Afro Record of The Day!

[u/Jolly_Issue2678]

Presentent L’ Orchestre Black Santiago – Ignace de Souza et l’Orchestre Black Santiago (Benin, Disques Tropiques, SAT 044, 1974)

Everybody who enjoys West African Music heard about Orchestre Black Santiago. They were one of the best band in Benin in 1960’s and 1970’s. Black Santiago released numerous songs and backed many artists in the 1970’s. You can find several tunes in streaming platforms because many labels have reissued their music (especially by Analog Africa. Check their compilations!)

Ignace de Souza, who led Black Santiago, was already a veteran musician when he released this album. He had already recorded and performed in Ghana in 1960’s with the bands, The Melody Aces and Black Santiagos. He not only played Highlife but also imported Congo music, which gained popularity at the time in Ghana. Also, He created Afrobeat with Fela Kuti! Black Santiagos is one of the earliest Afrobeat bands.

However, because of the Alien Act, Igance de Souza was expelled in 1970 and went back to Dahomey (now Benin). Then, he launched the new version of the Black Santiago. Many talented musicians joined Black Santiago. For example, Daniel Sagbohan, who is one of the greatest musicians in Benin, played for Black Santiago. In the 1970’s Band released a few singles on the Disques Tropiques label, and SAT 044 is a compilation of the singles.

The album features versatile rhythms. According to the label of the LP, it features Pachanga, Soukous, Rumba, Sega, Bolero, and Son Montuno. Afrobeat, Biguine. Maybe Black Santiago could play every rhythm that existed in West Africa at the time! You'll never be bored while listening to this record.

Many people already know ‘Dou Dagbe We’, composed by well-known artist Honore Avolonto. It is a crazy Afrobeat tune with a mad rhythm and blazing horn performance! But there is more in the album. For example, ‘Gbe We Do Bi Le’ is another rhythmic tune you should listen to, and ‘Nou Ma Do Mnsi We’ is a sweet Pachanga tune featuring a stunning trumpet solo! Please give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

[u/Comrade-SeeRed]

I’ve long loved the Black Santiagos but mostly appreciated them from the aforementioned compilations. I’ve got a snow day tomorrow and I know what I’ll be listening to! Thanks for this.

[u/Jolly_Issue2678 → u/Comrade-SeeRed]

Yes! If you like sweet melody and latin rhythm, you'll fell in love with it.