Tiny Desk Celebrates BET’s Legacy | Starting with Floetry Concert

This Black Music Month, Tiny Desk celebrates the undeniable legacy of BET.

One of our partners and the network that put Black artistry first!

The sets reflect the essence of Black music.

One of our favorites, Floetry took a moment from its first tour in a decade to stop by the Tiny Desk.

A multi-generational month-long lineup that also includes GENA, Kareem Riggins and Liv.e, Ayra Star, Joe, The Paradox, Fred Hammond, Eve, 8 Ball & MJG, Shaboozey, and Bow Wow.

BET icons Donnie Simpson, Big Tigger, and Bow Wow joined NPR to announce the line-up across social media.

“Back in the music video age of the 1980s, when other networks refused to feature Black artists, Black Entertainment Television was born, quickly becoming a standard bearer for American culture,” said Bobby Carter, host and series producer for NPR’s Tiny Desk. “Tiny Desk, like many other platforms, stands on the shoulders of BET programs such as Video Soul, Rap City, and 106 & Park. To celebrate Black Music Month 2026 and the undeniable legacy of BET, Tiny Desk brings you 10 shows that reflect the essence of Black music.”

“For more than 40 years, BET has been the home where Black music and Black artistry are celebrated without compromise,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “From Video Soul to Rap City to 106 & Park, we built the stages that introduced the world to generations of talent. To see Tiny Desk honor that legacy during Black Music Month is a profound recognition of the culture we’ve championed since day one — and a reminder that the work of elevating Black music continues.”

Launching today with Floetry, the duo leads with “Big Ben,” a callback to their U.K. origins.

The classic “Butterflies,” co-written by Ambrosius and Andre Harris — and famously performed by Michael Jackson — is mesmerizing as Ambrosius‘ voice flutters.

Situated in the middle of the set are the sensual “Say Yes” and “Getting Late,” songs that steam up any environment, causing the pair to joke it might be too early in the day for them.

There’s a palpable joy and playfulness in the little moments between songs; that joy spills over to the audience, who excitedly sing along.

Floetry closes with its debut single, “Floetic,” taking the audience back to the 20-somethings who announced their arrival onto the R&B landscape.

SET LIST
“Big Ben”
“SupaStar”
“Butterflies”
“Say Yes”
“Getting Late”
“Floetic”

MUSICIANS
Marsha Ambrosius: vocals:
Natalie Stewart: vocals
E. Will: keys, music director
Steven Johnson: keys
Shago Elizondo: guitar
Mykal Curtis: bass
Nigel Lawrence: percussion
Darryl Staves Jr.: drums
DJ Aktive: DJ

Check Out Floetry’s Tiny Desk Concert!

In 2005, UB spoke to the amazingly talented duo Floetry, about the release of their sophomore album “Flo’Ology” and songwriting for other artists.

Marsha and Natalie speak on pressure to follow-up the success of “Floetic,” and album sells in general.

UB Anniversary ReVisit: Floetry Talks Songwriting + Weight Loss