Photo: Jeff Min

Coinciding with a crisp fall equinox, French-Cuban twin sisters Ibeyi made an appearance at Thalia Hall in Chicago on Wednesday (September 23) to celebrate their heavily lauded self-titled album, the autumnal mystique a perfect compliment to their un-pinnable fusion of everything from songbird jazz to bare, elemental Afrobeat.

Likely having this conversation before, they started with a brief introduction to their name, which in Yoruban culture means “twins,” and an acapella exchange. There was a ritualistic tone to it as if they were harmonizing their spirits, a regal air simultaneously entered the atmosphere.

Ibeyi opened with “Ghosts,” a track that showcases their studio allure, but in this atmosphere, really tested their voices, proving themselves double-threats. The raucous bass rumbled from Naomi’s constant assault on percussion which was complimented by Lisa-Kainde’s gentle touch on the keys. Together their vocals fused into a single spiritual braid, very much like the track’s otherworldly title: [LISTEN]

Ghosts

Further owning their stage prowess, the sisters were at ease, bantering with the crowd and engaging them in multiple call and responses. The packed venue was at their mercy like queens and their loyal subjects. But their was no ego involved, the humble attitude bleeding into every song. Gentle touches underlined by pure emotion.

At regular intervals Ibeyi mentioned loved ones that they had lost — the album is dedicated to their father and older sister who are both deceased, and this was their opportunity to honor them, an empathy that never let up within the crowd, most people in ear-to-ear smiles.

Mama Says” was like thunder crackling across the sky, Naomi playing patty-cake with the lightening and Lisa-Kainde directing the rain; gentle moments followed by explosive bouts of raw emotion. Equal parts SadeBjork and Celia Cruz: [LISTEN]

Mama Says

The highlight of the show came when they performed “Think of You,” an homage to their father percussionist Anga Diaz. It was minimal, but the uptempo nature told a story that went beyond sorrow. They wanted to project joy and happiness, and a life well lived. Such is a place where Ibeyi succeeds — they can take something as painful as death and with their gentle touch transform it into a celebration of life.

Though these sisters appear to have an equally sharp sense of comic relief, the same, finishing the evening teen viral pop hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” Go figure: [LISTEN]

watch me whip nae nae