Afro Celt Sound System

The Afro Celt Sound System was formed in 1995 as a collaborative effort between traditional African and Celtic musicians and several respected figures from the UK music scene. The bonding of producer Simon Emmerson, co-producer and multi-instrumentalist James McNally, co-producer, engineer and programmer Martin Russell, and vocalist and lyricist Iarla Ó Lionáird turned the Afro Celts from a project into a band.

Since 2016, the band has been led by Simon Emmerson, currently joined by core members Johnny Kalsi and N'Faly Kouyate.

Over the years they have formed an ever-changing collaborative. Former members/participants include Davy Spillane, Demba Barry, Eileen Ivers, Emer Mayock, Griogair Labhruidh, Iain MacLeod (2), Iarla Ó Lionáird, James McNally, Jo Bruce, Martin Russell, Moussa Cissokho, Myrdhin, Ronan Browne, Simon Massey, and others. There have been many more guests and collaborators, including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Sinéad O'Connor, Liam O'Flynn, and others.