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Tchinkoumé

From MuGlobe.com

Summary

Central Beninese song/percussion repertoire, including water/calabash practices, transformed in amplified popular music as Tchink System. [1] [2]

Contemporary and trending

Amplified Tchink System carries the repertoire into national popular performance. Stan Tohon’s account describes a deliberate transformation of funeral-associated music, rather than the disappearance of its community forms. [1]

History

The repertoire is rooted in Savalou and connected central Beninese communities. Its later popular adaptation is a distinct historical layer, documented in Tohon’s 1998 interview. [1]

Musical characteristics

Water/calabash and percussion practices support vocal material in community forms. Electrified popular arrangements translate those resources into a band setting; not every version uses the same instruments. [1] [2]

Geography and communities

Savalou/Collines and connected Mahi communities. National urban/public performance and migrant audiences through distinct modern arrangements. [1] [2]

Artists

Stan Tohon is central to Tchink System’s popular history. The source repertoire also belongs to local singers and percussionists whose social performance predates its commercial adaptation. [1]

Representative performances

MuGlobe listening profile
Repertoire Field use Notes
traditional regional Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.
MuGlobe representative performances
Artist Performance / song / title Embedded player URL Notes Repertoire kind Repertoire date Recording date Format Opening Places Fit Evidence Review note MuGlobe favorite Current hit Authentic
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble YALÈKPON ALOKPON en Animation Live ce 03 Janvier 2026 à Savalou https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrdVckySKgQ Actual Tchingoumin community performance at Ouesse Savalou, 3 January 2026, explicitly described by the performer’s own channel. Full musical programme counts once; not split into apparent multiple tracks. Yalekpon is the actual singer, not his father Anatole Alokpon. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-01-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[3] traditional unknown 2026-01-03 live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Actual Tchingoumin community performance at Ouesse Savalou, 3 January 2026, explicitly described by the performer’s own channel. Full musical programme counts once; not split into apparent multiple tracks. Yalekpon is the actual singer, not his father Anatole Alokpon. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Gbèzé & accompanying ensemble Artiste du Jour: Gbèzé dans "Awahètè" https://www.youtube.com/embed/OcvAuLcKyBM Awahètè, source BMAFRIQUE identifies the actual Mahi-region singer and this Tchingounme performance. Named regional vocal/percussion practice, not all Beninese pop.2017 publication is not original session date. Source: BMAFRIQUE TV. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2017-02-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[4] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Awahètè, source BMAFRIQUE identifies the actual Mahi-region singer and this Tchingounme performance. Named regional vocal/percussion practice, not all Beninese pop.2017 publication is not original session date. Source: BMAFRIQUE TV. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Gbèzé & accompanying ensemble Tchinkounmè de GBÈZÉ https://www.youtube.com/embed/PyC16quFjRc Publisher explicitly titles this Tchinkounme de Gbeze. Distinct programme from named Awahete source, no full album parent counted. Actual singer and ensemble, unknown individual instrumental credits and session date. Source: UHF PROD. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2021-06-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[5] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Publisher explicitly titles this Tchinkounme de Gbeze. Distinct programme from named Awahete source, no full album parent counted. Actual singer and ensemble, unknown individual instrumental credits and session date. Source: UHF PROD. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Gbétchéou & accompanying ensemble gbétchéou dans massa houhoué odoh gbègblé o https://www.youtube.com/embed/kGrfJcYqamQ Massa houhoue odoh gbegble o, actual named regional Tchinkoume practitioner’s performance. Retained older recording, not misdated as recent by contemporary interest. Source: Herve Ahoga. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2016-01-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[6] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Massa houhoue odoh gbegble o, actual named regional Tchinkoume practitioner’s performance. Retained older recording, not misdated as recent by contemporary interest. Source: Herve Ahoga. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Agbanzè & accompanying musicians VODOUN TV BENIN // REAL TCHINGOUMIN WE ARE IN KINTA IN AGBANGNIZOUN WITH THE ARTIST AGBANZE https://www.youtube.com/embed/KOHuAEoMzWQ Actual Tchingoumin performance at Kinta, Agbangnizoun, named by community broadcaster VODOUN TV Benin. Instrumentalists not individually identified; no invented credits. One coherent local performance programme. Source: VODOUN TV BÉNIN ..... Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2022-03-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[7] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Actual Tchingoumin performance at Kinta, Agbangnizoun, named by community broadcaster VODOUN TV Benin. Instrumentalists not individually identified; no invented credits. One coherent local performance programme. Source: VODOUN TV BÉNIN ..... Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Troupes Kinikini & Djlokoko Tchinkounmin par troupe Kinikini et djlokoko https://www.youtube.com/embed/-bUZv5sAHMs Short complete heritage-publisher performance explicitly identified as Tchinkounmin by the named troupes. Musical singing/percussion accompanying dance remains actual music, rather than rejected because movement is featured.2013 publication not asserted session. Source: patrimoine benin. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2013-03-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[8] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Short complete heritage-publisher performance explicitly identified as Tchinkounmin by the named troupes. Musical singing/percussion accompanying dance remains actual music, rather than rejected because movement is featured.2013 publication not asserted session. Source: patrimoine benin. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Kpossi & accompanying ensemble kpossi le Génie du Tchinkounmè https://www.youtube.com/embed/G0NH2kGdhbs Actual practitioner performance published as Kpossi le Genie du Tchinkounme. The channel’s broader Kpodjiguegue name is publisher identity, not a reason to relabel the specifically named musical form. Source: Les meilleurs Kpodjiguegues de l'Afrique (+229).. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2021-09-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[9] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Actual practitioner performance published as Kpossi le Genie du Tchinkounme. The channel’s broader Kpodjiguegue name is publisher identity, not a reason to relabel the specifically named musical form. Source: Les meilleurs Kpodjiguegues de l'Afrique (+229).. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Anatole Houndeffo (Alokpon) & accompanying ensemble Linɔ Ma Ɖô Ligbô Mɛ 🎼🎤 ALOKPON https://www.youtube.com/embed/WF9GBj2JRa0 Lino Ma Do Ligbo Me, source explicitly credits the historical Roi du Tchinkounme Anatole Houndeffo. Not confused with Yalekpon or Sehomi family successors.2020 publication is not asserted original session. Source: somaf1. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2020-06-22; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[10] traditional unknown unknown live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Lino Ma Do Ligbo Me, source explicitly credits the historical Roi du Tchinkounme Anatole Houndeffo. Not confused with Yalekpon or Sehomi family successors.2020 publication is not asserted original session. Source: somaf1. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon & The Tchink System Benin - Tohon Stan - Bamanou https://www.youtube.com/embed/-E1cTBe6_B0 Bamanou, specifically published as Tchink System. Amplified modern adaptation of central Beninese vocal/percussion practice, labelled as such rather than a traditional water-drum session. Original session unknown. Source: V. Thomas HOUNDEKON. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2011-07-30; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[11] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Bamanou, specifically published as Tchink System. Amplified modern adaptation of central Beninese vocal/percussion practice, labelled as such rather than a traditional water-drum session. Original session unknown. Source: V. Thomas HOUNDEKON. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon & The Tchink System Tohon Stanislas et le Tchink System - We Want To Know https://www.youtube.com/embed/9PqV_XQjPa4 We Want to Know from Zemidjan, publisher explicitly identifies this particular song as a Tchink System groover incorporating modern brass/synth/R&B/reggae elements. Not the full DJ mix linked in the description. Source: Sentinel Island Disco. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2022-03-30; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[12] popular unknown unknown audio unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source We Want to Know from Zemidjan, publisher explicitly identifies this particular song as a Tchink System groover incorporating modern brass/synth/R&B/reggae elements. Not the full DJ mix linked in the description. Source: Sentinel Island Disco. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon Stan Tohon Tonsimè https://www.youtube.com/embed/B7qPqEyToZ4 Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: Richard Laraignee. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2019-03-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[13] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: Richard Laraignee. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon Tofoé Vidéo Stan Tohon Benin https://www.youtube.com/embed/obK3YKtTcpk Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: vitaltubes. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2014-03-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[14] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: vitaltubes. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon tohon stan - zemidjan https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEFNPwbIzyE Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: JIMMY'S PRODUCTION. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2018-03-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[15] popular unknown unknown music-video unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Named actual Stan Tohon works Tonsime, Tofoe, Devaluation and Zemidjan in his documented amplified Tchink System project. Modern band arrangements rather than claims of unchanged funeral practice; older quality recordings retained, unknown sessions. Source: JIMMY'S PRODUCTION. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Stan Tohon & The Tchink System Tohon Stan – Koude https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GJKG544ghI Koude, record source explicitly identifies the Alafia Tchink System record CAP001. Historical band adaptation, uncertain original year retained as unknown. Source: VinylRips. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2022-01-07; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[16] popular unknown unknown audio unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Koude, record source explicitly identifies the Alafia Tchink System record CAP001. Historical band adaptation, uncertain original year retained as unknown. Source: VinylRips. Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans Oun djè houn min ni kintor https://www.youtube.com/embed/daYYOR6IEYo Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-10-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[17] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre Aklunon sin tor https://www.youtube.com/embed/okNYHGmT7GY Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-10-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[18] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre ADJANOU HLA https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_DdQEySECE Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-09-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[19] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre Noudéou https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7Le16R6p3Y Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-09-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[20] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre Minvo minvo https://www.youtube.com/embed/1B2rT8RoZ_U Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-09-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[21] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre Remerciement https://www.youtube.com/embed/O3k3dIwY72M Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-09-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[22] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble Yalèkpon ALOKPON dans le titre GBÈ DO ASSAMIN https://www.youtube.com/embed/LcY3s3HZRtA Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-09-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[23] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Seven individually named musical works from the current practitioner’s primary channel, published September–October 2026. Actual successor Yalekpon Alokpon in the specific Tchingoumin family practice; not assigning recordings of his father or other same-family singers. Unknown original sessions, distinct song titles, no full studio album parent selected. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false
Yalèkpon Alokpon & accompanying ensemble YALÈKPON ALOKPON en Animation Live à Dassa Zoumè pour le duo WADAGNI TALATA ce Jeudi 09 Avril 2026. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Az-WPq8YEQ Actual live musical programme in Dassa Zoume for Wadagni/Talata on9 April 2026. Political occasion identified honestly, names of honorees are not musical performers. Distinct event from January3 Ouesse programme, not the same session cut. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. Video publication: 2026-04-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 22 October 2026.[24] traditional unknown 2026-04-09 live unknown country:benin supported Recording/context source Actual live musical programme in Dassa Zoume for Wadagni/Talata on9 April 2026. Political occasion identified honestly, names of honorees are not musical performers. Distinct event from January3 Ouesse programme, not the same session cut. Source: YALÈKPON ALOKPON (Fils du Roi). Video publication is separate from original/session date; unknown dates retained. false false false

Related genres

Zinli is another Beninese repertoire with funerary and festive histories. Broader West African band idioms, including Highlife, provide comparison without making them synonyms. [2]

References and further reading

Hotspot mushrooms

Savalou/Collines and connected Mahi communities. National urban/public performance and migrant audiences through distinct modern arrangements. Fields distinguish the community heartland from specifically documented wider use; political borders and population totals do not determine intensity.

The fields express editorial judgments about relative musical affinity and reach, not measured audience shares. Radius is the zero edge of a linear fade; same-genre overlaps combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms
ID Location Latitude Longitude Radius (km) Strength Notes
tchinkoume-collines Savalou–Collines and Mahi social landscape 8 1.95 210 0.74 Local social/funerary roots and recognizable national popular transformation, not all Beninese tradition.
tchinkoume-southern-circulation Southern Beninese popular circulation 6.6 2.3 180 0.4 Local social/funerary roots and recognizable national popular transformation, not all Beninese tradition.