The Kings Of Benin

Here is one of my favorite cuts from the African funk group T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, titled "Aihe Ni Kpe We". This group hails from the West African nation of Benin and is considered by many as one of the greatest african funk groups of all-time. Formed in 1966, the group can also probably hold the title as the longest established African groups of all-time, as they continue to still perform and record to this day. With their extrordianry output of about 50 LP's and a hundred of seven-inch releases, this funky group's music hasn't been simplified to just one genre, with the group experimenting with funk, soul, latin jazz, disco, highlife, and afro-beat grooves. I was introduced to the group just a few years back, with the Soundway release of the albm The Kings Of Benin Urban Groove, which highlights some of the group's best material from the years of 1972 to 1980. The very funky "Aihe Ni Kpe We", is the record's opening track and has continued to be a personal favorite of mine ever since I first heard the song. T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo is not the kind of group that you can successfully sum up in one blog post. Look for more posts discussing this group in the upcoming future. Until then, sit back and enjoy this funky cut!

T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Aihe Ni Kpe We