T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo The Kings Of Benin: Urban Groove 1972-1980
Unlike the continent’s rapidly depleting natural resources, there seems to be no end to Africa’s […]
Unlike the continent’s rapidly depleting natural resources, there seems to be no end to Africa’s stash of excellent, unheard funk recordings. Rare African funk compilations have been streaming west since Antibalas and MCA’s Fela reissues helped launch Afrobeat’s second wave, and the fruits often make the listener wonder why this stuff never got here the first time around. The Kings of Benin is one such release, consisting of the formative recordings of the still-active 16-piece T.P. Orchestre. While lengthy, hypnotic, Fela-esque tunes like “Ne Te Faches Pas” and “Aihe Ni Kpe We” are typical of this release, the psych-flavored “Hwe Towe Hun” should stand out as one of the best songs you’ve never heard.