You’ll hear some Afrobeat influence, funk fragments, some hip hop, bits of rock and flecks of jazz and rock in their sound. But beneath all that, you’ll hear something that seldom makes it far from Benin International Musical’s West African country. This seven-piece collective came together in 2016 to elevate and bring more attention to the rhythms and stylings of Benin’s Vodun culture. Vastly removed from the pushpin doll caricature fed to North Americans, Vodun (or voodoo) is deeply spiritual and often celebratory, with group vocals and pulsing percussion at its backbone. These elements form the core of BIM’s performances, even if it also brings bass and shimmering electric guitar into the tradition.

These efforts to bring the music of Vodun and their country to the world are bearing fruit. Angelique Kidjo, a fellow Benin native, brought them to New York for a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. Rolling Stone France named them one of 25 bands that count this year. One listen, one bout of involuntary, exultant dancing, and you’ll understand why.

— Jason Markusoff