SUPER YAMBA
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Super Yamba plays a late set rooted in 1970s and 1980s West African Afrobeat and psychedelic funk, drawing inspiration from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, Super Djata Band, Ebo Taylor and Fela Kuti.
The Brooklyn band is known for original Afro-funk compositions and dance music. It collaborates regularly with Beninese singer and guitarist Kaleta, also known as Leon Ligan-Majek, who has performed with Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé. Bandcamp Daily called Kaleta’s partnership with Super Yamba “a winning union,” praising an “utterly irresistible polyrhythmic groove.”
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.