SUPER YAMBA
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Brooklyn’s Super Yamba brings its Afrobeat and psychedelic funk approach to Barbès, drawing on the 1970s and 80s West African sounds of artists including Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, Super Djata Band, Ebo Taylor and Fela Kuti. The group regularly collaborates with Afrobeat and juju guitarist and singer Leon Ligan-Majek, known as Kaleta, as well as Osei Korankye, Ismael Kouyate and Mamadou Mbengue.
Super Yamba is led by Benin-born singer and guitarist Kaleta, who has led the band since 2017. He previously toured with King Sunny Ade and Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80, and later joined Lauryn Hill; Afropop Worldwide praised his “James Brown grunts” as “some of the best in the business.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.