Kehlani took the spotlight during her Tiny Desk debut not just for her music, but also for her impactful statements on global crises.
- She used her platform to highlight the ongoing struggles in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and other regions.
- The singer performed hits spanning her decade-long career, including fan favorites like ‘Nights Like This’ and ‘Distraction’.
- Kehlani passionately urged her audience to take action and make a difference.
- Her merchandise sales from ‘Next 2 U’ have raised significant funds for affected communities.
Kehlani’s Tiny Desk debut was more than just a musical performance; it was a heartfelt plea for awareness and action. During her set, she gave voice to the ongoing crises in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Hawaii, and Guam.
The Oakland-born artist performed several hits from her career, including ‘Nights Like This,’ ‘Distraction,’ and her latest single ‘After Hours.’ Her soulful renditions captivated the audience, but it was her spoken message that left a lasting impact.
At around the 8:52 mark of her performance, Kehlani paused to convey a powerful message: ‘I wanna take a second to say free Palestine, free Congo, free Sudan, free Yemen, free Hawaii, free Guam,’ she declared. ‘Beyond a ceasefire, we need an end to the occupation. It’s deeper than this. I need everybody that’s here right now, everybody that’s watching to step up and use their voices.’
She further emphasized the importance of practical action, saying, ‘Any difference you can make, it’s appreciated. Hire people [from those countries], send your money where it matters. We all we got.’
Kehlani’s activism isn’t confined to her speech. In May, she reaffirmed her stand for Palestine in the ‘Next 2 U’ music video. She also released merchandise made in Bethlehem, with all proceeds directed to families in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan.
Kehlani shared on social media that the ‘Next 2 U’ tees raised over $555K. She wrote on Instagram, ‘This song is about protection, something that institutions have failed to do for the people of Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. No one got us the way we got each other.’
Expressing gratitude, Kehlani added, ‘We’re blessed to say we supported artists in the West Bank while raising money for families in Gaza, Sudan, and Congo. We’re blessed to say that we are supported by a community standing on business together.’
Concluding her heartfelt message, she said, ‘We’re invincible together and I feel ever so inspired by yall. THANK you for showing out on the streets of DC, with your dollars, with your labor and [organizing], with your bodies blocking business as usual. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I believe that we will win.’
Kehlani’s Tiny Desk performance was a blend of music and meaningful activism, making a significant impact both on and off the stage.
