Born in Paris in 1995, Noé Benita grew up in an artistic environment as the son of a jazz double bassist and a painter. Introduced to percussion at an early age, he quickly developed a passion for the drums and studied at several Paris conservatories before continuing his education at the Haute École de Musique de Jazz de Lausanne (HEMU). His musical journey allowed him to explore a wide range of rhythmic approaches, shaping a playing style that is precise, organic, and highly versatile.
A deeply eclectic musician, Noé draws inspiration from the rock and pop of the 1960s and '70s, including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as hip-hop, soul, and gospel—an influence sparked by discovering D'Angelo's Voodoo. His musical world expanded further through the folk-inspired textures of Blake Mills and the experimental Los Angeles scene, where artists such as Sam Gendel, Jeff Parker, and Sam Wilkes blur the lines between jazz, ambient, and electronic music. His drumming is strongly influenced by groove-driven musicians with unmistakable sonic identities, including Jim Keltner, Questlove, Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, James Gadson, and Bernard Purdie.
Over the years, Noé has collaborated with a wide variety of artists, building extensive experience both on stage and in the studio. He was part of the creation of La Chica & El Duende Orchestra, an ambitious live project featuring Franco-Venezuelan artist La Chica and an eleven-piece ensemble. Blending acoustic percussion with electronic elements, he developed a hybrid setup designed to enrich the music's percussive textures and emotional depth.
He also toured Europe with Los Angeles-based Pearl & The Oysters, adapting his playing to the band's dreamy psychedelic pop, combining retro-futuristic sounds with influences ranging from bossa nova to vintage sci-fi soundtracks.
In 2024, Noé joined Canadian singer-songwriter and actor Aliocha Schneider on a tour of around fifty shows across France, including a performance at the legendary L'Olympia. During the same year, Schneider received three nominations at the Victoires de la Musique, including Best Live Performance.
He also performed with acclaimed French band Papooz before joining Malik Djoudi on tour. Across more than fifty shows, including appearances at major festivals such as Vieilles Charrues, Montreux Jazz Festival, Printemps de Bourges, Francofolies, and Beauregard, Noé brought his versatile playing to Djoudi's refined electro-pop sound.
In February 2025, Noé recorded the entire new album by Charlie Winston, best known for his hit Like a Hobo. The album was produced by renowned producer Mark Plati, whose credits include David Bowie, Prince, The Cure, and Robbie Williams. Following the album's release, Noé joined Winston's extensive 2025–2026 tour, performing over 100 shows.
At the beginning of 2025, he also released music with his own band, Fungi, an experimental project combining jazz, electronic music, and free improvisation, inspired by the boundary-pushing spirit of Los Angeles' contemporary creative scene.
Alongside his work as a touring and session drummer, Noé is deeply involved in composition and sound design. In 2024, he composed the soundtrack for a French Red Cross commercial using only drums and percussion, with the campaign broadcast in cinemas and on television throughout France.
Working from his home studio, he records drum sessions for artists around the world, always focusing on serving the music while bringing his own distinctive sound and musicality. His approach is rooted in organic recordings, expressive dynamics, and the natural interaction between musicians.
Noé proudly plays Istanbul Agop Cymbals, whose rich, complex, and musical character perfectly complements his pursuit of expressive sound and dynamic performance.