Benin: funeral of the musician of the Poly-Rythmo Orchestra of Cotonou, Gustave Bentho

The Poly-rythmo de Cotonou, one of the first orchestras in Benin and very popular in West Africa, has lost one of its monuments, the guitarist and composer Gustave Bentho. Died on February 19, at the age of 74, he was buried on Saturday April 6 in Ouidah. Death claimed several members of the group. Gustave Bentho was one of its last survivors.

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Poly-Rythmo Orchestra in concert at the Embarcadère, Aubervilliers as part of the Cities of World Music festival, in December 2019 RFI/HIRD

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With our correspondent in Cotonou,

Jean-Luc Aplogan

He was the Orchestra's regular bassist for more than half a century. Bentho Gustave will have been part of all the adventures, successes, setbacks, rebirth. His bass guitar resonates in the myriad of albums produced by the orchestra, an orchestra which has accompanied, in Cotonou, stars like Myriam Makeba, Manu Dibango and Fela Kuti.

The deceased musician was not only a guitarist, he was the memory of the group and considered a great witness to the history of Beninese music. He also knew how to compose and sing. His title “So kê mi” – which means forgive me – was a great success.

“Collector” vinyls

Poly-rythmo is, in terms of success and reputation, the equivalent of Bembeya Jazz of Guinea or the Bantus of the capital in Congo. The orchestra reigned over the stages and nights of Cotonou, Dakar, Abidjan, Niamey, Ouagadougou, Lagos and Lomé. His vinyls are today “collectors”, sometimes remastered and very popular on the platforms.

At his funeral, artists of his generation but also young people, music lovers and officials came to say “goodbye” and “thank you” for his talent and for what he gave to his Poly-rythmo.

Also read: The Poly-Rythmo, an immortal orchestra

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