Dance, Sing, and Celebrate: Kaleta and the Super Yamba Band Light Up Portland
By Savanna Pettengill
Kaleta and the Super Yamba Band graced the stage at SPACE Gallery in Portland, Maine on Thursday, March 19th. Fronted by Nigerian-born Leon Ligan-Mijak, a.k.a. Kaleta, the Super Yamba Band's vibrant sound energized the packed room. The entire audience emanated hopeful dancing, laughter and smiles, which at the end of a long Maine winter, felt important.
The band played a two-and-a-half hour set, showcasing their iconic "classic Afro-Funk, Afrobeat and Psychedelic inspired dance music from Brooklyn, New York." The 7-piece act featured horns, sax, flute, two sets of drums, three shekere percussionists, two guitars, a bassist, and keys/synth, vocals and more, with almost all musicians multi-tasking their roles.
This was their fourth performance at Portland's legendary intimate arts and music venue, and there was a sense that the group was joyfully returning to a home away from home. The evening ended with a three-part encore, including a traditional parade off-stage to the merch table, where the band was encircled by delighted fans.
Kaleta and the Super Yamba Band return to their next stage on April 30th in Richmond, VA.
