Stream Ibeyi's Self-Titled Debut Album

Hear Afro-Cuban twin sisters Ibeyi's debut full-length for XL Recordings in its entirety.

Stream Ibeyi's Self-Titled Debut Album


20-year-old twin sisters Naomi & Lisa-Kaindé Díaz are readying the release of their debut album as Ibeyi next week. Their self-titled LP, produced by XL label head Richard Russell, is heavily indebted to the Parisian-born twins' Afro-Cuban heritage (they're the daughters of famed Cuban percussionist Anga Díaz). The 13-track album expands on Ibeyi's blend of santería themes, cajón & batá percussion, downtempo hip-hop elements and electronic sounds. The sisters' songs also include elegies to their deceased family members ("Think Of You" is about their father, "Yanira" their late older sister) and run through a host of references to Yoruban orisha spirits ("Eleggua" and "Oya"). Stream the album in its entirety via NPR. For more, check out the the twins' previously featured videos for "Mama Says," "River," "Oya," and "Ghosts" and watch our episode of Okayafrica TV with Ibeyi below. Ibeyi is due February 17 on XL Recordings and is up for pre-order now on iTunes/Amazon UK/XL US Store.

>>>Stream Ibeyi's Self-Titled Debut Album (via NPR)

Ibeyi Tracklist

1. Eleggua (Intro)

2. Oya

3. Ghosts

4. River

5. Think Of You

6. Behind The Curtain

7. Stranger / Lover

8. Mama Says

9. Weatherman

10. Faithful

11. Yanira

12. Singles

13. Ibeyi (Outro)

Thandiwe Newton in a grey sleeveless dress, wearing red lipstick and crystal earrings, poses against a pink background
Arts + Culture

What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation

From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.

A man stands on a stage, wearing a denim jacket and pants while holding up a hand fan.
News

With “Sade,” Adekunle Gold Challenged The Nigerian Music Industry

As “Sade” turns 10, we take a look at how Adekunle Gold provided an alternative template to being a Nigerian superstar by making music with soul and commercial merits.