Two years ago I featured this great cassette of Toba Hanyé from Savalou. This post brings us back to Benin with another manifestation of the Toba rhythm. The Toba Zoto, or Toba System, was created by Dakossi Denis in 1976. He added two drums to the standard Toba ensemble and became one of Benin's most loved traditional singers.
Dakossi Denis was born in Abomey and died in Cotonou. He passed away on May 19, 2019, after a year-long illness. Like Assa Cica earlier this year, Dakossi Denis died in poverty, buried quietly without recognition of his contributions to Benin's cultural history.
This cassette was recorded in Cotonou by Oscar Kidjo, Angelique's older brother. He owned Studio Ziiny where he recorded hundreds of artists, including legends Sagbohan Danialou, Stan Tohon, and GG Vickey. Oscar Kidjo passed away in July 2018. I spent a few hours with him at Studio Ziiny in 2008. He played me dozens of his stunning recordings of traditional ensembles from throughout Benin. He was a talented sound engineer and long time promoter of Benin's traditional musics.
Oscar Kidjo
I wonder who is recording and promoting Benin's musical diversity today?
Enjoy!!
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