LAURENT HOUNSAVI was born in the West African nation of Benin—homeland of the Yoruba, Dahomey (Fon) and Goun, among others, whose rhythms were transplanted during slavery to the European colonies such as Cuba, Haiti and Brazil. Hounsavi began his singing career in Cotonou, Benin at the age of 7. In 1989, at age 15, he was awarded the Red Cross Prize and earned the title “Best Young Talent” in his home country. In 1990 he arrived in Paris, performing in the Paris Underground and in bars and cafés while completing his studies. His first CD, a four-song self-produced EP, was released in 2000, launching his professional career. His performance that year at Benin's famous "Stade de l'Amitié” drew a crowd of nearly 50,000. Hounsavi's debut album, “Paris-Cubano,” has continued to receive critical acclaim since its release in 2004. With lyrics in several Beninese languages (Fon, Yoruba, Goun), as well as Spanish and French, his songs have been featured in international music festivals, radio programs and recordings, such as Putumayo's “World Party” compilation (2007). Since then his songs have been marketed in more than 100 countries throughout Europe, the US, Africa and Asia. Within only a few years, Laurent Hounsavi has become one of the most sought-after African Salsa vocalists around the world. He has also had the opportunity to work and share the stage with many world-renowned artists and legends of African, Afro-Cuban and Salsa music.