Howard University students reimagined National Public Radio’s (NPR) Tiny Desk Concert by unveiling their own version called “Bison Desk.” Hosted by the Undergraduate Student Assembly (UGSA) inside The Hilltop Terrace on a Friday evening, the event brought together musicians and music lovers for their own Tiny Desk Concert.
Students held up their phones to record performances, swaying along to the neo-soul and jazz influences in the artists’ music. The atmosphere was supportive, with the crowd cheering the talent on when they were introduced and as they performed.
The opening act was by KayCi Mersier, a junior political science major and jazz voice minor from Detroit, Michigan, who gave a sneak peek at her unreleased song titled “Release.” She described the song as a reminder for students to sometimes take those moments they need.
“We’re hardworking students. There’s a lot of weight on our shoulders, but we have to take moments to relieve that pressure, shake it off and vibe out,” Mersier said.
Her music draws inspiration from jazz, funk and R&B with her scatting and vocal runs.
Haili Zion, a junior public relations major and jazz studies minor from Dallas, was another solo artist who performed. She said that it was her first time singing her original song “Eighth Wonder” on campus, heightening her anticipation for the crowd’s response.
“To be in a space performing my art for my peers and seeing it be appreciated tells [me] that I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing,” Zion said.
The students who organized the event, Rebecca Potts, Kayla Jackson and Lauren Hudson, were inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk live vocal performances. Jackson, a senior health science major from Chicago, said the concert was for students who want to put themselves out there.
“With Tiny Desk, it’s kind of low stakes, bring your people, sing your songs and vibe out. It doesn’t have to be on a huge Homecoming stage,” Jackson explained.
Me’Kayla Rothmiller, known professionally as Me’Kayla Chenai, is a senior television and film major from Miami. As a hip-hop and rap artist, she has performed on big stages like at Homecoming, but said on-campus performances are close to her heart, especially in a more intimate setting like the one Bison Desk created.
The closer of the concert was the band Eunoia, who mashed up their original song with hits including like “Your Number” by Ayo Jay. The band includes keyboardist Ebenezer and singers Aria Brooks, Aris Elise and Ytinu McDonald, who expressed their excitement for the opportunity to perform on campus.
“I love Tiny Desk. So I think getting to do this for our peers and for the people around us is going to be very fun,” Brooks said.
The other bandmates’ excitement for the concert showed in their nods and smiles.
Craig Dossman, or “Q tha Hero,” is a sophomore television and film production major from Long Beach, California. As a rapper and songwriter, he had applied and been accepted to perform, but his reaction to an incorrect posting of his name being referred to as “qpadawan” instead of “Q tha Hero” on promotional graphics led to the removal decision, according to Dossman.
“I sent the email and I sent the headshots. They said to send a preferred name, and I did not remember,” Dossman told The Hilltop.
Organizers had requested a headshot and preferred name. Dossman submitted the headshot but forgot to include his public artist name in the email, he explained.
After the UGSA artist lineup post was made, Dossman took to his personal social media to express his frustration.
In a statement to The Hilltop, the 53rd administration of the UGSA said that when they received the artist’s information without his artist name, they used the name associated with his email.
“Rather than speaking with us, the artist chose to take the matter to social media in a way that was disrespectful to the student chairs, staff and volunteers who make this programming possible. Our decision was based on that conduct, not on the concern itself,” the statement read.
“If UGSA feels like there’s not mutual respect, it’s not gonna be tolerated,” said Jackson, who was one of the chairs for the event.
Jackson added that while they were disappointed to lose an artist, she still considered the event a success, and Hudson agreed, saying they plan to do more in the future.
With music playing through the speakers, attendees listened, filmed and jammed along to the performances and DJ. Students like Amina Moore, a sophomore nursing major from what city, Delaware, were in the audience and enjoyed the vibe the music created. Others described the show as inspirational, magical and authentic.
“It’s nice to see how our students can get exposure within our community and how we can work together, push ourselves and make sure the world knows we’re talented,” said Moore.
Copy edited by Jori Johnson
