Togo Allstars

Voodoo

About halfway between Accra in Ghana, where the highlife originated in the 1950s, and Lagos in Nigeria, where Fela Kuti started his afrobeat, is the capital of Togo: Lomé. Also not far is Cotonou, home of Orchester Polyrythmo. You get an idea of the musical influences of Togo All Stars, one of the most important bands from Lomé. Add to that a distinctive Togolese sound, infused with afrofunk and voodoo rhythms.

And that voodoo is serious business in Togo. You still have to say. Voodoo came to the Americas with the slave trade and had a far-reaching influence on contemporary music there. Every voodoo god has his own rhythms, beats and melodies that we now hear in jazz, salsa, tango, blues and funk. But if you want to hear the origins, you have to go to Togo.

Please note: the end time is an indication.