TP Orchestre Poly Rythmo The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80
From the Republic of Benin, West Africa, The Orchestre Poly-Rythmo are one of Africa’s least-known big-bands. Here we hope to redress the balance with a collection that reflects their many poly-rhythmic moods. A mixture of hard Afro-funk, driving Afro-beat, deep Afro-Latin and Cuban grooves, all with a unique flavour that ruled the dance-floors of 70’s urban Benin.
Most of these tracks have never before been heard outside of West Africa since originally being issued on small presses that long ago became extinct. Being such a small country, Benin has had little in the way of musical exposure over the years and many people don’t even know where it is, sandwiched alongside Togo between Ghana and Nigeria. The band were true to their name keeping a variety of diverse poly-rhythmic musical styles in their repertoire. This was facilitated by perhaps one of the most energetic and powerful kit-drummers in Yehoussi Leopold as well as master Guitarist Bernard Papillon. Poly-Rythmo are still playing today nearly 40 years after the formation of the band, and we hope to add yet another chapter to the immense story of the music of 70sWest Africa with this release.
CAT: SNDWCD004
BARCODE: 827565009220
Available from: Amazon UK
Tracklist:
- Aihe Ni Kpe we
- Les Djos
- Gendamou Na Wili We Gnannin
- Mi Si Ba To
- Avoun Doupou Me Douga
- Kokoriko
- Ne Te Faches Pas
- Kou Tche Kpo So O
- Gbeto Vivi
- Agnon Djidjo
- Medida
- Angelina II
