The Bariba Sound

The most powerful band from Parakou is Orchestre Super Borgou, who were first introduced to the West via Analog Africa's defining release, African Scream Contest. The progressive-minded father of the band's founder, Moussa Mama, imported modern music -- which he learned while working as a goldsmith in Accra, Ghana -- to the region in the '50s. His return to Borgou and subsequent teachings spawned countless bands from villages across the department. Super Borgou developed their own musical identity by reinventing traditional songs and rhythms. With Benin's foremost drummer, Bori Borro, in their ranks, Bariba and Dendi linguistic folklore -- alongside melodies of an Islamic ilk -- fused with soul, pachanga, breakbeats, rumba and Afro-Beat, Orchestre Super Borgou de Parakou manufactured a sound of penetrating and unpolished directness. Armed with a keen sense of philosophical observation, multi-instrumentalist Moussa Mama and rhythm guitarist Menou Roch reported on the socio-economic ills of their time through their lyrics. Analog Africa's Orchestre Super Borgou anthology opens an entirely new chapter of lost and resurrected Afro sounds. Remastered to recreate the energy of their legendary live performances and accompanied by a stunning full-color booklet, the story of this remarkable ensemble and the traditions of the people of Northern Benin are set to be revealed and documented like never before.