Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble Feat. Nasibo

Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble Feat. Nasibo

Combining traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk and soul, the Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble (HCE) has been a favorite of many rhythm music lovers for over a decade. HCE returned to the stage last fall with the release of their sixth album “Vive l’amour”. At April Jazz, HCE’s concert takes on a completely new tone when the charismatic Zimbabwean singer Nasibo joins them as guest soloist.

Nasibo Mutize is a Zimbabwean multidisciplinary contemporary musician renowned for her mastery of the Mbira. Through her signature performances, she seamlessly blends soulful vocals with the Mbira, captivating audiences with enchanting and soul-stirring experiences. Musically, Nasibo creatively infuses various vocal techniques including Shona yodeling, Ndebele styles, scatting, and influences from diverse African traditions. This fusion results in a unique sound that soothes and uplifts the listener's soul.

Nasibo, who is making a rising international career, is taking big steps towards European festival stages. She already has shared the stage with of African music giants, such as Youssou N'Dour and Habib Koité. During her visit to Finland, Nasibo will hold workshops and visit elementary schools in Espoo. The audience will be able to enjoy the music of this enchanting artist on the closing day of April Jazz, when Nasibo performs with Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble.

The story on Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble dates back to 2009. 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. Travelling to Cotonou, Benin’s most populous city, for the first time in 2009, Janne explains, “I was asking who is The Man? Who should I meet?” Everyone pointed to vocalist and percussionist Noël Saïzonou. “The first time we met we greeted each other like old friends,” remembers Janne. What followed was several years of songwriting sessions as Noël came multiple times to Finland. They learned about each other and crafted their sound. The two connected and the unexpectedly perfect Finn funk meets voodoo rhythms of Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble was born.

More than 15 years later Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble has released 6 albums, performed in 23 countrie. The band has toured major festivals in Canada, played at Afro and jazz festivals in Central Europe, and performed at Sziget in Budapest, Pohoda in Slovakia and world music events in Korea (ACC), Morocco (Visa for Music) and Spain (WOMEX).

Nasibo, vocals, mbira (ZW)
Janne Halonen, guitar, vocals
Noël Saïzonou, percussions, vocals (BJ)
Kasheshi Makena, percussions, vocals (TZ)
Mikko Pettinen, trumpet, vocals
Joakim Berghäll – sax, vocals
Visa Oscar, keys
Sampo Riskilä, bass
Juha Räsänen, drums

Tickets 31/26 € + order fee (from 1,50 € + 0,65% of the order), Lippu.fi.
Duration approx. 1 h 15 min, no intermission

Sello Hall will be transformed Into a club-like mode during April Jazz, as tables are set up in front of the stage and part of the stand is a serving area. The age limit for tickets sold in this section is 18 years. There is an ageless area in the upper rows of the hall, so even younger festival-goers are welcome to enjoy the April Jazz concert in Sello Hall.

Sello Hall
Soittoniekanaukio 1A, 02600 Espoo (Google Maps / HSL Journey Planner)