Ibeyi performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO — French Cuban duo Ibeyi sang in English, French, Spanish and the West African Yoruba language at their show at August Hall on Sunday, mesmerizing the standing-room-only crowd during the entirety of their over 90-minute set.

The performance, in support of 2022 album Spell 31, was nothing short of creative magic from start to finish by sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz. A screen projected images of lightning as the stage was bathed in red light. A recording of the sisters’ voices spoke an intro to newer song “Made of Gold” played.

“Ibeyis are the ultimate harmony between two people…” Ibeyi walked onto the stage singing, wearing matching black pants with colorful neon green and black pattern tops. Both had their hair flowing down their back as they swayed to the music. They were joined on stage by a keyboard player and drummer, who were set up in interesting box-like structures backlit in led. Gold sparkles shimmered down in a looping video.

They continued on with Spell 31 material, singing and dancing together center stage to “Rise Above,” with impeccable harmonies that blended seamlessly with the music. The synergy was palpable. They gazed into each others eyes, then closed their eyes while singing, with intense emotion evident on their faces. The sisters effortlessly connected with the crowd, dancing and singing as if it were second nature.

Ibeyi performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023.

“It feels so good to be back!” Lisa-Kaindé Diaz announced, of their third U.S. show in years, and the crowd roared in response. “This song is a song we recorded in London with a dear friend of ours, named Jorja Smith.”

The duo launched into “Lavender and Roses.” While blue swirls swam across the the video, Lisa-Kaindé sang and danced with flamenco and belly dancing techniques while Naomi played percussion and harmonized with her. “Exhibit Diaz” was next up, sung in a deconstructed, almost a capella manner. Naomi eventually grabbed her mic to join her sister while the two encouraged the audience to sing along to the chorus, repeating “Tomorrow is on the way.”

Lisa-Kaindé played keys and Naomi went back to her percussion station for “Away,” from 2017 album Ash. Other older material followed, starting with “Ghost.” The band continued on as she left her keyboard and approached the front of the stage. Her sister joined her for the outdo while the other keyboardist added a Latin jazz break, before suddenly breaking into a salsa dance with Naomi as the drummer continued with the Latin beat.

Ibeyi performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023.

Ibeyi began the next song with some synchronized choreography, their arms swinging over their heads and hips shaking to the beat. Then, Naomi took center stage to sing lead on “Away Away,” her beautifully raspy voice reminiscent of Björk’s famous tone.

Both sisters came forward to sing “Juice of Mandarins,” which, coincidentally, was the name of a signature cocktail for the evening.

“I know you have it in you. This is our sexy moment! You sexy motherfuckers!” Lisa-Kaindé declared. And after the crowd finished singing to her satisfaction: “Y’all passed the sexy test!”

The two then launched into an even sexier cover of Janet Jackson’s “Would You Mind.” joined by Naomi.

Naomi joined Lisa-Kaindé behind the keys as she started in on the first verse of “Waves,” stripped down to just their voices and the piano. They spent a lot of time on this slower version of the song, full of raw harmony that was bittersweet and melancholic. On “Mama Says” was up next, Naomi kept the beat with handclaps, snapping and thumping her chest while providing harmonies.

Other highlights of the 22-song set included “Deathless,” on which the crowd helped the sisters chant the chorus; “Sister 2 Sister,” with more matching choreography from the song’s video; and uber-emotional closer “River.” After a brief break, they returned for an encore of “Tears Are Our Medicine,” during which they sat on stools at center stage.

Ojerime performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023.

South London vocalist Ojerime kicked off the show, accompanied by her DJ. The petite singer had a late ’90s R&B vibe, reminiscent of Aaliyah. The similarities went beyond the physical to the sound and feel of her music.

Performing mostly tracks off of her latest LP, 2022’s Bad Influence, she started with “Often Enough.” Dancing and swaying to the music, not straying far from the mic stand. She said it was her first time in San Francisco before launching into “Alarming.”

“Can I get a lil’ bounce?” she asked the crowd before “Mantra.”

Some people sang along to “In The Know,” the hypnotic tracks flowing into each other while the DJ nodded along. Following “I Know Now,” from 2018’s 4U, Ojerime paced around the stage and gesticulated on “Nothing,” “Empty” from 2020’s B4 I Breakdown—on which she offered much more swagger—”All I Do,” “Local” and “Jetset.” The crowd seemed to especially love “Keep It Lo.” She started off commanding the crowd to “bounce, bounce,” before launching into the lyrics. She concluded her set with “Give It Up 2 Me.”

Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel and Instagram.com/coco_michel_coco. Follow photographer Italie Penaloza at Instagram.com/italiepnlza.