“River” is off Ibeyi’s debut self-titled album, released in February 2015 via XL Recordings.

Ibeyi (pronounced ee-bey-ee) is the Parisian musical duo of twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz, who meld element of Afro-Cuban roots music and electro doom soul. Their name comes from the Yoruban language and translates as “twins.” The two were born in Cuba, and sing in both English and Yoruban. Their father, the late conguero Miguel “Anga” Diaz (Buena Vista Social Club), passed away while the women were still in their teens. Their mother Maya insisted that the pair compose and perform.

The two were in their early teens when they began to perform together in and around their neighborhood, and then in Paris at large. In 2013, XL Recordings boss Richard Russell saw a YouTube video of the pair singing “Mama Says” and brought them to London. He signed the duo and began producing their debut (and helping out on synths). In 2014 two singles, “Oya” and “River,” were released and Ibeyi appeared on Later With Jools Holland on BBC 2 and issued a third video single for “Mama Says.” Their self-titled debut long-player was issued on XL in February of 2015.

Tour Dates

Mar 22 Le Carré Cesson Sévigné, France
Mar 23 LA CARENE Brest, France
Apr 08 CHAPITEAU Cully, Switzerland
Apr 09 Festival Chorus Fontenay Aux Roses, France
Apr 15 Coachella Indio, CA
Apr 18 Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, CA
Apr 20 Constellation Room Santa Ana, CA
Apr 22 Coachella Indio, CA
Apr 24 Vive Latino Iztacalco, Mexico
May 08 North Beach Bandshell Miami Beach, FL
May 21 The Palace of Culture and Science Varsovie, Poland
May 23 Casino de Paris Paris, France
May 30 Sasquatch Festival George, WA
Jun 04 Roots Picnic Festival Philadelphia, PA
Jun 08 Terminal West Atlanta, GA
Jun 09 The Orange Peel Asheville, NC
Jul 10 Les Ardentes Festival Liege, Bel
Jul 15 Gent Jazz Festival Ghent, Belgium
Jul 16 Festival Les Vieilles Charrues Carhaix, France
Jul 22 Blue Balls Festival Lucerne, Switzerland
Jul 29 Le Port Saint Nazaire, France
Jul 30 Le Port Saint Nazaire, France
Aug 05 Pendarvis Farm Happy Valley, OR