The best party of the New Year’s Eve takes place in Savoy Theatre this year when the jazz/funk/afrobeat/ powerball Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble takes the stage. This success story began when a group of Finns went to Benin and joined forces with local virtuoso musicians. What followed was the Ethno Album of the Year in 2014 and a number of concerts around the world. The winning music of guitarist Janne Halonen and singer/percussionist Noël Saïzonou never fails to gain them new fans, wherever in the world the band goes.
In January 2012, three Finnish artists travelled to Benin, West Africa, to be initiated into the world of afrobeat and Voodoo rhythms, found a band and record an album. All this went according to the plan – and more: now, almost four years later, Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble, born on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea, has released two albums and performed around the world.
Their music, composed by guitarist Janne Halonen and vocalist-percussionist Noël Saïzonou, is a disarming combination of jazz, funk, afrobeat and traditional Voodoo rhythms.
The two albums by Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble have been lauded by both Finnish and international critics with the sophomore, Fire, Sweat & Pastis, being selected as the Ethno Album of the Year in Finland. Last summer saw the group tour extensively, winning over the crowds at, for instance, Pori Jazz in Finland, and Sziget Festival in Hungary.
This year has not quite been wrapped up either: the band will head to West Africa before the close of the year and get back to celebrate the New Year’s Eve at Helsinki’s Savoy Theatre.
Noël Saïzonou - vocals, percussion, sax
Janne Halonen - guitar, vocals
Sampo Riskilä - bass
Juha Räsänen - drums
Menard Mponda - percussion, vocals
Visa Oscar - keys
Mikko Pettinen - trumpet, vocals
Joakim Berghäll - sax, vocals
“If they won’t make you move, nothing will!” – Mari Koppinen, Helsingin Sanomat
“Their sophomore is pure gold.” – Linda Söderholm, Soundi
Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble
Thu 31 Dec 2015 at 19
Savoy Theatre
Production: Osuuskunta No Problem! Music & Savoy Theatre
Photo: Jyri Pitkänen