The musical duo GENA performed a Tiny Desk concert on June 4, 2026 [1], as part of NPR Music's Black Music Month celebration.
The performance is part of a broader initiative to honor the legacy of BET. By showcasing a diverse array of artists, the series highlights the evolution and influence of Black music across different eras.
GENA consists of drummer Karriem Riggins and singer Liv.e. The duo is described as bringing a "fresh and funky" sound to the studio, characterized by a rhythmic pocket that sits just left of center [2].
Bobby Carter of NPR Music said that something was missing from the Black Music Month lineup until Riggins and Liv.e entered the office with a buzzing energy. Carter said he and his colleagues knew they had found the fresh and unexpected sound they were seeking.
The performance is one piece of a multi-generational, month-long lineup curated by NPR Music and Tiny Desk [3]. Other artists featured in the celebration include Ayra Starr, Joe, The Paradox, Floetry, Fred Hammond, and Eve [3].
This specific series focuses on the intersection of contemporary sounds and historical legacies. The inclusion of GENA reflects a goal to balance established names with emerging, experimental collaborations within the Black music canon.
“GENA consists of drummer Karriem Riggins and singer Liv.e.”
The pairing of a seasoned drummer like Karriem Riggins with a contemporary vocalist like Liv.e underscores NPR's strategy to bridge generational gaps during Black Music Month. By linking these performances to the legacy of BET, the series contextualizes modern independent artistry within the framework of Black media history.
