has made the individual sessions available via the Tiny Desk YouTube channels for Makhathini, Burna Boy, and Starr.
The technical production, helmed by Tevault, remains consistent with the network’s commitment to high-fidelity live audio.
The broadcast airs on local NPR stations starting this weekend, according to Northern Public Radio.
