Groundbreaking African, Gaelic and Bhangra fusion band coming to Birmingham

Afro Celt Sound System is coming to Birmingham
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


African, Gaelic and Bhangra fusion band Afro Celt Sound System is coming to Birmingham as part of a UK tour. Since forming 25 years ago, the group revels in bringing together spirits and music from different cultures.

Having sadly lost their lead guitarist and producer Simon Emmerson to cancer, the band has released OVA, their eighth studio album as tribute to, and the final legacy of, the visionary and innovative musician and nature lover who launched the European/African band in 1995.

With album sales now topping more than one and a half million, two Grammy nominations to date and tours all around the world, the afro-celtic band will be performing at Birmingham Town Hall on Tuesday October 22.

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Audiences can expect 'powerful drums, delicate kora, subtle electronic washes, and multi-voiced chants' during the show when original band members N'faly Kouyate (vocals, kora, balafon, callabash) and Johnny Kalsi (dhol drum, tabla) will be joined by Manchester-based Irish singer and flautist Rioghnach Connolly and a host of musicians, including Robbie Harris (bodhran), Ewen Henderson (violin) and Simon "Mass" Massey (programming, keyboards, electronica). Find out more and book tickets via the Bands in Town website.

Afro Celt Sound System tour dates

The full list of dates are:

  • Milton Keynes The Stables - October 15

  • Cambridge The Junction - October 16

  • Gateshead The Glasshouse - October 17

  • Manchester Band On The Wa - October 18

  • Nantwich Words & Music Festival - October 19

  • October Edinburgh Summerhall - October 21

  • Birmingham Town Hall - October 22

  • Poole The Lighthouse - October 25

  • Canterbury Gulbenkian Arts Centre - October 26

  • Whitby Music Port Festival - October 27