Benin

T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou for many are a newly discovered treasure of 1970s African music. They play gritty guitar riff laden, warm horn infused, hypnotic Farfisa organ induced, heavy on the distorted bass African 70s tunes from the Republic of Benin that leads to frenetic body movements in all who listen.

T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou are a band from Benin, which plays Afrobeat, Funk, Soukous, & other styles, typically based on Vodun rhythms. The 'T.P.' stands for the French 'Tout Puissant', which means 'All Mighty'. The band was formed in 1966 & still records to this day, although many original band members have died (in 1982 both Bernard 'Papillon' Zoundegnon – guitar & Yehoussi Leopold – vocals, & most recently on December 17, 2012 Melome 'Boss' Clement – vocals & guitar, among others)  & new members have been added along the way. Their output has been extremely prolific, numbering upwards of 50 LPs & a hundred 45s. Between 1970 & 1983, the T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou recorded at least 500 songs. Although they had an exclusive contract with Albarika Store, the band recorded ' in secret' with a variety of small labels. The runs were negligible. Now in the 21st Century, Soundway & Analog Africa have worked at re-releasing & re-introducing Poly-Rhythmo to the modern listener.

As their name implies, the music relies on a blend of all mighty poly-rhythmic percussive elements. It draws from the French heritage of Benin along with the influence of their anglophone neighbors like Nigeria & Ghana. & it must be remembered that Dahomey, which is present day Benin, is the birthplace of vodun, so underlying all the poly-rhythms are the sounds of the voodoo rituals. These influences & rhythmic elements form the backdrop for varied styles they play, a mix ranging from: Afrobeat; soukous; highlife; jazz; soul; rhumba; & Latin music.

A partial list of band members: Melome Clement – vocals & guitar; Bernard 'Papillon' Zoundegnon – guitar & piano; Adjanohoun Maximus – guitar;  Lohento Eskill – vocals; Amenoudji Joseph Vicky – vocals; Agbemadon Paul Gabo – vocals; Kounkou Diak Theo – vocals; Yehouessi Leopold – drums; Sagbohan Danialou – vocals & drums; Vincent Ahehehinnou – vocals; Somassou Nestor – congas; Bentho Gustave – bass; Loko A. Pierre – vocals & saxophone; Koutouan Ossey Theodore – trumpet; Cakpo Cosme – trumpet; Tidiani Koné – saxophone & trumpet; Allade Lucien – vocals; Anago Cosme – vocals; Agbahoungba Philibert – guitar; D'Almeida Mathurin – drums & congas; Agonglo Bayo – drums;  Loko Moïse – piano; Hounnonkpe Léon  -piano; Guedou Thierry – brass; Ahouandjinou Martial – brass; Gnonlonfoun Samuel – brass; Alladé Vignéré – percussion; & Atohoun Sylvain - vocals), Francois Hoessou – bass & bass kalimba.

 T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou – Albarika Store ASB 228, 1975. 

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Side A –

Houzou Houzou Na Yi Noukou (part 1)

Side B –

Houzou Houzou Na Yi Noukou (part 2)

T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou – Albarika Store ALS 030, 1976. 

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Side A –

Houzou Houzou Na Yi Noukon

Bonne Annee

Side B –

Ehouzou Dandan

Ma Won Ye O

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Now two more releases, the first featuring the backing of T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou with one of the Ivory Coast most notable vocalists.

Amédée Pierre was born on March 30, 1937 at Tabou, Kroo , southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. He died on 30 October 2011 at Treichville. His given name is Nahounou Digbeu Amédée. He was christened Pierre at his Catholic baptism. Amédée Pierre is Singer Nahounou. He sings in his native Bété language. Here he is backed by T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Contonou Benin.

These are a couple heavy soukous tracks along with a hybrid Afro-pop tune.

The performers are: Singer Nahounou – vocals; Zoundegnon 'Papillon' Bernard – lead guitar; Adjadohoun Maximus – rhythm guitar; Bentho Gustave – bass; & Yehoussi Leopold – drums, with Agbemadon Paul Gabo, Amenoudji Joseph Vicky, Lohento Eskill, & Melome Clement – backing vocals.

 Singer Nahounou et du T.P.Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Benin -

Albarika Stores ALS 060, late 70s.

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Side A -
Aventure De Nahounou

Gbabouo

Side B -
Gniabeye

The second one here, while we are being all incestuous, is Singer Nahounou again with another excellent band from Benin, the renowned l’Orchestre Black Santiago.

Singer Nahounou et l’Orchestre Black Santiago - Albarika Store ALS 095, 1980.

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Side A –

Bayi Tagro

Zoaka Nigi

Side B –

Gbayranzabou

Digbeu Labato

Get up offa that thing & enjoy da homeys,

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