biography

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble is an eight-piece lead by Finnish guitarist Janne Halonen and Beninese singer-percussionist Noël Saïzonou. The inter-cultural musical project was initiated in 2012 when Halonen, drummer Juha Räisänen and bassist Sampo Riskilä travelled to sojourn at the Finnish-African Cultural Centre, Villa Karo, in Benin. The group recorded their debut, "Beaucoup de Piment!", in Cotonou and released it in Finland in May 2013. In the following summer they gigged actively at Finnish music festivals.

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