Rugby union in Benin poorest countries in the world. Like many African countries, the historical connection with France is a mixed blessing. For a number of years, Beninois rugby players would leave to play there, which deprived rugby in Benin of any real competition. The Benin national rugby union team has not competed since 2005, when they appeared in the north section of the CAR Castel Beer Trophy, after being defeated by Togo and Mali and drawing with Niger. Rugby union in Benin Rugby union in Benin is a minor but growing sport. The governing body is affiliated to the Confederation of African Rugby,
Music of Benin Music of Benin Benin has played an important role in the African music scene, producing one of the biggest stars to come out of the continent in Angélique Kidjo. Post-independence, the country was home to a vibrant and innovative music scene, where native folk music combined with Ghanaian highlife, French cabaret, American rock, funk and soul, and Congolese rumba. It also has a rich variety of ethnomusicological traditions. The national anthem of Benin, adopted upon independence in 1960, is "L'Aube Nouvelle" (The New Dawn) by Gilbert Jean Dagnon. The Gangbe brass band is an internationally prominent Beninese ensemble. The majority