Band from Cotonou in Benin (ex Dahomey), "T.P." stands for the French "Tout Puissant", which means "All Mighty".
Originally founded as Orchestre Poly-Disco in 1968 with original members Melome Clement (founder, vocals), Bentho Gustave (bass), Bernard 'Papillon' Zoundegnon (guitar) and others. Seeking to expand and in search of a soul singer, Bentho and Papillon lured Vincent Ahehehinnou from Daho Jazz, a band with little prospect of major success that often performed in seedy venues.
Due to changes in producers and financiers switched its name to Orchestre El Ritmo before finally establishing themselves as Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou after signing with Adissa Seidou, the owner of the Albarika Store label, in 1969.
After twelve years between successful records and triumphal tours, Vincent Ahehehinnou he left the group on May 28, 1978 after disagreements with Adissa Seidou. The latter wanted to put aside the late Melome Clement to establish his grip on Poly-Rythmo. Vincent, who had protested these maneuvers, had received death threats from Adissa, voodoo rites in support.
From the 1980s, the group lost its notoriety, but continued to play and band members have changed along the way.
Their output has been extremely prolific numbering upwards of 50 LPs and nearly three hundred 45s. As their name implies, the music relies on a blend of rhythmic persussive elements. It draws from the French heritage of Benin along with the influence of their anglophone neighbors like Nigeria and Ghana. These influences and rhythmic elements form the backdrop for varied styles they play, a mix ranging from afrobeat, highlife, jazz, soul, rhumba and latin music. Tracks are sung in either French or their native Fon tongue.
2025
Canopy Records
12", Single
2025
Canopy Records
12", Single
2022
Albarika Store
7", Single
2022
Canopy Records
12", RE
2022
Acid Jazz
LP, Comp
2021
2021
2020
2017
Sol Power Sound
12"
2016
2014
Goma Gringa Discos
LP, Comp, Ltd, Num
2014
Top Showbiz
9xCD, Ltd + DVD, Ltd
2013
The Djoon Experience
File, MP3, 320
2013
2011
Top Showbiz
Box, Comp, P/Mixed + 6xCD + 4xVCD
2011
Top Showbiz
9xCDr + DVDr, DVD-V
2011
Strut
CDr, Single, Promo
2011
Sons D'Ailleurs
CDr, EP, Promo
2011
Analog Africa, Analog Africa
CD, Album, Comp, Ltd, Promo, RE
2011
2009
Top Showbiz
10xCD, Comp
2009
2008
2007
I.A.C.P
CD, Album
2004
2003
Popular African Music
CD, Comp
1987
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1983
1981
Aux Ecoutes
LP, Album
1980
Ama Sun
LP, Album
1980
Voix Africaine, Voix Africaine
7", Single, Mono
1980
1979
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1979
1978
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1978
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1978
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1978
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1978
Albarika-Stor
7"
1978
1978
1978
1978
1977
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1977
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1977
Disques Tropiques
7", Mono
1977
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1977
Albarika Store
LP
1977
1976
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1976
Albarika Store
LP, Album
1976
Albarika Store
LP
1976
Albarika Store
7", Single
1976
Philips, Phonogram Ltd. Nigeria
7", Single, Mono
1976
1975
1975
1975
1974
Echos Sonores Du Dahomey
7", Mono
1974
Daho-Disco Ambiance
7"
1974
Daho-Disco Ambiance
7"
1974
1974
1974
1974
1973
Echos Sonores Du Dahomey
7"
1973
Discafric, Discafric
7"
1973
Daho-Disco Ambiance
7"
1973
Daho-Disco Ambiance
7"
1973
1973
1972
Albarika Store
7"
1972
Albarika Store
7"
1972
1972
1971
Europafric
7"
1971
1971
1968
Europafric
7"
Albarika Store
7"
Aux Ecoutes
7", Mono
Disc-Orient
LP, Album
Echos Sonores Du Benin (ESB)
LP, Album
Albarika Store
7"
Albarika Store
7"
Albarika Store
7"
Aux Ecoutes
7", Mono
Aux Ecoutes
7", Mono
Albarika Store
7", EP
Aux Ecoutes
7", Mono
Echos Sonores Du Benin (ESB), Grataidisc
LP, Album
Echos Sonores Du Benin (ESB), Grataidisc
LP
Production D. M.
LP, Album
Badmos
7"
Badmos
7"
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo