Antoine Dougbe et L'Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou (Analog Africa No.44) [feat. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou]

Analog Africa’s mission to reissue obscure musical gems continues with this compilation of works by Beninese songwriter Antoine Dougbé, performed by the masterful Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou. Dougbé styled himself as “the devil’s prime minister,” and his oeuvre is a fiendishly enthralling fusion of West African and Latin sounds, heavily influenced by rhythms associated with the Vodún religion to which he belonged. The collection features tracks from Dougbé’s smattering of releases from the late ’70s, arranged by bandleader Melome Clement. Effusive horns, sparkling keys, and kinetic cavacha drums spiral out across extended soundscapes, elevated by jubilatory vocals, which sound as fresh today as they did on arrival.