In 1972, the
Kérékou government came to power and instituted
curfews and other measures that inhibited musical expression. Kérékou encouraged indigenous
folk music. Some musicians, like
Tohon Stan, adapted folk styles for mainstream audiences at home and abroad, including
tchinkoumé, a
funeral music played using
water percussion which was adapted into
tchink-system music. Sagbohan Danialou, a multi-instrumentalist from
Porto Novo, is another very influential musician who transformed traditional
Vodou religious rhythms such as kakagbo into popular music.
Ignacio Blazio Osho was perhaps the most influential musician of the post-independence period, alongside
Pedro Gnonnas y sus Panchos,
Les Volcans and
Picoby Band d'Abomey. Pedro produced the song Feso Jaiye, which became a hit and was performed by many bands at the
2nd All-Africa Games in 1973.
Nel Oliver debuted in France in 1976, borrowing elements from all over Africa and the United States to create "Afro-akpala-funk".
The “Tout Puissant” Orchestre Poly-Rythmo are still a household name in
Cotonou and one of Africa's most prolific groups with over 50 LPs, hundreds of 45s and CD re-issues of their work. They have toured both Europe and the United States; according to a concert review in the
New York Times, the band "belongs on the very short list of the world's greatest funk bands." Beninese guitarist
Lionel Loueke is one of the most important musicians in jazz, infusing African influences. Loueke currently lives in New York and is a member of
Herbie Hancock's band. Wilfrid Houwanou is a Beninese singer-songwriter who goes by the stage name “
ROBBI” (formerly Robbi Slo).
Zeynab Ouloukèmi Habib, born in
Abidjan in 1975, has given concerts around Africa and won a
Kora Award for Best Female West African Artist in 2005. She released her first album
Intori in 2001, a second album ''D'un endroit à l'autre
in 2004, and a third album Olukèmi'' in 2011.
Gangbé Brass Band, from
Cotonou continued the trajectory of transforming traditional
Vodou music, combining it with jazz and brass band traditions. Gangbe has released four albums: Gangbe (1998), Togbe (2001), Whendo (2004) and Assiko (2008), and tours extensively in Europe and North America. The last few decades of the 20th century saw numerous other developments, including the rise of
reggae brought from
Jamaica by
Yaya Yaovi. In Beninese
hip hop and
R'n'B, popular artists include
King Jerry Bee, Yvan, Nila, Secteur Trema,
Dibi Dobo, Pépé Oleka, Kuamy Mensah, Afafa,
Diamant Noir, Cotonou City Crew, Ardiess, H2O, Dhalai-k, Kaysee Montejàno, LKS-Clan, Kaizah, Esprit Neg, Nasty Nesta,
Mister Blaaz, Self Made Men, B-Syd, DAC, K-libr Volkaniq, Méthod X, Enod, Duce, Roccah, Jay Killah, Polo Orisha, Mutant, Adinon, Jupiter, 3K6, Kemtaan, 3 Game, CTN Heroes, Cyano-Gêne, ADN, 3e Monarchie, WP Baba Djèdjè, Orpair, Big C, Young J, Marshall Cyano, Wilf Enighma, Sam, Radama Z, Shinnin, E-ray, Cruiz AG, Sam Seed, Inox, BMG Yari, Fool' Faya, Mamba Noir, Beezy Baby, Eric le blanc, Assane Sas, Vision, All Baxx, Moona, Sakpata Boy, Trust Infinity Crew, Riacemau. Benin is also home to
zouk musicians such as Richard Flash, Martin Hode, and
Miss Espoir. Freres Olowumbe is a traditional gospel music. ==See also==