Mathurin D’Almeida

Country	Benin

Mathurin D’Almeida is a foundational Beninese percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader, most renowned for his long-standing membership in the legendary T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou. As one of the few surviving original members of the ensemble, he played a crucial role in anchoring the group’s rhythm section on congas and drums, helping to craft the signature "hypnotic" blend of traditional Vodun rhythms, Afrobeat, and funk that defined Beninese popular music in the 1970s. Beyond his work as a sideman, he led his own projects under the name Blucky D’Almeida, collaborating with both Poly-Rythmo and Orchestre Black Santiago to produce seminal "Benin Urban Groove" tracks like "Se Ba Ho" and "Sènamè." His career spans over five decades, bridging the golden era of vinyl production at the Albarika Store label with the global resurgence of West African rare grooves in the 21st century.