Benin Afrobeat group Orchestre Poly Rythmo’s late ’70s records reissued

Uplifting, West African funk fuelled by horns, keys, and percussion.

Benin group Orchestra Poly Rythmo’s music is collected in a new compilation by Acid Jazz, called Unité Africaine.

Read more: Benin label Albarika Store featured in new Acid Jazz reissue series

Continuing its reissue series focusing on the archive of Benin label Albarika Store, Unité Africaine features two recordings taken from their late 1970s releases: ‘Unité Africaine’ and ‘Mede Ma Gnin Messe’.

‘Unité Africaine’ was originally released in 1977 and features trumpet player Tidiani Kone, while ‘Mede Ma Gnin Messe’ was released in 1978, and incorporates funk influences.

It follows Acid Jazz’ reissue of Ipa-Boogie’s 1978 self-titled album and Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou’s Segla LP at the start of the series.

Order Unité Africaine here, and check out the tracklist below.

Tracklist:

2. Mede Ma Gnin Messe