Born in the 70s in Benin, Patrick Ruffino is a bassist, singer-songwriter, arranger and multi- instrumentalist. He grew up in the funkiest capital of Africa, Cotonou. His multicultural background with a Beninese father, a Burkinabe mother but also a Ghanaian grandmother gave him access to all styles of African music from an early age. His great curiosity and thirst for learning also allowed him to discover jazz, funk, soul and Afro-Cuban music.

From the age of 10, he started singing and soon after grabbed the bass from the bassist of the choir and never let go. After more than 20 years of career spanning Africa, Europe and the USA and a very well received first album, he is back with Agoo, a vintage funk-rock sound, reminiscent of high-life masters and early Afro-beat. You can hear the force of sacred percussions along with bright funk gimmicks and the sharp riffs of seventies rock. Benin is also the cradle of voodoo rhythms and worship and we find this tradition in the themes of his songs. They honour elders, certain codes of conduct, respect and self-fulfilment.

Patrick Ruffino has invented an original, revolutionary and yet somehow familiar sound, full of multiple African and Western influences with it’s own strong, relevant style.