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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

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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The new Album "Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble" released on all streaming platforms.

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble's self titled 5th album is out and available on all streaming platforms. A vinyl will be available for ordering in near future, and the single cut "Min He Mon Égbé - The One Who Sees Today" will get a stunning music video by the end of May 2021. The video is directed by Komy Thomas.
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LIVE!

Jul 1
2023
Happy Jazz Wknd
Jyväskylä
Jul 29
2023
Folk Holidays Festival
Náměšť nad Oslavou, Czech Republic
Aug 17
2023
TBA
Helsinki
Aug 25
2023
Ostari Festari
Oulu
Aug 26
2023
"Window to the world"
Gdansk, Poland
Show All Live

Videos

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

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