Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou is a Beninese group active since 1965. It is known for a large recorded output and for a style that combines afro-funk, afrobeat, psychedelic music and soukous with Beninese rhythmic traditions.

Background

The group comes from Benin and is associated with the musical culture of Cotonou. Its recordings from 1970 to 1983 number around 500 songs, reflecting an especially productive period. The band’s music draws on the spiritual and cultural traditions of Benin, particularly Vodun, which has a strong influence on the country’s modern music.

Sound and influences

Two Vodun rhythms are central to the group’s music: Sato and Sakpata. Sato is a traditional rhythm used in annual rituals in memory of the dead and is also the name of a large ceremonial drum. Sakpata is linked to the divinity associated with protection from smallpox and is described in the group’s music through modernised forms. Their arrangements mix these rhythms with funk, soul, organ sounds and psychedelic guitar.

The group’s work is also described as part of a wider cultural bridge between Africa and the Americas, with Beninese rhythmic traditions influencing music in the Caribbean and the Americas, including blues, jazz, Cuban music and Brazilian music.

Recordings and repertoire

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou records with support from local Beninese labels, many of which have very small distribution runs. Several of its recordings have limited original pressings and were difficult to find outside Benin. Tracks mentioned in connection with the group include “Mi Ni Non Kpo”, “Houi Djein Na Da” and “Mawa Mon Nou Mio”.

Membership

The group has had a large and changing line-up over time. Named members include Mélomé Clément, Pedro Mawa Embroise, Allade Lucien, Amenoudji “Vicky” Joseph, Don Diego Gustave, Somassou Nestor, Akadiri Elias Moutalabi, François Houessou, Eskill Lohento, Vignon Martin, Johnny Achille, Zoundegnon Bernard “Papillon”, Bentho Gustave, Loko Pierre, Paul Agbemadon, Leopold Yehouessi, Bonaventure Amenoudji, Mado Martino, Mike Sharp, Theo Blaise Kounkou, Moussa “Franco” Mama, Nicolas Gomez, Tidiani Koné, Adjanohoun Maximus and Vincent Ahéhéhinnou.

Notable context

Samy Ben Redjeb is associated with collecting a large body of the group’s recordings during visits to Benin, helping document its early catalogue. The group is often treated as one of the important names in Beninese popular music because of the way it brings together local ritual rhythms and modern electric instrumentation.