2025 Golf Course Concert Series: Esaie Hounmenou

The Golf Course Concert Series is part of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS program. They are held in July and August. Shows begin at 6 p.m.

About Esaie Hounmenou:

Esaie Hounmenou is a guitarist and composer from Porto-Novo, Benin, whose music is a vibrant fusion of jazz and the traditional rhythms of his homeland. Growing up, Esaie discovered music as both a passion and a path toward expression. His journey began with the sounds of Beninese folk and traditional music, which shaped his deep sense of rhythm and connection to community. Over time, he became drawn to the freedom and complexity of jazz, leading him to explore ways of blending the two worlds.

Esaie studied music in Paris for five years, refining his technique and deepening his understanding of jazz, before continuing his artistic and academic journey at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  There, he has immersed himself in a global network of musicians, further expanding his sound and exploring new collaborations.

With every note, Esaie aims to tell a story—of home, resilience, and cultural pride. His playing is deeply expressive, often weaving intricate improvisations with the warm, earthy grooves of West Africa. Through his music, he seeks to honor his roots while pushing creative boundaries.

Currently based in Boston, Esaie is working on original compositions that celebrate the connection between African musical traditions and modern jazz. Whether performing solo or in ensemble, he brings an authentic and soulful energy to the stage—inviting listeners on a journey that is both deeply personal and universally human.