Ruby Ibarra was proclaimed winner of NPR’s 11th annual Tiny Desk Contest. Chosen from nearly 7,500 entries by independent artists all over the United States, the Bay Area musician impressed the judges with her bold, emotional, and unforgettable performance of her original song “Bakunawa.”
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Ibarra wrote and recorded the track while pregnant with her first child, completing the submission during her third trimester. That deeply personal time inspired the song’s message—one of healing, identity, and transformation. She describes “Bakunawa” as a reflection on motherhood: “I wanted to step into motherhood: breaking the generational trauma, celebrating and accepting all parts of myself, and reclaiming my power, both old and new — all things that I want to pass onto my daughter through our private moments and through my music. This song, for me, is a statement that my daughter is my revolution and my hope that she will be liberated from the effects of our cultural history.”
The song draws from Philippine mythology, using the legend of the Bakunawa — a dragon believed to swallow the moon—as a symbol of resistance and cultural survival. For Ibarra, it’s a declaration of resilience and a tribute to her heritage.
Supporting her performance were band members Ouida, Han Han, June Millington, Anna Candari, Jojo Ramirez, and Camille Ramirez. Together, they delivered a powerful and moving rendition that resonated strongly with the contest’s panel of judges. Bobby Carter, Tiny Desk producer and host, praised the performance as “beautifully arranged, passionate, and completely authentic,” noting that it was the first featured submission and ultimately the one that rose to the top.
As this year’s winner, Ibarra will perform a special Tiny Desk concert at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., joining the ranks of artists like Usher, Bad Bunny, and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as past contest winners including Fantastic Negrito and The Philharmonik. She will also hit the road on the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour, bringing her music to audiences across the country.
With this win, Ruby Ibarra steps into a powerful new chapter—one fueled by purpose, cultural pride, and a voice that’s ready to be heard.
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