Talent clearly runs in the family of French-Cuban sisters Ibeyi. Their father was famed conguero Miguel “Angá” Díaz, who played as part of the Buena Vista Social Club, while their love of Yorùbá choirs was inspired by their mother.
Not that Lisa‑Kaindé and Naomi Diaz are simply following in the footsteps of others. This self-titled debut album, produced by XL’s Richard Russell, is an inventive collision of the old and the new – stark, electronic production nestles up against melodies inspired by slave chants to produce what Ibeyi themselves have dubbed “contemporary negro spirituals”.
The music can be deeply soulful and is unafraid to deal with difficult subjects – Yanira, for example, is dedicated to their sister who died in 2013.
Have a listen using the widget below and let us know your thoughts!
