Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble is an eight-piece band co-led by Finnish guitarist Janne Halonen and Beninese singer-percussionist Noël Saïzonou, with members from Finland, Benin and Tanzania. The project grew out of Halonen's 2009 residency at Villa Karo in Benin, where his fascination with Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke's playing drew him to study Vodou rhythm traditions at their source. The band weaves those West African rhythms together with jazz, funk and soul, singing in Saïzonou's native Goun language, and has toured across 23 countries on four continents since releasing their debut album in 2013. Their sixth studio album, 'Vive l'amour', came out in November 2024 on Rockadillo Records.
In 2025 the band began a collaboration with Zimbabwean singer Nasibo, performing together at the April Jazz Festival in Finland.
Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble is scheduled to perform at domicil in Dortmund, Germany on 27 June 2025.
The band's sixth studio album 'Vive l'amour' was released on 1 November 2024 on Rockadillo Records, accompanied by shows in Helsinki, Turku and Hämeenlinna and a showcase at Visa for Music in Rabat, Morocco.
The band played Stockholm in April 2025, touring with material from 'Vive l'amour'.
😴 Nothing scheduled with this artist in the near future.
95festivalThu 8.10.Timo Lassy - When the Saxophone Returns
94concertThu 19.11.Iiro Rantala - An Evening with Iiro
88concertFri 9.10.Timo Lassy - When the Saxophone Returns (concert + film screening)
86concertThu 29.10.Savoy & Helsinki Jazz ry: Eero Koivistoinen and Reiska Laine 80th Birthday Jubilee Concert
86concertThu 26.11.Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana
85concertWed 11.11.Verneri Pohjola & Tuomo Prättälä
83concertSat 31.10.Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana
83concertThu 19.11.Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana
82concertThu 12.11.Verneri Pohjola & Tuomo Prättälä
80concertMon 26.10.UMO Helsinki Ensemble - Jimmy Giuffre 3 - Lunch Concert
77concertSat 3.10.Sofra Trio & Lumira - Nomads Festival at Vuotalo
72concertThu 1.10.Pepe Willberg 80 - Anniversary Concert "I Got Everything from Life"