Ruby Ibarra, an East Bay-born Filipina American rapper and spoken word artist, won NPR Music's 2025 Tiny Desk Contest with her powerful song "Bakunawa." The song integrates themes from Filipino folklore and expresses resistance against cultural erasure, drawing from Ibarra's personal experiences and heritage. Inspired by her first child's birth, the tri-lingual track showcases a blend of genres, with Ibarra's passionate delivery impressing judges among over 7,500 entries. Prominent figures noted her unique sound and impactful storytelling, underscoring the significance of her achievement and artistic expression.
This is a dream come true, said Ruby Ibarra upon hearing she had won the Tiny Desk Contest, delivering a message of hope and cultural resistance.
This song interprets the story as a metaphor for resistance and a battle cry against erasure. It reflects the rich history of Filipino people.
Ruby is blazing a trail with a sound that many more people need to hear, highlighting her unique musical style and cultural storytelling.
Ibarra was inspired to write the tri-lingual song after the birth of her first child, symbolizing her hopes for future generations.
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