The Darkness: The Afro Celt Sound System and "When I Still Needed You"

Today's song is called When I Still Needed You by the Afro Celt Sound System and sung by Rwandan singer Dorothee Munyaneza. The Afro Celt Sound System was started in 1991 by British music producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop artist Baaba Maal after Emmerson noticed the similarities between an Irish air and an African folk song.  Members of Maal's band came together with a group of Irish musicians to collaborate on the initial project.   The group produced their first album after recording the initial tracks in a week's span, and the resulting sales were so good that they continued to record together.  The group fuses Irish and West African traditional music with elements of techno and electronic dance rhythms.  They have since released seven albums, and are considered something of a world music supergroup as they have often performed and recorded with a number of superstar musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Sinead O'Connor, Ayub Ogada, Shooglenifty, and Altan.  When I Still Needed You is from their 2005 CD Anatomic, and references the Rwandan genocide.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Celt_Sound_System

Just Let It Go: Afro Celt Sound System and "Release It"

The Afro Celt Sound System, a fusion band that mixes modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs, brings us today's random song, called Release It. The Afro Celt sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. This song, Release It, is an instrumental that can be found on their 1999 album Volume 2: Release.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: http://www.afroceltsoundsystem.com/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Celt_Sound_System

You Spin Me Right Round: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Whirl-Y-Reel 1"

Today's random tune is by the Afro Celt Sound System, a fusion band that mixes modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. They were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. This song, Whirl-Y-Reel 1, can be found on their 1996 debut release Volume 1: Sound Magic.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: http://www.afroceltsoundsystem.com/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Celt_Sound_System

What Are You Thinking: Afro Celt Sound System and "I Think Of..."

Today's song is called I Think Of... and is performed by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. I Think Of... can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Celt_Sound_System

We've Had a Dry Winter: Afro Celt Sound System and "Beautiful Rain"

Happy birthday to my co-DJ and spouse, Megan Kamerick! Today's song is called Beautiful Rain and is performed by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Beautiful Rain can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Celt_Sound_System

Rapture: The Afro Celt Sound System and "My Secret Bliss"

The The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs, brings us our random song for today. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. One of their members, Iarla O'lionaird, is also part of the Irish supergroup The Gloaming. This song, My Secret Bliss, can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic. The song has simple lyrics:

Return like children

We stumble into the sun

Into the sun, into the sun

Return like children

We stumble

We found a reason together

We stare into the sun

Please join us at the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Thinking of the Pink Moon: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Drake"

Our song today is called Drake by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Drake can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic. The song appears to be from the perspective of someone lost to death, and may refer to English singer-songwriter Nick Drake.

Please join us at the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Nocturnal Wanderings: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Even in My Dreams"

Our song today is called Even in My Dreams. The song is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Even in My Dreams can be found on their 1999 release Volume 2: Release.

Confluence: Afro Celt Sound System and "Where Two Rivers Meet"

Today's tune is by the Afro Celt Sound System, and is called Where Two Rivers Meet. The Afro Celt Sound System is a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds and which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The group was formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Where Two Rivers Meet can be found on their 2016 album The Source.

Hang Ten: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Riding the Waves"

Today's tune is by the Afro Celt Sound System, and is called Riding the Waves. The Afro Celt Sound System is a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds and which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The group was formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Riding the Waves can be found on their 1999 album Volume 2: Release.

Desert Dreaming: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Mojave"

Today's random tune is by the Afro Celt Sound System, which is a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds and which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System was formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. This song, Mojave, can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic.

It's Coming Down: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Beautiful Rain"

Today's song is from a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds. Beautiful Rain is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Beautiful Rain can be found on their 1999 release Volume 5: Anatomic.

Here Kitty Kitty: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Big Cat"

Today's song is from a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds. Big Cat is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Big Cat can be found on their 1999 release Volume 2: Release.

Daddy's Girl: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Inion/Daughter"

Today's song is from a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds. Inion/Daughter is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Inion/Daughter can be found on their 1996 release Volume 1: Sound Magic.

In Your Dreams: The Afro Celt Sound System and "Even in My Dreams"

Today's song is from a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds. Even in My Dreams is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Even in My Dreams can be found on their 1999 release Volume 2: Release.

Very Certain: Afro Celt Sound System and "Sure-As-Not/Sure-As-Knot"

Today's song is from a world group mixing African and Celtic sounds. Sure-As-Not/Sure-As-Knot is by The Afro Celt Sound System, which fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. The Afro Celt Sound System were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Sure-As-Not/Sure-As-Knot can be found on their 1996 debut release Volume 1: Sound Magic.

Round and Round: Afro Celt Sound System and "Whirl-Y-Reel 1"

I am not really into things that spin around really fast right now, because tomorrow I have to go to the dentist to get a filling replaced and so my experience of whirly things will be a drill. But notice how today's random tune, Whirl-Y-Reel 1 by the Afro Celt Sound System has a "1" added to it. You guessed it! There is more than one Whirl-Y-Reel - three, I think. Two are on the same album.

The Afro Celt Sound System fuses modern electronic dance rhythms with traditional Irish and West African songs. They were formed by British producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop star Baaba Maal in 1991. Since then they've been proclaimed a world music supergroup, and have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, Sinead O'Connor, Robert Plant, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ayub Ogada and many other pop and world stars. Whirl-Y-Reel 1 can be found on their 1996 debut release Volume 1: Sound Magic. Listen to that talking drum and bodhran go and dance!

Remembering Rwanda: Afro Celt Sound System and "When I Still Needed You"

It's hard to believe that just over 20 years ago, we all were waking up to the fact that something terrible was happening in Rwanda.

Genocides are probably not exclusively a 20th century phenomenon, but it sure seemed that way.  If you look at a list of recorded genocides in world history, a very disproportionate number happened between 1900 and 1999.  Because I was a young adult, and it was so much in the news, Rwanda was the one that caught my notice.  At the time I was living in Milwaukee, about three months from moving away from that city.  I was working for a religious order of Catholic priests and brothers called The Pallottines, and 20 years later, as I was doing some background for today's randomly selected song, I ran across their name connected with this terrible chapter in Rwandan history.  In Gikondo, Rwanda a mission church run by Polish Pallottines was the scene of a massacre of Tutsi civilians by Hutus.  As two UN observers and two Pallottine priests protested, two Hutu officials told them that cockroaches were infesting the church and when the Hutu militia arrived, they began hacking people to death with machetes and clubs.  UN peacekeepers were called and begged to come to the church, but declined.  Afterward, the Pallottine priests and nuns administered to the wounded and buried the dead in a mass grave because of the swiftness of decomposition in the heat.  A few days later, in a private Pallottine chapel neighboring the church, another 11 Tutsis who had been given refuge and supplies by a Polish Pallottine were burned to death inside the building after militia members learned that some had survived the initial massacre.

Today's song, When I Still Needed You by the Afro Celt Sound System and sung by Rwandan singer Dorothee Munyaneza, references that tragedy.  The Afro Celt Sound System was started in 1991 by British music producer Simon Emmerson and Afro-pop artist Baaba Maal after Emmerson noticed the similarities between an Irish air and an African folk song.  Members of Maal's band came together with a group of Irish musicians to collaborate on the initial project.   The group produced their first album after recording the initial tracks in a week's span, and the resulting sales were so good that they continued to record together.  The group fuses Irish and West African traditional music with elements of techno and electronic dance rhythms.  They have since released seven albums, and are considered something of a world music supergroup as they have often performed and recorded with a number of superstar musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Sinead O'Connor, Ayub Ogada, Shooglenifty, and Altan.  In 2010, the band went on hiatus, but to the delight of their fans they recently erected a new web page and announced plans for an upcoming new album called Born.

When I Still Needed You is from their 2005 CD Anatomic.