Ibeyi

Ibeyi

20 year old twin sisters with incredible harmonies and rhythms; born and raised in Paris w/2 years in Cuba; ibeyi means “twins” in Yoruba; daughters of Buena Vista percussionist, Anga Diaz; Cuban, Nigerian, and French influences are rampant; very unusual recording with language and style switching threaded through many songs

Accompanying PR sheet claims FCC on Track 8


1- Eleggua (1:16) - intro where the two sisters sing a capella and in harmony in Yoruba

**2-Oya (3:53) – instrumental intro w/synths – English – compelling, slow; addresses Santeria deity

3-Ghosts (3:31) – rhythmic beginning; singing in English --”We ain't nuthin' without love”

*4- River (4:12) – starts with clap-beat, synths; vocal backup; “I will come to river, wash my soul again”

5-Think of You (3:41) –starts with drumbeats, Spanish and then Yoruba – choppy, mysterious, English lyrics too; percussion and chords

*6-Behind the Curtain (4:14) – starts quietly with piano; solo lament in English; then twins trade lines; slow, a little mysterious – then picks up tempo and changes language

7-Stranger/Lover (4:11) – starts with conventional rock beat, solo English lyrics; heavy keyboard; synth comes in

8-Mama Says (4:09) – piano chords, slow, solo, English; a daughter mourning her mother's dependence on a man; switches to Spanish; brochure says FCC

**9- Weatherman (4:03) – starts off with synth plus English lyrics, music beats like heavy wings interspersed with the lightness of twins' harmonies

*10-Faithful (3:28) – starts with English lyrics underpinned by bass, the piano; pretty synth sounds and harmonies

**11-Yanira (3:37) – starts with solo; echoing high keyboard notes; drum arpeggios; glorious harmonies; sounds like supplication to a deity – Santeria?

** 12- Yanira (3:59) – “Being alone is what I dread” – English; more wonderful harmony, catchy

13-Ibeyi (1:48) – Yoruba?-- sounds African linguistically and musically