Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble, a nine-piece band consisting of Finnish, Beninese and Tanzanian musicians has been chosen to play the offWOMEX showcase program.

WOMEX – the World Music Expo – is the most important meeting and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and a showcase festival. WOMEX will be held in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Spain) on October 24–28. Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble’s showcase will be on October 26.

The artistic choice was made by WOMEX's organization, choosing among the artists who applied to this year’s official showcase.

Finnish world music has been steadily visible at WOMEX for over a decade. Over the years, Womex has presented for example these bands and artists from Finland: Jouhiorkesteri, Lepistö&Lehti, Wimme, Frigg, Maria Kalaniemi &Vilda Rosor, Antti Paalanen, Johanna Juhola Reaktori, Alamaailman Vasarat, Värttinä, Tsuumi Sound System, Pekko Käppi, Ilkka Heinonen Trio, Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha, Okra Playground and Maija Kauhanen.

Read an article on Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble from FMQ Magazine.