Chaka Khan Brings Classic Funk To NPR ‘Tiny Desk’

Chaka Khan proves why she wears the Queen of Funk crown on NPR’s Tiny Desk. The 71-year-old, accompanied by live instruments, delivered a handful of her catalog standouts in the just over 30-minute showcase.

Beginning with “Tell Me Something Good,” the Chicago native served up “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me,” “Stay,” “Sweet Thing,” and more. She closes the set with “I’m Every Woman,” as the audience joyfully sings along.

The empowering track was the perfect anthem to end the Tiny Desk concert, as this showcase joins already-released performances from Tems, Lakecia Benjamin, and Tierra Whack in support of Black Music Month. The platform deliberately chose to highlight the talents and contributions of Black women across genres in the month-long celebration of art and culture.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 03: Inductee Chaka Khan attends the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

With the aforementioned shows, audiences can still anticipate mini-concerts from Kierra Sheard, Me’Shell Ndegeoccello, Brittney Spencer, SWV, and Flo Mili. 

“I hope people realize just how much Black women have contributed and have continued to contribute to music at large, they don’t get enough credit. Like I said Chaka Khan will never get enough credit[.] SWV will never get enough credit,” explained producer and host Bobby Carter Carter.

“So it’s a reminder like we do every year. When you looked at Juvenile last year you were reminded just how impactful his music is. Same with Usher a year before last. This month is a reminder for those who may have forgotten just how great these women are.”

Take a look at Chaka Khan performing on NPR Tiny Desk above and check out the offerings from Tems, Lakecia Benjamin, and Tierra Whack below.