Afro Celt Sound System Presents “Ova” — A Tribute to Simon Emmerson's Life and Work
Afro Celt Sound System Presents “Ova” — A Fulfillment of the late Simon Emerson's Life & Work
Pioneering Gaelic/West African fusionists Afro Celt Sound System make their long-awaited label debut on Six Degrees Records with OVA, the Grammy-nominated group's eighth studio album and the final one with their late founder at the helm -- producer and lead guitarist Simon Emmerson, who lost his valiant battle with cancer last year. As such, this recording stands as both a tribute to, and the final legacy of, the visionary and innovative musician and Druidic nature lover who launched the European/African band in 1995. The new album from Six Degrees Records is to be released on October 4, 2024.
Already an established presence in London's music scene, Emmerson was in Senegal to produce a Baaba Maal album when he had an epiphany about the connectedness of Celtic and African sounds, imagining them entwined and combining elements both acoustic and electronic for a powerful, groundbreaking new music. Upon returning to England and participating in one of Peter Gabriel's "Recording Weeks" at Real World Studios, which gathered musicians from around the world, he assembled the first iteration of the shifting musical collective that has captivated audiences ever since with its exhilarating, beat-laden global dance music. The group's string of albums on Gabriel's Real World Records label have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and their acclaimed performances in North America, Europe and beyond enlisted thousands of new fans. In the U.S. alone, their successive tours took them from unforgettable gigs in intimate club venues to triumphant spectacles on numerous major festival stages across the country.
Image: Afro Celt Sound System
The album title OVA is the moniker of the band's logo symbol that's appeared on their album covers since their 1996 debut, Volume One: Sound Magic. It was designed by Simon Emmerson's friend from London punk-era days, the late British graphic designer Jamie Reid, most famous for his album designs for the Sex Pistols. The two shared family histories of Druidic beliefs and nature camps, and both were honorary bards in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Reid created the OVA symbol, overlaying O, V, and A to spell "egg," evoking creation and regeneration; to Emmerson, it perfectly expressed the sonic innovations he was envisioning with his band.
The album opens with a mystical, floating soundscape flecked with bird sounds that seems to rise from England's primeval mists and immerse you. The otherworldly opener gives way to the building momentum of powerful drums, delicate kora, subtle electronic washes, and multi-voiced chants, as the album unfolds with great subtlety and an enormous sense of space.
For OVA, original band members N'Faly Kouyate (vocals, kora, balafon, calabash) and Johnny Kalsi (dhol drum, tabla) are joined by Manchester-based Irish singer and flautist Rioghnach Connolly and a host of fine musicians, including Robbie Harris (bodhran), Ewen Henderson (violin) and Simon "Mass" Massey (programming, keyboards, electronica -- who also co-produced the album with Emmerson). On "AM," the second single from the album, the band's original Gaelic singer Iarla O Lionaird makes a rare return appearance, with composer John Metcalfe contributing choral arrangements. On "The Mantra" the group is joined by bassist/producer Richard Evans and drummer Ged Lynch, both from Peter Gabriel's touring band. Throughout, Simon Emmerson's presence is unmistakable -- in the performances, recorded at various studio locations including his own home, and in the over-arching spirit and passion of the music he loved so much. With every spellbinding layered atmosphere, every rousing anthemic song, every poignant, ethereal soundscape, his singular vision endures. Longtime collaborator N'Faly Kouyate eloquently describes working on what would be Emmerson's final project:
“The album OVA is, for me, the pinnacle of Simon’s artistic career. He invested every fibre of his being into this work, dedicating himself wholeheartedly and passionately until he completed it in his bed. I had the immense privilege of collaborating with him on this project, an experience marked by exceptional creativity and camaraderie. Mentioning OVA immediately takes me back to the bustling atmosphere of our tours. Before or after each sound check, Simon and I would spontaneously meet backstage. These stolen moments were fertile grounds for creation. We would let our inspiration flow freely, often sparked by a simple riff or an improvised melody. Simon, always ready to capture the moment, would take out his phone or recorder to preserve these snippets of ideas. After the tours, he would often call me to join him at his home to refine these pieces. Each work session was a total immersion in music. Sometimes we started at 10 in the morning and continued until 10 at night, driven by an inexhaustible creative energy. Simon didn’t just compose; he also took care of the recording and arrangements, demonstrating total mastery of every aspect of production. His home became a sanctuary of creativity where every note, every sound was meticulously sculpted. In this album, I found a platform to express my concerns about the ills of our society. I wrote about perilous journeys across the ocean, where so many lives are lost in the hope of finding a better future. I also highlighted the importance of preserving water, this vital resource, and respecting nature. In “Magical Love,” Rioghnach beautifully addressed a remarkable form of love, while Djekoria Fanta and I explored the strength of an unshakeable love, capable of overcoming all obstacles. I had a lot of fun playing multiple instruments -- kora, balafon, and calabash -- while lending my voice to the main parts and backing vocals. Each instrument, each sound added a layer of richness to the album, weaving a complex and emotive sonic tapestry. To give this album its authentic Afro Celt essence, we even went to Guinea, to the source, to have the griots sing, with their ancestral voices bringing an unparalleled depth and truth. OVA is much more than a mere collection of tracks; it is a living work, a testament to our artistic commitment and our fight for causes close to our hearts. It reflects a unique human and artistic adventure, a symbiosis of our inspirations and shared passion. This album embodies our common dream of merging our cultures through music, thus creating a bridge between worlds, carried by love, creativity, and a profound respect for our respective traditions. The making of OVA was an extraordinary journey, marked by moments of pure creative magic and deep introspection. Each track is the fruit of our camaraderie, our passionate discussions, and our desire to create something beautiful and meaningful. This album is our legacy, a testament to our friendship and our love for music.”
N'Faly Kouyate's reflections on the collaborative process behind "OVA" illuminate the profound artistic journey shared with Simon Emmerson, culminating in an album that transcends mere music to embody a heartfelt exploration of cultural fusion and social commentary. This final project stands as a testament to their dedication and creativity, merging African and Celtic influences into a rich sonic tapestry that addresses pressing societal issues while celebrating the beauty of love and resilience. As a legacy of their friendship and artistic vision, "OVA" not only honors Emmerson's contributions but also reinforces the enduring power of music to connect diverse cultures and inspire change.
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The Afro Celt Sound System's social media handles are as follows:
Facebook: @AfroCeltSoundSystem
Twitter: @ACSSOfficial
Instagram: @afrocelt_sound_system
These platforms will provide updates on their music, tours, and other activities related to the band.
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