In a stunning triumph that’s about to shake up the music scene, Ruby Ibarra has snagged the top prize in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, proving once again that the Bay Area is a powerhouse of cultural innovation.

Ibarra, an East Bay-born Filipina American rapper, spoken word artist, and singer, isn’t just winning contests – she’s crafting musical narratives that challenge historical erasure and celebrate resistance. Her winning track “Bakunawa” is a tri-lingual sonic masterpiece that weaves together English, Tagalog, and Bisaya, drawing inspiration from Filipino folklore about a dragon who swallows the moon.

A Musical Rebellion

More than just a song, “Bakunawa” is a powerful statement about cultural resilience. Inspired by the birth of her first child, Ibarra transforms an ancient myth into a modern battle cry against colonization and oppression. “My daughter is my revolution,” she declares, challenging generations of historical trauma with each powerful lyric.

Breaking Boundaries

With a genre-defying sound that blends spoken word, rap, and traditional musical elements, Ibarra is rewriting the rules. Her intergenerational band, featuring artists like Han Han and June Millington, amplifies her revolutionary message. NPR Music’s Felix Contreras nails it: “Ruby is blazing a trail with a sound that many more people need to hear”.

What’s Next

Following her Tiny Desk Contest win, Ibarra is set to perform at NPR Music’s offices and embark on a ten-city tour, including a stop at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. Get ready to witness a musical revolution, one mic drop at a time.