An energetic and captivating live music spectacle, innovatively combining folk traditions of different cultures to breathtaking effect.
Afro Celt Sound System are a European and African based collective who’ve been a ground-breaking force in music ever since they started.
They celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a stunning new album, The Source. Described by fRoots as “a colossus of an album”, it has taken their cross-cultural collaboration and acclaimed live performances to another level.
The exhilarating live show celebrates the African and Asian roots brought to the band by long-term members N’Faly Kouyaté (vocals, kora and balafon) and Johnny Kalsi (Dhol drummer), alongside founder member Simon Emmerson (producer, guitars, cittern) and new core member Griogair (vocals, piping, guitars) – winner of Gaelic Singer of the Year at the 2015 Scots Trad Music Awards.
The show will feature contributions from a host of outstanding musicians which together fully demonstrate the eclecticism of the band’s music.
Support From:
The Nightjar
With ethereal close-harmonies, tight-interlocking guitars, deep bass and an intense lead vocal, The Nightjar weave an atmospheric sound. A vibrant collective of multi-disciplinary artists, the band play “lo-fi post-folk songs for the end of time”. Their sound is dream-like and hauntingly beautiful.
Sound of the Sirens
There’s a certain transcendent magic that happens when two contrasting voices coalesce in perfect harmony, as with Sound of the Sirens. Their powerful acoustic pop, sensitive lyrics and blended voices dovetail beautifully. Whether playing an intimate gig or huge arena, the duo bring energy, warmth, humour and absolute conviction to the stage.
This event is part of Manchester Folk Festival – a celebration of English folk in all its forms, from indie to traditional, familiar names alongside exciting new voices. From 19-22 October in and around HOME, the whole festival takes place in one area of Manchester over one weekend. The Festival presents an incredible music line-up, as well as craft workshops, film, a proper pub singaround, artists in conversation and a relaxed Festival Hub where you can watch the world go by. Friendly, inclusive and full of opportunities for discovery, it will have the spirit of a festival in a field, in the heart of the city.
