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The story begins

Finnish guitarist Janne Halonen was obsessed: He couldn’t stop listening to Lionel Loueke, the guitarist in Herbie Hancock’s ensemble. He knew Loueke was from Benin, and had to know what made his music tick. 

Before he knew it, his fascination took him to Benin. The country is home to Villa Karo, a Finnish-African cultural center established twenty years ago to promote exchange between the two countries. 
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Latest

First time in France

On 3rd of November 2023 Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble plays in Paris, France for the first time.
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Helsinki Cotonou Ensemble plays 2 concerts together with World Music Choir Ruamjai

The shows will take place in Central Finland on 15th and 16th of October 2022.
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The first - ever Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble Music Video is out!

We released recently our first-ever official Music video for the new album's single cut "Min he Mon Egbe - The One Who Sees Today". The video was written, shot and directed by Cotonou- based visual artist / art curator Komy Thomas ( @komyagb ).
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Videos

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble Live @ Tavastia, Helsinki - Ethnogala 2020
"Min He Yôlô Me - For The One Who Invited Me"

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