T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - West African Beat: Rare 7s and EPs from Benin and Niger

For several years Acid Jazz has overseen the legacy of Benin’s Albarika Store, the label active from the late ’60s to the early ’80s that documented some of West Africa’s most vital recordings. At its centre stood T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, led by Mêlomé Clément, whose prolific output defined the label’s sound.

Blending regional folkloric and sacred rhythms with soukous, afrobeat, soul and funk, Poly-Rythmo forged a style both rooted and forward-facing. Many of these sides were recorded at EMI Studios in Lagos, their striking fidelity adding further depth to performances already rich in groove and invention. Original 7” singles and EPs have long been prized by collectors.

Compiled by Dean Rudland and David Hill, this 2LP set brings together the band’s Albarika 45 releases for the first time, focusing on their ‘70s recordings as their signature beat fully takes shape. Presented in a wide-spine sleeve, with printed inner bags featuring original label artwork and sleeve notes by Francis Gooding, it offers a concise snapshot of one of West Africa’s most enduring and influential groups.