Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble : Vive l'amour LP

EAN 6418691219313

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble (Benin/Finland/Tanzania) released a new album "Vive l'amour"

on 1st of November 2024. Following the release, the Finnish-African powerhouse performed

shows in Finland, and a very successful showcase at "Visa For Music" festival in Rabat,

Morocco.

The album continues to build on the jazz- influenced Afro-soul sound from the band’s

previous self-titled record, while also returning to the group’s roots: the traditional rhythms of

Benin. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble blends traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk,

and soul.

Vive l'amour was recorded across four cities: Helsinki, Paris, Cotonou, and Budapest. The

album features guest appearances from Nigerian percussionist Jah Baba and the large string

section of the Budapest Art Orchestra, adding new layers to the band's vibrant sound.

The band has been active since 2012 and has performed in 23 countries.

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble:

Noël Saïzonou: lead vocals, percussion

Janne Halonen: guitars, background vocals

Visa Oscar: keyboards

Sampo Riskilä: bass

Juha Räsänen: drums

Kasheshi Makena: percussion, background vocals

Mikko Pettinen: trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals

Joakim Berghäll: saxophone, background vocals