In an inspiring twist on college life, David Nyenwe, a rising junior and musician at Tennessee State University, has turned his dorm room into a vibrant stage, captivating audiences with what he calls the ‘Tiny Dorm’ sessions. His Boyd Hall dorm is a space to showcase his original R&B music, inspired by NPR’s beloved Tiny Desk Concerts.
Originating from Memphis, Nyenwe has harnessed his passion for music since childhood. He grew up playing multiple instruments and singing in church. He adopted the stage name Dav!d and began staging performances within the confines of his dorm during his sophomore year. His idea has gained viral attention and admiration as he performs alongside fellow musically inclined students to join him.

“This journey has been a blessing,” Nyenwe told Tennessee State University Newsroom. “Adapting to any space … I’ve been doing that since I was young, and it feels good to know that it’s something I have the capability of doing.”
Nyenwe’s initiative gained traction, leading to millions of views on social media. His most viral moment featured a live band performance of his song “All The Time,” which has amassed over 1.5 million views on Instagram. With success came expansion—the ‘Tiny Dorm’ sessions eventually outgrew Nyenwe’s room and have moved into unoccupied classrooms to accommodate the burgeoning crew of musicians and fans.
The community support around Nyenwe and his creative endeavors plays a significant role in his journey. “The support that I get from them means so much to me,” he said, referring to his friends who provide vocals and instrumentation in the band. “From the production to the visuals, there’s so much talent at TSU.”
Shooting For Another Tiny Space
Nyenwe’s aspirations extend beyond social media fame. He dreams of performing on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert stage one day, hoping to bring his unique sound and experiences to an even wider audience.
As Nyenwe continues to navigate his college experience at TSU, he remains grounded by the connections he’s forged and the lessons learned along the way. “Coming to TSU has been a real-world experience,” he reflected. “That’s what the college experience is really about to me.”
With each note played, Nyenwe is building his career and highlighting the vibrant musical communities that thrive at HBCUs.
This story originally appeared on Tennessee State University Newsroom.