10 Unforgettable Tiny Desk Performances by Latin and Spanish Artists
Their performances have showcased the richness and diversity of Latin music
What started as a small, intimate concert series has become one of the most beloved music experiences today. Tiny Desk Concerts, created by NPR, bring artists into a stripped-down setting where live instruments and raw vocals take center stage. Even in 2020, when the series adapted to Tiny Desk (At Home), musicians continued to deliver incredible performances from their personal spaces, proving that great music doesn’t need a big stage to shine.
Latin artists, in particular, have made a huge impact on Tiny Desk. From reggaeton stars to indie musicians and traditional Latin sounds, their performances have showcased the richness and diversity of Latin music. Whether it’s an energetic set or an intimate acoustic moment, Latin and Spanish artists have turned Tiny Desk into a global stage.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best Tiny Desk performances from Latin and Spanish artists—which one is your favorite?
1. C. Tangana — +63 Million Views
Antón Álvarez Alfaro, better known as C. Tangana, was born in Madrid on July 16, 1990. Also called El Madrileño, he broke onto the global scene in 2017 with ‘Mala Mujer’. However, the song that truly launched him to international fame was ‘Tú Me Dejaste de Querer’ in 2021, part of his album El Madrileño. His signature blend of flamenco with trap, rap, and pop has made him stand out and won over fans around the world.
Beyond his own music, C. Tangana also co-wrote ‘Malamente,’ performed by his ex-partner Rosalía, a song that earned two Latin Grammy Awards in 2018. His Tiny Desk (Home) performance premiered on April 20, 2021, and has since racked up over 63 million views, making it one of the most popular in the series.
2. Nicki Nicole — +27 Million Views
Nicole Denise Cucco, better known as Nicki Nicole, was born on August 25, 2000, in Rosario, Argentina. She’s an Argentine singer and songwriter known for blending rhythm and blues, hip-hop, reggaeton, and urban pop. Her big break came in 2019 with ‘Wapo Traketero,’ a song that quickly went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube in no time.
On October 13, 2021, Tiny Desk honored Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Tiny Desk edition of its (At Home) concert series, featuring major Latin artists like J Balvin, Camila Cabello, and, of course, Nicki. Her performance became a huge hit, and to this day, it has over 27 million views, making her one of the most successful urban artists of her generation.
3. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso — +24.4 Million Views
Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso gained major recognition with their Tiny Desk concert, released on October 4, 2024, after going viral on social media. The performance has since racked up 24,451,139 views. In it, they played songs from their debut album, Baño María, along with other original tracks.
This duo from Buenos Aires, Argentina, made up of Catriel Guerreiro and Ulises Guerriero, blends experimental trap, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Their unique style and high-energy performances have set them apart in the urban music scene.
They started out with an experimental sound mixed with Latin trap, making them part of the first wave of Argentina’s urban music movement. Both have individually recorded a session with renowned Argentine producer Bizarrap and have collaborated with various artists from their generation.
4. Karol G — +7.5 Million Views
By 2025, Carolina Giraldo Navarro hardly needs an introduction. She has firmly made her mark on the international music scene. Born in Medellín, Colombia, on February 14, 1991, she’s known for her signature mix of reggaeton and urban pop, while also exploring other urban and Latin American styles.
Her Tiny Desk concert, released on May 15, 2023, was a special performance featuring an all-female team, reflecting the strong, feminine energy she always embraces. The setlist included ‘CAROLINA,’ ‘GUCCI LOS PAÑOS,’ ‘PERO TÚ,’ and ‘MERCURIO.’
5. Villano Antillano — +1.3 Million Views
Villano Antillano has become one of the most exciting voices in Latin trap and reggaeton today. She continues to prove that bold, socially conscious lyrics and pure, unfiltered energy can go hand in hand.
6. Ozuna — +15.5 Million Views
Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 13, 1992. Known for his distinctive high-pitched voice, he has made reggaeton his signature style. Ozuna is a key figure in the modern Latin pop movement, which is deeply influenced by the Caribbean sounds he grew up with—old-school reggaeton, Spanish reggae, dembow, and dancehall.
During the height of the pandemic, on October 16, 2020, Ozuna released his Tiny Desk (Home) concert. He opened with a lively performance of ‘Caramelo,’ and even his global hit ‘Taki Taki’ felt fresh, carried by his effortless flow and magnetic energy.
7. Becky G — +1.8 Million Views
Rebbeca Marie Gomez, known as Becky G, was born on March 2, 1997, in Inglewood, California. She’s a singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained attention in 2011 by posting covers of popular songs on YouTube. One of those videos caught the eye of producer Dr. Luke, who offered her a record deal and helped launch her career.
Becky G has experimented with different music styles, starting with pop hits like ‘Shower.’ In recent years, she has leaned more into her Latin heritage, exploring reggaeton and regional Mexican music, expanding her reach and fanbase. Her Tiny Desk performance premiered on October 13, 2023, and has since gathered nearly 2 million views, currently sitting at 1,837,257.
8. Trueno — +11.1 Million Views
9. Nathy Peluso — +3.2 Million Views
Natalia Peluso was born in Luján, Argentina, on January 12, 1995, but grew up in Spain. With a love for the performing arts from a young age, she spent her teenage years singing covers in local bars. Later, she moved to Barcelona to pursue a music career, starting out as an independent artist.
Known for her bold style and ability to mix genres, Nathy Peluso released her Tiny Desk concert on July 15, 2024, which has already surpassed 3 million views. In this performance, she blended urban sounds with salsa rhythms and even added some jazzy, upbeat touches, proving once again why she’s one of the most unique artists in the industry.
10. Maluma — +2.4 Million Views
Maluma, whose real name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias, was born in Medellín on January 28, 1994. He first made a name for himself in Colombia in 2011 with hits like ‘Farandulera,’ ‘Obsesión,’ and ‘La Temperatura.’ His debut album, Magia (2012), was a hit in Colombia, and just a year later, he earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Right before becoming a father for the first time, Maluma took the stage for his Tiny Desk concert, which sparked mixed reactions. His set featured some of his biggest songs, from global hits like ‘Hawái’ and ‘Felices los 4’ to his latest regional smash, ‘Según Quién,’ showing his evolution as an artist.
