Afro Celt Sound System

A new album on a new label should be a joyous occasion, but for Afro Celt Sound System it’s more of a bittersweet experience.

The Grammy-nominated group’s eighth studio album is the final one with their late founder at the helm – producer and lead guitarist Simon Emmerson, who lost his battle with cancer last year.

As such, ‘Ovo’ acts as both a tribute to, and the final legacy of, the visionary and innovative musician who launched the European/African band in 1995 following a trip to Senegal to produce legendary musician Baaba Maal.

There, Emmerson had an “epiphany” about the connectedness of Celtic and African sounds and returning to England. On returning home he took part in one of Peter Gabriel’s ‘Recording Weeks’, working with musicians from around the globe, and which eventually led, in 1995, to his forming the band which would release a string of albums on Gabriel’s Real World label.

The new album’s title ‘Ova’ refers to the band’s logo symbol which has appeared on all of their albums. It was designed by 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.

For ‘Ova’, original band members N’faly Kouyate and Johnny Kalsi are joined by a host of musicians, but throughout Simon Emmerson’s presence endures; N’faly Kouyate describes working with what would be Emmerson’s final project.

“‘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,” Kouyate recalls.

“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.”

Afro Celt Sound System play the following October dates – full details at www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk

17th Gateshead The Glasshouse

18th Manchester Band On The Wa

19th Nantwich Words & Music Festival

21st Edinburgh Summerhall

22nd Birmingham Town Hall

25th Poole The Lighthouse

26th Canterbury Gulbenkian Arts Centre

27th Whitby Music Port Festival

This article originally appeared in the Edinburgh News.