NPR Music and globalFEST presented the 2021 edition of globalFEST as Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST, moving from the usual New York City nightclub setting to a virtual experience shared worldwide. Hosted by Angélique Kidjo, the event featured 16 artists in intimate settings, performing behind desks adorned with globes.

One of the standout performances was by Emel, a Tunisia-born singer who first appeared at globalFEST in 2015. Known for her song "Kelmti Horra," performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, Emel is recognized as a "21st-century catalyst for change." Her latest album, The Tunis Diaries, was created during the pandemic while quarantined in her childhood home in Tunis, using just a laptop, tape recorder, and a crowdsourced guitar.

Emel's background includes being a Turkish-Swiss singer, with her initial success coming from the single "Somebody Dance with Me" with DJ BoBo. Her performance at Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST showcased her unique musical style and powerful vocals, marking a memorable moment during the virtual festival. This shift to a digital platform allowed for a global audience to experience the diverse range of talent showcased at the event, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and international restrictions.