Ibeyi: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 7, 2018 | Felix Contreras -- The twin sisters in Ibeyi started their turn behind the Tiny Desk by singing an invocation of a West African Yoruba deity.
They come by their connection to the Afro-Cuban culture by way of their late father, Miguel "Anga" Diaz, an in-demand Cuban percussionist who was part of a vanguard musicians who reinvigorated Cuban music before he died prematurely at age 45 in 2006. The sisters, Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz, carry that calling in their DNA, and how they've manifested it into their own art is nothing short of amazing.
As you see in this video, the twins (Ibeyi means 'twins" in Yoruban) perform their music with the batá drums associated with Yoruban sacred music and their elaborate vocal arrangements channel the call-and-response of traditional African music. The melding of their voices when they harmonize can be breathtaking, but the same can be said about the messages behind their songs, themes that inspire both inward introspection and celebrations of life.
The sisters truly have a magic that transcends cultures and languages. I watched them lead a sold-out crowd at Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club through a Yoruban chant, and it was mind-blowing. Imagine that magical intensity in the small confines of NPR Music's offices and you get an idea of how transfixed we were.
And now you can experience that yourself. Enjoy.
SET LIST
"Oddudua"
"Deathless"
"Valé"
"Transmission/Michaelion"
MUSICIANS
Lisa-Kaindé Diaz, Naomi Díaz
CREDITS
Producers: Felix Contreras, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Alyse Young; Assistant Editor: Alyse Young; Production Assistants: Salvatore Maicki, Julien Bourdin; Photo: Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.

[@aghonelego2379]

(Yoruba) Ago lola a n bode o = give way we (Ibeyi) are coming out. I LOVE THIS. Olodumare bless all Cubans, brazilians, Haitians, Colombians and others. America & Africa are proud of you.

[@carolinamarin491]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@propogandalf]

I wish they went more into the meaning behind each song in this performance because they're so meaningful and great. "Deathless" was inspired by Lisa-Kainde's negative interaction with a police officer racially profiling her at a train station when she was a teenager. "Vale" is also a special song to them because their singing not just of their love for their niece who they are far from but of their sister's love for her. Their sister/niece's mother passed away when their niece was young and they want to remind her in times of loneliness that her love transcends time and distance.

[@frankakwetey2354]

They chanted the gods of Africa to come witness their performance Wow, mind blown! Their souls are untamed ❤

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

Mingus Mingus ...why not?

[@frankakwetey2354]

I understand that for a sour racist like yourself, this is the worst nightmare ( black excellence, Africa or anything that has to do with it) you ever have to deal with. Don't you worry, the gods get your intolerant illiteracy, or is it miseducation. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@adamtak3128]

Mingus Mingus is a failed troll =/

[@igodinoel]

The beauty was Divine!

[@jamisedenari2449]

That's beautiful. 😊

[@RafaelStLucia]

DEATHLESS is such a strong hymn for the current situation we are experiencing in the world right now with covid-19. hopefully everything will turn out alright, but whatever happened, whatever happens, we are deathless...

[@israeliana]

Right. I keep watching this video over and over

[@connorelfrink5998]

Saw Ibeyi play the first show on their tour for the new album. The scheduled outdoor show was rained out and last minute moved indoors to the cavernous Filmore Miami Beach Theater. Water dripped from the ceiling of the aged venue and some of crowd had clearly stayed home due to the weather (hurricane season!). Those who did attend received a real treat. The boom from the cajone and the harmony of the duel vocals echoed around the walls of the giant theater with a haunting charm. They had no trouble filling in the sonic space. The sisters were candid, charming and emotional when talking about the song for their niece (who I believe was in-house for some of the show). Hope you all have the chance to see them live!

[@mankindh4410]

I can definitely see the African root in their songs, Yoruba to be precise, with their name correctly written as Ìbejì..its good to see transcend beyond shores. .I enjoyed this.

[@christianharbin7979]

Their sound is seriously like none other!!! I'd love to hear them collab with Esperanza Spalding!!

[@danielrinobravo]

¿como ningun otro? escuche mas musica amigo mio. esto es comun en latinoamerica, sin restarle belleza ni merito

[@mciak1]

@ChristianHarbin - YESSS!! Esperanza Spalding is absolutely amazing and they are too - I agree. It would be soul and mind-blowing to hear them sing together! GREAT idea - thank you for making my day with your suggestion - I will hope and pray for that to happen now! Hehehee

[@electriclioness4607]

That Would be awesome

[@gabo.4355]

Love the Yoruba infused intro

[@gabo.4355]

I should not stumble on this before bedtime. It gives too much energy and pure joy. Eshe ibeji.

[@SeunIdowu]

Awọn ìbejì òrìsà! Truly amazing!

[@islandgal2583]

Gab O. So that’s what is was, nice 😊

[@jp21588]

ASÈ ASÈ ASÈ OOOOO

[@Feedurehed]

My wife says it's very rude to sit listening to music with my mouth wide open..........I make no apology! #jawdropping

[@klara7353]

Loving how real they are,no auto-tune on their voices,no dancers in background or fake choreography, sincere words,actual musical instruments...

[@nikkid2105]

Dear Tiny Desk, may I PPLLEEAASSEE get a job? I mean at this point, it could be an unpaid internship. I really need to be at a place where the likes of Ibeyi, Christian Scott, Noname, Tank and the Bangas, Tash Sultana, Red Baraat, Lianne LaHavas, Leon Bridges, Anderson. Paak, Fantastic Negrito, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and countless other phenomenal artists just stop by to grace the desk with their talents. No job? Ok, can I just get an invite to the desk one day please? Like seriously....

[@nprmusic]

You might be able to is you apply to our internship! recruiting.ultipro.com/NAT1011NATPR/JobBoard/af823b19-a43b-4cda-b6c2-c06508d84cf6/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=6a289806-8cea-4e74-9a63-2e8baa27b2f1

[@sambridges4670]

👏👏👏

[@hortensecoimbra7116]

You forgot Benjamin Clementine!

[@moleratical1232]

based on your preferences, you may like the suffers tiny desk too, check them out if you haven't already

[@jonohowan3049]

Thanks for the recommendation! I checked them out and love them!

[@jelimupa]

This two beautys are ancestral empresses's reincarnation. What a powerful sensorial trip! thanks so much for your marvelous music Ibeyi for life!

[@franciscocando777]

SET LIST "Oddudua" 00:00-01:33 "Deathless" 02:32-05:43 "Valé" 06:41-09:51 "Transmission/Michaelion" 10:37-16:32

[@LEvans-vg7sp]

That opening followed by "Deathless" took us to another level. 🌪️

[@yomommastupid]

their harmonies are really angelic to listen to...they both got that hasty crispy voice

[@familytreemusic]

twin daughters of the great late Miguel "Anga" Diaz, master tumbador from Cuba achè!

[@GhostfaceGZA]

These women just keep getting better. Their debut album was fantastic, the follow up was great, and their live performances improve every single time they perform. Can't wait to see what else they have in store

[@shoshanahubbard7648]

WE are DEATHLESS!!! My RISING jam! Love these ladies! Beautiful VOICES!!💞✌🏽😀

[@ecwest923]

Beautiful! The ancestors are smiling and so am I!🙌🏾😊

[@teaunasanders166]

I can't get over their harmony and individuality

[@lumicenturion397]

In the song Transmission, one of them quoted Frida Kahlo: "pies, pa que los quiero si tengo alas pa volar" (feet, why do I want them if I have wings to fly). I trembled inside. This is what makes me proud of being a Latina. Hermoso trabajo chicas!

[@TheYussef3]

I saw them performing and my great friend Sudan opened for them. I sadly missed my friends set and came just in time for theirs. I cried at the end of the show because I was filled with so much love and forgiveness. Thank you for making music that brings people together❤️💞 y’all are the real ones🙏🏽

[@antigua26]

Omg like Sudan Archives?!

[@boyev_music]

Wait, ^deadass is your friend Sudan Archives? Sounds incredible!

[@donnaleblanc-fowler2025]

I'm so calmed by their voices. My first song ever hearing was "River" from that I was hooked. Peace and blessings always, Ase.

[@Chris-cl9cz]

I was first introduced to their music at an Alvin Ailey dance concert. I was immediately hooked. They’re re also two of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.

[@PeterSIpeli]

I adore this duo, I love their energy, craft and style

[@nadiaoemar82]

This is my 1st time listening to Ibeyi and my God, I love these sisters!

[@filiblaster]

Such a wild ride. I love when a tiny desker takes us across their spectral and auditory plane. Did anyone else lose anything along the way?

[@Fadilanse]

Ah, shit I forget my heart

[@vegadeth]

the cajon style bata sounds so amazing here with that stereo spread! they sound so amazing of course. Go see them live. I'm lucky to have seen them twice.

[@poeticlover97]

I've seen their live in La Réunion few weeks ago. It was magical and pure 🔥🔥🔥. I want them back here. 🎉🎉🎉

[@Mindfookfilms]

This is incredible. It took me less than five minutes to become their fan. Ibeyi, I need to find more of you. Love from Mumbai

[@followingheartlines]

Straight up one of my favorite Tiny Desk concerts. WE ARE DEATHLESS!!!

[@Dollfacepod]

This makes me so proud to be Yoruba

[@amandinemaury25]

I love Valé, but they made me cry with Transmission... God that was incredibly pure and real.

[@wumiwumi72]

Does anyone here speak Yoruba? The invocation they sung at the start is just so beautiful and i would love to learn it. The words and also the meaning 💖 Though my father is Yoruba, I haven't had a chance to connect to my culture. But hearing this really enlivened something in me. I would really appreciate a transcription! 🙏

[@oluwatayoalabi]

Hi Wunmi, how is it going?

[@wumiwumi72]

@@oluwatayoalabi Hi Oluwatayo! Cool that you've seen my comment one year later! I still think about this invocation often. Are you able to help?

[@raymoten2421]

The last song really did something for me, they introduced the song as the heart of their album and when they were singing at the piano together, the way they were singing and vibing to the music together it looked like they were pulsing like a heart beat. It was really beautiful to me, I've seen twins before, but these two seem to be so connected to eachother in such a beautiful way ❤ I love it

[@cinamonblair1544]

Love the lullaby for your niece

[@temitopeoludipe6286]

Transformation of the Yoruba heritage to a high class package. They are both innovative.

[@youmakemenauseous]

the Yoruba heritage is already high class.

[@AurelioRodriguez1]

Seeing them live is out of this world! They did amazing with their Tiny Desk!

[@TonalliZeleste]

"Pies Para Que Los Quiero Si Tengo Alas Para Volar" ~ "Feet Why Would I Want Them When I Have WIngs To Fly" simplemente Hermoso!

[@timkruse9912]

Yassss they finally made it on the Tiny Desk!!! .. soo underrated and amazing voices

[@Wanderer25]

Blown away by the positive afro inspired energy. NPR please have Sona Jobarteh on the show. That would be amazing!

[@estheromotayo5007]

Love how diverse NPR is, if they get Asa from Nigeria I’ll literally drop

[@heatheryoung9254]

It’s like Bjork and Beyoncé. Beautiful. Perfect. Thank you. I can’t wait to see what comes next. .

[@in2blueoblivion]

Heather Young I literally was thinking that the girl in the blue sounds like Björk at certain moments

[@thesassynerd]

@@in2blueoblivion Her name is Lisa-Kaindé and she is really inspired by Bjork thats why ;)

[@LEvans-vg7sp]

Oh wow great comparison!

[@thinblacknoodles]

Bjork yes don't put that annoyingly over sexed Bey in their lovely presents

[@youmakemenauseous]

@@in2blueoblivion i had the exact same thought

[@joanaaniciaestevam4634]

2021 and I'm still here, love u both

[@beatriz.t]

I'm so glad to have found this! my twin and I have the same type of musical relationship, harmonizing together since childhood like in their first song 😊

[@chickadeefoot]

Beautiful, their music strikes straight to the spirit.

[@kimkeke1990]

Because it's voodoo song from yuruba people ...

[@carolinab4391]

I love everything about this performance!!! So humane, the beautiful musicality, vulnerability, humbleness, the process of getting over and embracing mistakes and nervousness. Realness all over the place. Bravo 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mariajomc191]

The way you play the piano together is just....beautiful...transmission

[@03lowlah]

I've always loved them and their two extremely different personalities.

[@analuciaromerosanchez7278]

Love you guys. You both have voices that come from within an African and Latin ancient womb.

[@yhani0158]

Lisa's voice is so soothing! And Naomi's is gorgeous! I love Ibeyi so much!

[@tommyboucaut762]

Vibrato at 3:19 was out of this world, goosebumps!

[@sergiomaassolea2765]

Yes! It caught me off guard.

[@yiranli2247]

Can't deny, it gave me eargasms.

[@Femmefatale32000]

Me too!!

[@manelkh3706]

It sounded seriously unreal

[@lumaeryn]

Seriously amazing

[@tun3tym3]

Stephen Colbert brought me here. Interesting group. Finally, something new & refreshing. 80's kid here from the roots of hip hop, MJ & Prince.

[@threlfish3125]

i was traveling UK for the last week. i think it was one of the best times i've ever had. Just being happy to be alive for 8 days straight. And now that i'm back at home, just from the airport, i discover this. Somehow this is the perfect ending for this trip. Thanks Ibeyi.

[@StarDustCrusaders12]

“Vale” is beautiful song 😍

[@Elle-D]

OMG I saw Ibeyi for the first time at BRIC summer concert series and I just love them! 😍😍😍

[@time2maked0hnutz54]

Their Energy is Transmitting through my Phone and its Quite Beautiful 💯🤍💎🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@travelswithauntieann2551]

These sisters are so special..........a God sent 😘 they’re energy is magnetic and what beautiful Harmonies 🌹🌹🌹

[@ventana100]

I’ve loved Ibeyi since the first time I heard them ❤️

[@spangled_soul]

Some serious fucking talent, I feel the same way hearing (the girl in blue in particular)'s voice. The way they are making me feel is the same way my favourite band makes me feel Haitus Kaiyotee when I first heard them!

[@Dillbobinz420]

Salma Lynch how frickin good are HK! 😍😍😍

[@thesassynerd]

The girl in blue is Lisa-Kainde she's the main singer and plays piano while her sister Naomi does the rhythm

[@gabrielelsokkary8599]

Salma Lynch I’m waiting for Haitus Kaiyotee to play on here

[@upgradeyourlife5791]

girl in blue: Lisa-Kainde Diaz her twin sister girl in red: Naomi Diaz

[@phillieb30]

Wow! When I search for music, I look for 'it'. Whatever 'it' is, these ladies have 'it'! This performance was oozing with talent, harmonies and rythym were amazing, the vocal tones and lyrics were absolutely transcendent. Although this was my first time hearing them, I'm now a huge fan! Time to dig deeper into everything they have recorded...

[@phillieb30]

I had to come back and listen again....the song Transmission has been echoing in my head. These ladies have such an energy that I can only describe as pure music. Thank you NPR for bringing in so much talent for everyone to enjoy!!

[@daturamartinaloconte8864]

I think this is one of the most beautiful live too kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfOZaRpbKarfas

[@hereb4youtube523]

Phillie_B_30 agreed

[@matutina1622]

Phillie_B_30 same feeling.. flying souls.. ✨

Las conocí por la colaboración con Residente y ha sido una maravilla hallar su música. Alta culturaaa sus sonidos 💜

[@LaOrquestadeJuguete]

x2

[@eddieredmond7674]

What a beautiful creation, built from sound and pure genius

[@lizlopezsmiles]

Does anyone get a Sade -like vibe coming off these ladies?! They are fantastic 💯

[@tania0070]

Absolutely nowhere near Sade.

[@thechandman11]

I clicked on this video with such fervor and excitement!!! IBEYI is PHENOMENAL

[@tawelwchgaming8957]

I love how the crowd started singing towards the end

[@tcanetti5446]

We need to have more artists like them, that sing with their soul 😀. Love it!

[@mrharvest]

I listen to this quite often, and every time it's goosebumps all the way through. Very, very cool sisters.

[@mikle65]

Wow. when i started the video i wasn't sure it is for me but something made me stay and i'm really glad i did, this is something special.

[@thatsfunny6]

This performance brought tears to my eyes and rippled emotion through my body. Thank you for sharing your art. ❤

[@ShEcCiD100]

The second song made me cry, they are amaizing!

[@Alice-dd1yr]

i’ve watched this a thousand times! naomi and lisa inspire me so so nuch!

[@sisterphyllis4753]

These young ladies are beautifully blessed with song and musically. To watch them play and change vocal tones at certain points sows their greatness. That song for their niece is beautiful. Allowing the audience to participate became a beautiful choir. TINY DESK you are fantastic!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@pita9265]

When you hear it feel's like they take you to another world . Peace calm and colorful :) love them !

[@briana14333]

Crazy amazing. I felt this in my SOUL. Thank you, beautiful sisters.

[@anisat323]

Just saw them live at Afropunk, absolutely amazing!!!

[@kelechin5804]

I saw them in concert and it was beautiful. i love Ibeyi.

[@seth1079]

This performance nurtures my soul more than I can articulate in words.

[@girlinterrupted2625]

I just fell in love! They just reached through my computer and touched me. That was deep.

[@9UaYXxB]

Enormous vocal creativity

[@lmca08]

Beautiful voices angelic harmony, beautiful sisters

[@tajmacameron1693]

My father introduced me to these magnificent talents when their debut album just came out and they just keep on getting better and better!!

[@ldsb9018]

You dont even have to look at eachother. I met you girls in Amsterdam, I was fangirling really hard, but you guys were so cool. So thanks for your music, and thanks for not thinking I was weird lol.

[@Kingsaxy]

Dope ass way to start a day. Thanks NPR & Ibeyi. 👌

[@hereb4youtube523]

Nate M agreed

[@blanu2]

Simply amazing. I hope this is the future of music.

[@edenmagalhaes3413]

Dois anos e ainda não consegui superar esse concerto! Amo muito!

[@elizabethhewey7623]

So happy they finally have a tiny desk concert!

[@ivorykhan159]

Great, love Tiny Desk because you bring things that otherwise would not be seen or heard for many. These sisters are tremendous artists. Thank you!

[@melissalaw1832]

i love them so much♡ what a wonderful valentines day gift.

[@Timoteo4]

I just read an interview with them in Conde Nast Traveler. They have an interesting background, and their father was a member of Buena Vista Social Club in Cuba.

[@baoagikeitshokile9696]

I love this girls. been waiting for their tiny desk performance. finally its here.

[@DrinkmoWater.]

Very unique. creative. Glad I could be open to watch it

[@Paulmazuk]

Someone shared this on Facebook. I knew I had to get home so I could listen properly.

[@virginianjeri]

They are a double blessing💞💞

[@siphoesihlempalweni7180]

they're so talented 🥺

[@s.venegas]

¡Precioso el concierto! ¡Y preciosa "Vale" con el cajón! "Pies, para que los quiero si tengo alas pa'volar"

[@zmeri5193]

C'est tellement beau ce qu'elles font! Chaque chanson , est magnifique ,les paroles la musique l'intention !❤ Je les adore ♡

[@senorxcoldhands9671]

Ça c’est vrai!! ❤️

[@deadsquirrel6378]

En effet elles ont leur univers qui semble assez vaste d'ailleurs. On manque tellement d'un tiny desk en France :(. Tres belle performance en tout cas!

[@celinelee2912]

my favorite singers on tiny desk concert !!!!! absolutely love them

[@nicholauskagile4450]

Love their energy

[@Gallanitte]

Wow! What a discovery... C'est magnifique, hip and inspiring.

[@mdiazrueda95]

every single song gave me chills and i think i just fell in love