News: Poole Lighthouse Announce An Evening with Afro Celt Sound System

on Friday 16th November

Afro Celt Sound System is a large boundary-smashing worldbeat collective of musicians from Europe and Africa who have been a ground-breaking force in music ever since they started. With over 20 years under their belt, a Grammy nomination and album sales of over half a million, itís true to say they are the forerunners of global fusion.

Their acclaimed live performances have won them a reputation as one the world’s most exciting live acts; rousing, energetic and captivating they combine folk traditions of different cultures to breath-taking effect.

In November, they head out on a major UK tour in celebration of their new recording, “Flight”, (released on 23rd November on ECC Records) which explores themes of migration – both human and avian – with a dazzling cast of stellar musicians from around the globe. The recording features three other large collectives to help shine a spotlight on migration, with a particular focus on refugees. These include the refugee Amani Choir, Stone Flowers (the band supported by Music Action International, a charity who helps transform lives affected by war, torture and armed conflict through music and song) and the Johannesburg based African Gospel Singers.

For the live shows, founder, Simon Emmerson is joined by long-term members’ vocalist, kora and balafon player N’Faly Kouyate and Dhol drummer Johnny Kalsi, and features contributions from a host of other outstanding musicians including Armagh-born vocalist and flautist Rioghnach Connolly and bodhr·n player and percussionist Robbie Harris. Members of the Amani Choir joins them in Manchester and London.

“Flight” is perhaps Afro Celt Sound System’s most overtly political project and draws from Connollyís work within the refugee community of Manchester and the north west of England. It also references the environment and is in part inspired by Emmerson and Mark Constantine, co-founders of ECC records shared a passion for bird-watching. Expect Afro Celt Sound System’s trademark driving afro-house, contemporary beats, bold, west African brass, exuberant electronic rhythms and bass lines alongside uplifting, devotional songs that plea for dignity, tolerance, and understanding in these troubled times.