Sinkane: Tiny Desk Concert

Bob Boilen | April 10, 2017 - Sinkane opened its Tiny Desk Concert with a song that has been a bit of an anthem for me lately. "U'Huh" contains the Arabic phrase "kulu shi tamaam," which translates to "everything's great — it's all going to be all right."

Sinkane is the music of Ahmed Gallab — and such hopeful music it is. He grew up in London and has lived in Sudan and in Ohio and, these days, New York City. His band reflects his own love for music from around the world; you can hear a great New York jazz band in the rhythms of Sinkane, but you can also hear the influence of Bob Marley and the hypnotic repetition of Sudanese desert sounds.

Life & Livin' It is available now.

Set List

"U'Huh"
"Favorite Song"
"Deadweight"

Musicians

Ahmed Gallab (vocals); Amanda Khiri (vocals); Elanna Canlas (keys, vocals); Jason Trammell (drums); Reggie Pace (percussion); Jonny Lam (guitar); Ish Montgomery (bass)

Credits

Producers: Bob Boilen, Bronson Arcuri; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith, Bria Granville; Production Assistant: Jake Witz; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[crr]

NPR Music always comes through with new and creative artists that satisfy my my musical needs.

[adamokoh]

on behalf of the internet, we are happy to have you perform too.

[achasilas]

wow great music right there people. Amazing unity, diverse and talented people. wow. God bless them

[ashleyprice]

This is just perfect, and more than ever relevant. Shukran Jazilen Sikane & NPR!!

[saibcis]

this band is everything a happy person needs to be happier :-)

[katiehirsch]

I saw them live in Philly a month or so ago and they were awesome! My husband and I have been playing the song How We Be on repeat! Thanks Tiny Desk for showcasing another great band.

[whiterabbit]

Usually would not comment on any videos never have tbf but gotta show support and love to this beautiful soul making Sudan and him self proud love it fam aywa kidda yah zool lool (Sudanese joke)

[Lutesun]

Saw these guys live. They were amazing.

[thomaskittock]

What joyful, fun music! We need more of that in life.
I don't know why people want to listen to pop music when they can have quality stuff like this.

[glancing.]

An example of music uniting people of different ethnicities. I love it when this happens. Music without borders.

[krishnakumar-isol]

These guys are awesome... especially " Favourite song " .... Love from India-Chennai....!!

[tiffanykahn]

Panera Bread brought me here for that one song that they play in their stores. Did not know that they had other songs that I am vibin' now....

[lucigaiah]

WOW I'm so in Love with this band !!!

[EboJ]

Thank you NPR for giving these amazing a platform. Major kudos to the artist for such wonderful, passionate performances 👏

[sobergg]

Dancing at work on this beautiful Friday...love it!

[mimilam]

Love the sound, appreciating the creativity of the group.

[jasonwilliamson]

Why does this Tiny Desk have so few views? these guys are great with such a positive vibe.

[desertedham]

Sun Ra shirt! Also beautiful percussion and bass work, the singing was mostly good

[trevorlawrence]

saw these guys live a few years ago when they did a show with Son Lux, they put on a great performance.

[mamamoandthetrendreport]

thank you for introducing me to new artist...you got me writing again ...maybe I'll be on your show one day