French-Cuban Duo ‘Ibeyi’ Performs Tonight at Rio’s Circo Voador

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Tonight, duo Ibeyi will be starring at Circo Voador, in Lapa, at 9PM. Performing in Rio de Janeiro for the second time, the French-Cuban artists will present “Ash”, Ibeyi’s latest album, released in September 2017.

Composed of 23 year-old twins Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz, Ibeyi is internationally known for its unique blend of Afro-Caribbean music, jazz, pop and electronic beats.

Kaindé and Díaz’ official debut in the music scene happened in 2015, with the release of Ibeyi’s first and namesake album. “Ibeyi”, word for “twins” in the yoruba language, was written by the sisters between their 14 and 19 years old. Sung both in English and Yoruba, the album is a tribute to their father and older sister.

Daughters of Angá Diáz, Nigerian percussionist who was part of renowned Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club, the twins’ increasingly successful career includes a partnership with renowned English producer Mark Ronson (name behind Bruno Mars’ hit “Uptown funk” and Amy Winehouse’s album “Back to Black”) and a participation in Beyoncé’s videoclipe “Lemonade”.

Besides singing and composing, Lisa-Kaindé plays piano, while Naomi Díaz plays Peruvian and Cuban percussion, like the cajón and the batá drum. Names like Nina Simone, Meshell Ndegeocello and Brazilian artists Seu Jorge and Elis Regina are among Ibeyi’s main musical inspirations.

In September last year, Ibeyi took one step further with the daring album “Ash”. Honoring the yoruba culture through music genres like electro soul, hip hop and jazz, the duo’s last work stands out for its strong political approach and more dancing beats.

“The new album is the result of a two-year learning process of gigs. We wanted to produce music that people could dance and sing with, but we also wanted to keep the organic percussion, piano and voices,” say Díaz and Kaindé for media outlet O Globo.

Among Ash’s great highlights is “No man is big enough for my arms”, a true shout out against gender violence. In this song, the twins included a sample from former American first lady Michelle Obama’s response to President Donald Trump’s controversial statements on women. Strong tracks like “Deathless” and “Away Away” are also among the most expected at tonight’s show.

Opening Ibeyi’s performance will be Brazilian singer Tulipa Ruiz, who will present the songs from her last album “Tu”. After the main show, DJs from the Rebola party will run the floor with Afro-Brazilian rhythms and electronic music.

What: Ibeyi
When: Tonight, February 1st – 9PM
Where: Curco Voador – Rua dos Arcos, s/n – Lapa
Entrance: R$80 – R$200