Shae Universe: Tiny Desk Concert

Ashley Pointer | August 6, 2024
I just happened to be looking out of the office window when British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Shae Universe first pulled up outside of NPR HQ, just in time to see her take it all in. It was evidently a surreal moment for her as an up-and-coming artist, but once she began to fill the room up with her unique and stunning voice, it was clear that she had arrived — not just at the Tiny Desk, but effervescently onto America’s R&B and soul scene.

“This moment right here is not just one for British culture and R&B, this is for the independent artists, this is for the self-managed artists, this is for the darker-skinned Black women, this is for the shy ones with undeniable gifts, this is for the slow-burners,” Universe says in her set. Performing selections from her most recent album, Love’s Letter, Universe takes us on a journey of love in this concert in all forms: lust, romance and self-love. On “You Lose” she also takes a moment to pay homage to her early days as the pioneer of the U.K. subgenre R&Drill, where we hear her flex not only her smooth vocals but her bars with admirable precision. Universe closes out the show with “More Than Enough,” a gospel-infused ballad. It was beautiful witnessing her sing these affirmations for herself, and made me so excited for those who will discover her for the first time through this concert. Prepare yourself.

SET LIST
“OOTW”
“Summertime”
“LOML”
“Warzone”
“Passenger Princess”
“What's Luv?”
“You Lose”
“More Than Enough”

MUSICIANS
Shae Universe: lead vocals
Isaac Oshuntola: bass
John Monk: guitar
Brandon Stennett: drums
Ronnie Heard: sax
Veritus Miller: keys
Kaylla Samuel: vocals
Auriana Chisholm: vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Ashley Pointer
Director: Joshua Bryant
Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Editor: Maia Stern
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Mitra I. Arthur
Audio Engineer: Tiffany Vera Castro
Audio Mix: Josephine Nyounai
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Copy Editor: Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins

#shaeuniverse #nprmusic #tinydesk

[veritusmiller]

It was such an honor to play keys on this!

[na.s.]

Earth would be so boring without blk ppl. Our greatness..our undeniable talent never ceases to amaze me. ❤

[evolvo_e]

who ever is booking the performances you killing it you get CLEO SOL on here you the goat

[lindsayobath]

Butter melting on a warm fresh baguette, ❤❤❤

[ardancreates_]

What is this greatness & why am I just finding out about her. Thank you, NPR 😍💚🤲🏾 🎶 Now this is soul music!

[latayone]

I’ve been playing her music all year and actually met her here in Los Angeles at a bar where my homie was DJ’ing, I had to approach and let her know she’s truly one of my favorite singers. Shae truly deserves her flowers.

[sammiejojohnson]

She’s been a London legend for a long long time now and I’m so emotional actually getting to watch this in real life instead of just in my imagination. I cannot wait for the world to give her every single flower she deserves. The streets love you Shae ❤

[ronnieporter]

Her ENTIRE presence is captivating! The melodies, the bottom grill, and the nerve of her sitting there like she ain't did a thang to my day!LOL Ma'am, you exude Saturday morning sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet tea watching the birds! What a vibe!

[GratitudeWarriors]

Her and her background singers sound even better than on the album

[alison]

I love how unique her voice is. Her album « Love’s Letter » is one of my favorite albums of 2024. I’m so happy that she’s getting the love and the recognition she deserves. ❤

[Gijsje.]

Yeah, this is the way to start the day: coffee and a tinyDesk with someone I'll need to look up later. Lovelovelove

[AmieDibba]

This is so dope. Seeing Shae Universe HERE makes me so happy. She worked for this💯💯💯

[IAMSASHAGAI]

THIS ALBUM is my album of the year. I’m so happy she’s here. This made my whole MONTH. YEAR, even! So refreshing and divine! We love you Shae!! You deserve this and more!

[sophiadavis]

I am late to the Shae Universe party, but guess what? I am here and will never leave. Girl, this is pure soul that tingles YOUR soul.

[kimbellas]

She snapped when she started rapping repping london

[tiffanytucker]

I've been listening to Shae since 2020(BET UK Soul Cypher) and it really does something to my soul to see her on one of the most revered platforms for music. Please yall, get acquainted with my girl. Her music is absolutely stunning. Congratulations Shae! This your moment baby!!!

[__eyii]

The whole band is infatuated with her and rightly so, encapsulating voice, beautiful woman 😍😍😍

[jmindich]

Wow, what an energy, what a presence! I so love NPR introducing me to these amazing musicians I hadn't heard of before. Shea Universe and her group is definitely on my radar now!

[rosierose]

Shae Universe is everything.- I am glad America is taking notice of her. Please check her out on the BET UK RB mix she did for D'Angelo Lady! LOve her

[joycrwaites]

What a treat! This style of soul really hits home. Im a Philly girl and neo soul really resonates. I get nostalgic feels listening to this Queen