Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble – We Are Together (Bafe’s Factory, 2018)
Finnish group Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble is an international collaboration that features Finnish and Beninese musicians. On We Are Together, the band delivers a set of Afropop and Afro-rooted songs with elements of funk, jazz, rock and fusion.
Thefe are two standout tracks, the irresistible “Va” that features powerful African grooves, rhythm guitar, brass and harmony vocals; and the equally seductive Awhan Gbe Le, a delectable song with tantalizing rhythms, fusion keyboards and guitars, call and response vocals and Afrobeat brass.
The band lineup includes Noël Saïzonou on vocals, percussion; Janne Halonen on guitar, vocals; Sampo Riskilä on bass; Juha Räsänen on drums; Menard Mponda on percussion, vocals; Visa Oscar on keyboards; Joakim Berghäll on saxophones, vocals; and Mikko Pettinen on trumpet, vocals. Guests: Jeremy Ahouandjinou on trumpet. Aaron Ahouandjinou on trombone; Pauli Halon en on backing vocals; and the Triosis string quartet: iiris Pyrhönen-Koivula on violin; Klaara Pyrhönen on violin; Vilma Pyrhönen on violin; And Elina Susiluoto on cello.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
