On Wednesday, Kehlani delivered stunning acoustic versions of their most sultry songs at NPR headquarters for their debut Tiny Desk Concert, all while maintaining a strong focus on Palestine.
The singer started her four-song set with a dynamic performance of “Nights Like This,” the lead single from her 2019 album While We Wait. She donned a black keffiyeh as a top and another black-and-white keffiyeh around her hips. Adding a unique touch, her nails were painted to resemble watermelons, keffiyehs, and the Palestinian flag.
Kehlani’s tribute to Palestine went beyond her attire; as a prominent artist who has consistently advocated for those in occupied territories, this was expected. Before her final song, she spoke directly to the audience over a haunting keyboard melody.
“I wanna take a second to say free Palestine, free Congo, free Sudan, free Yemen, free Hawai‘i,” she declared, linking the struggle for Palestinian freedom with other global anti-colonial movements.
“Beyond an end to the ceasefire, we need an end to the occupation.”
The R&B singer encouraged both the in-person and online audience to “step up, to use their voices.”
“Any difference that you can make is appreciated,” she emphasized, suggesting actions such as wearing keffiyehs publicly, supporting Palestinian businesses, hiring people from Palestine, Congo, and Sudan, and “sending your money where it matters.”
“We all we got so, Imma leave that there,” she finished, receiving applause and cheers.
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