Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou-"Se Ba Ho"

"Unstoppable dance music."—New York Times

The greatest band in Benin's history, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, is back. The legendary West African band was founded in 1968 and has included some of the most influential and virtuosic African musicians ever to play a note. Similar to the Rail Band of Mali and Afrika 70 of Nigeria, OPR was extremely popular throughout West Africa in the 1970s. With an exquisite groove, a homemade Afrobeat funk that combined vodoun (voodoo) rituals, Latin music and James Brown--influenced jams, they played with the likes of Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti and Gnonnas Pedro. And, despite its age, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou are still going strong! Its newest album is irresistible, featuring tracks with Angelique Kidjo and Franz Ferdinand's musicians.

Led by guitarist Samou Bagayoko, the son of Amadou & Mariam, SMOD juxtaposes rapping with three-part harmonies and melodic guitar riffs in songs that rail against corruption and poverty.

World Music/CRASHarts will be presenting Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou on Friday, July 20, at 9pm, at the Brighton Music Hall. Show is 18+. For tickets go to:

http://www.worldmusic.org/orchestre-p...