DAVIDSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — At Tennessee State University, a dorm room reimagined is giving students’ dreams to pursue music a leg up.
Inspired by NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series, junior David Nyenwe has pioneered his own viral version — “Tiny Dorm” — in the halls of TSU. The online sessions feature a live band performing cover songs and original music recorded in rooms across campus.
“I didn’t really know it would turn into this, but glory to God it did,” Nyenwe said.
Nyenwe said he has been performing in church since he was two years old, learning to play multiple instruments throughout his childhood. When the Memphis native got to college, he majored in finance — but knew his passion for performing would be a major part, too.
“I always felt that asking for the right equipment would be a burden, or an extra ask. So I decided to do it on my own, in my room,” he said. “I got my friends together, I got all the instruments and every season it just got better and better in terms of production or instrumentalists.”
The sessions expanded from having only a guitar, drummer and keys to adding horns and background singers. As the band grew, the recording sessions moved from Nyenwe’s dorm room to classrooms across campus.
In less than one year, the concerts garnered millions of views on social media, nods from major artists and writeups online. One of his most viral moments was a recent session featuring his original song, “All the Time,” which racked up more than 1.5 million views on Instagram.
Nyenwe, who performs under the artist name Dav!d, said he hopes it will lead to a full circle moment.
“I want to be on NPR’s Tiny Desk. I submitted my challenge for it a couple of weeks ago, and I think we will find out in May if I got it or not. So that’s the goal,” Nyenwe said.
Nashville native Elijah Ware plays keys for “Tiny Dorm.” He called the experience a blessing that has given him confidence as he works to become a gospel producer, artist and songwriter.
“It’s beautiful because everyone in the room is talented. Growing up, I was always looking for other talented friends I could jam with, but this has given me a community,” Ware said.
Morgan Craver, a background vocalist for “Tiny Dorm,” shared a similar sentiment. She said she hopes to use her psychology major to pursue a career in music therapy, and described singing in this latest season of the concert series as an “emotional release.”
“Music has become my outlet… I perform, I make my own music as well. It’s literally my therapy,” Craver said.
Craver met Nyenwe freshman year, and was included in the most recent season of “Tiny Dorm.” She said being able to play live with her friends brings her a lot of joy.
“Being able to explore Nashville, meet different musicians, network and do different things like that…it really broadens your mind about the things you can do with music,” Craver said.
Both Ware and Craver said they admire Nyenwe for his leadership, work ethic and dedication to building community. And the entire band agrees, TSU has paved the way for their big dreams.
“You can do anything that you put your mind to, really. It sounds cliché until you’ve been in those shoes, where you put your mind to something you didn’t think you could do,” Nyenwe said.
Find Nyenwe’s music and “Tiny Dorm” sessions on YouTube and Instagram (@_SincerelyDavid).
