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Music of Benin and Nigeria: Afro National Band, The Nigerian Police Force Band, Black Santiago, More


Two neighboring countries in West Africa, Benin and Nigeria, have much in common. At the same time there are distinct traditions that set them apart. Of course, I’m talking about their music. Listen to the two “halves” of this program and you will see what I mean. Otherwise, Benin is best known for its history – referring to the local kingdom with its roots in the 10th century leading up to the British Punitive Expedition in 1897 wherein the entire royal treasury of bronze “art” works (“the Benin bronzes”) were looted. Nigeria, the most populous nation on the continent, has long been a country of contrasts: a thriving economy for the upper classes versus struggles for vast numbers of the poor and under-represented; major divisions have arisen between the Christian and Muslim populations; a land of plentiful resources where hunger is not uncommon (i.e. Biafra). But enough of all that. We’re here to sample the popular music of both countries with just a whiff of what’s available. After all, the program lasts only an hour. As I’ve often said, hopefully, listeners will be inspired to seek out more on their own. Any of the groups in the playlist would be a good starting point, though I must admit I am following a trend of selecting mostly music from the 1960-80 period. That always seems to be the case in my musical choices and I’m guessing that’s in spite of and due to a global fusion at that time from shared media and the popularization of Western musical gear and modalities. Continued below …

Al compás del mundo programa #168 Benin and Nigeria - Run List - First Broadcast 2-20-25

01 anonymous - Voodoo Sakpata (Benin)

02 Avolonto Honore et l'Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - Sètché Wêda (Benin)

03 Black Santiago - Paulina (Benin)

04 Gnonnas Pedro et ses Panchos - Okpo Videa Bassouo (Benin)

05 Sebastien Pynasco & L'Orchestre Black Santiago - Sadé (Benin)

06 Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - Mi Si Ba To (Benin)

07 Alhaji Haruna Ishola & His Apala Group - Pariboto Riboto (Nigeria)

08 The Nigerian Police Force Band - Asiko Mi Ni (Nigeria)

09 The Semi Colon - Nekwaha Semi Colon (Nigeria)

10 The Sahara All Stars of Jos - Feso Jaiye (Nigeria)

11 Afro National Band - Mr. Who You Be (Nigeria)

12 Sir Victor Uwaifo & his Melody Maestroes - Ekassa 28 Ebibi (Nigeria)

13 Tunji Oyelana - Panbolanbola (Nigeria)

Continued … Much of the indigenous traditions can still be found in these “modern” renditions. It is my opinion (learned, though hardly absolute), that much truly contemporary World music expresses less and less of the roots that preceded it and and more of the Western pop styles heard everywhere on the radio and internet. Albanian hiphop anyone? The 1970s saw the rise of heralded Benin bands like l'Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou and Black Santiago. While in Nigeria that epoch belonged to Sir Victor Uwaifo, The Sahara All Stars and, perhaps most importantly, the founder of Afro-funk, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Regrettably, Fela’s many recordings all last in the 8-20 minute range – too long for inclusion in this sort of program where variety is a major consideration. But then there’s an opportunity for you: if you are unfamiliar with his music, take a YouTube dive and see what you can hear. Great rewards await.-jh

Shown Below: Benin musician of the 16th century



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