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Ruby Ibarra Wins NPR’s 2025 Tiny Desk Contest with “Bakunawa”

May 31, 202522 views0

Bay Area-based Filipina-American rapper, spoken word artist, and activist Ruby Ibarra has emerged as the grand winner of NPR’s 2025 Tiny Desk Contest. Her compelling and culturally resonant performance of the track “Bakunawa” stood out among nearly 7,500 entries submitted across the United States.

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A Myth Reimagined

“Bakunawa,” named after the mythical serpent-dragon believed to devour the moon in Filipino folklore, is a trilingual performance delivered in English, Tagalog, and Bisaya. The song powerfully intertwines the themes of mythology, diaspora, and resilience. Through this metaphor, Ibarra reclaims identity and ancestry, offering a contemporary narrative of struggle and empowerment.

In an interview with NPR, Ibarra revealed that she wrote “Bakunawa” while pregnant with her first child. She described the song as a form of resistance and a battlecry against cultural erasure—an anthem meant to preserve and honor her heritage.

A Performance Anchored in Community

Ruby’s winning Tiny Desk entry was more than just a musical performance—it was a celebration of heritage and unity. Her all-Filipino ensemble included R&B artist Ouida, Han Han, rock legend June Millington, Anna Candari, Jojo Ramirez, and Camille Ramirez. The performance, filmed in a cozy space with family and friends present, radiated intimacy and authenticity.

Screencap from NPR Music YouTube

Judges Praise Her Authentic Voice

NPR’s panel of judges lauded Ibarra for her originality, emotional power, and genre-blending creativity. Bobby Carter of NPR remarked, “Ruby’s stunning submission, ‘Bakunawa,’ covers all the bases: beautifully arranged music, passion and, above all, authenticity. We’ve never seen or heard anything like Ruby Ibarra. She’s special and she’s ready.”

From Scientist to Storyteller

Prior to her full-time music career, Ruby Ibarra worked as a research scientist in the biotech industry, where she contributed to projects involving PCR and vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis. Ibarra has shared in interviews that the analytical mindset and precision she developed in the lab continue to influence her artistry today. She co-founded Bolo Music Group in 2023, a label dedicated to elevating Filipino-American voices through music and media.

What’s Next for Ruby Ibarra

As part of her win, Ibarra is scheduled to headline the “Tiny Desk Contest On The Road” tour, with 10 stops beginning June 11 in Los Angeles and concluding July 19 in Washington, D.C. Fans can also anticipate her forthcoming album, which will feature “Bakunawa” and other original tracks exploring cultural identity and resistance.