As Ibeyi, French-Cuban twin sisters Lisa-Kainde Diaz and Naomi Diaz have made a huge impression over the past few years. Ibeyi is also the name of their debut album; the word means twins in Yoruba, the Nigerian language of their ancestors who were brought to Cuba as slaves by Spain in the 1700s.
Lisa and Naomi use English and Yoruba in their lyrics, while African and Cuban influences dominate in their music. Overall the sound is quite sparse -- sometimes quite delicate, on other songs there's an insistent driving percussive approach.
Although they now live in Paris they have spent time in Cuba. Their father, Anga Diaz, was a long-time percussionist for the famous Buena Vista Social Club.
Although only 20 years old, the Diaz twins show remarkable skill and passion on Ibeyi.
It's one of those albums that doesn't lend itself to nominating specific songs ahead of others. Take my word, it's worth the journey to a unique musical landscape.
