Jamila Woods | photo by Koof Ibi Umoren for WXPN
Watch Jamila Woods deliver an empowering Tiny Desk Concert
Featured in NPR’s inaugural Slingshot class in 2017, Jamila Woods stopped by NPR’s D.C. offices recently to perform an entrancing midday set. Joining Jamila is a 4-piece backing band, providing a more stripped down sound than those featured on her debut album, HEAVN. This arrangements allow more space for Woods to display her full vocal range and allow her lyrics to be at the forefront.
Inspired by great black women from the likes of Erykah Badu to poet Nikki Giovanni, Woods uses her soulful songwriting and poetry background to shine a light on problems in her hometown of Chicago and around the country. Protest songs by nature, Woods’ focus is on that of self-empowerment and self-care. On closing track “Holy,” this message is evident: ” Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving myself.”
View the 3-song set below, thanks to NPR.