Congratulations
Thousands of entries. One winner.
We're excited to name Neffy as the winner of the 2021 Tiny Desk Contest.
Watch her Tiny Desk concert and her entry video.
Meet the winner
Neffy is a singer-songwriter from Arlington, Va., with a stunning, singular voice whose songs combine influences from folk, soul and R&B. Her entry video for “Wait Up,” which reflects on the healing power of nature, is a testament to her honest, emotional songwriting. Since teaching herself guitar as a teenager, Neffy has played hundreds of shows in New York and Washington, D.C., and says she considers live performances as the best part of her creative process.
Hear more about Neffy
NPR Music's Bob Boilen and Contest judge Linda Diaz announced the winner on Morning Edition.
Later that day, Neffy spoke with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly on All Things Considered.
what the judges said
"Neffy’s song stood out amongst the thousands of Tiny Desk Contest entries as a universal cry to break free of constraints and celebrate nature's beauty."
“Neffy has a voice that’s impossible to mistake for anyone else’s — it stopped me in my tracks. After hearing the opening lines of the song, I was hooked. We’re so proud to crown Neffy as our 2021 Tiny Desk Contest winner.”
“From the first line that Neffy sings, it's easy to get lost in her rich vocal timbre, the understated dignity that draws a profound sense of melancholy right to the surface of each note.”
"Neffy's entry pierced my heart and lifted me up immediately. She has an amazing, powerful voice and ‘Wait Up’ is a gorgeous song!”
“Neffy’s got a timeless and unique voice that commands attention by its very nature. I am so excited to be passing the Tiny Desk torch down to Neffy and I can’t wait to watch her flourish.”
“Neffy is phenomenal and has a really nice tone.”
“My favorite music is the kind that can stun me into silence in its most basic form. Neffy completely took this challenge in stride and I was hooked within two seconds.”
Watch The Entries
Here's where you can watch videos from the musicians who've entered the 2021 Tiny Desk Contest. Find your band's entry, or just have a look around at what everyone's been creating.