Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou

The rehabilitated West African funk force

The story of Orchestre Poly-Rythmo is another world music fairytale. Once upon a time (specifically the 1970s), this band from Benin enjoyed huge hits and great popularity across West Africa. Then came a cultural shutdown by Benin's Marxist government, along with the deaths of several band members. A couple of years back, Poly-Rythmo were rediscovered by a curious French journalist who set in motion their rehabilitation, including their debut European gig last autumn, 41 years after they formed. Ecstatic praise followed. It's certainly a heart-warming tale and proof that great music will out. And Orchestre Poly-Rythmo's music is great - a juggernaut of Afrofunk, highlife, voodoo, breathless percussion, horn riffs and psychedelic guitar whose path it's impossible to get out of the way of. And it's snagged the ears of those African music converts Franz Ferdinand who've been collaborating with them. All this attention is thoroughly deserved by these veteran musicians. This is their happily ever after.
(Biography by Nige Tassell 2010)