Bio

Kejafi has cultivated their own sound within the Celtic music world. They bring their unique take on modern and traditional folk songs and tunes from Scotland, Ireland and Australia as well as adding to the repertoire of the genre with fresh, original tunes.

Kejafi is Fiona McVicar on violin/vocals, James Gastineau-Hills on violin/viola and Ken O’Neill on octave mandolin/guitar. In 2024, the band recorded their second album “The Road” with a host of guest artists from the traditional, jazz and classical worlds to create a fresh and contemporary sound to folk and traditional music in Australia. Scottish fiddle player Chris Stout described the album as “a joy to listen to” with The Folk Federation of NSW describing it as “a finely crafted collection of tunes and songs that time-travel between the traditional and the contemporary”. The Road was also a finalist in 2024 Australian Folk Album of the Year held by Folk Alliance Australia.

The band released their first album ‘Coast’ in 2019 followed by their second album “The Road” in March 2024. They have performed widely, including at the Sydney Opera House, National Celtic Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Baltimore Fiddle Fair filmed live on Sydney Harbour and multiple times at the Australian Celtic Festival, St Albans Folk Festival, Yass Irish and Celtic Festival and Sydney Folk Festival. They have also shared the stage with Catriona McKay & Chris Stout, fiddle player Manus McGuire, bagpiper Chris Gray and Susan O’Neill.

Meet the band

Formed in 2018, Kejafi’s band members are three accomplished and respected musicians from Gadigal Country (Sydney, Australia) with Fiona McVicar on fiddle and vocals, James Gastineau-Hills on fiddles and Ken O’Neill on octave mandolin.

Fiona McVicar, a fiddle player and singer, is a highly-regarded musician and teacher with extensive experience performing traditional Irish and Scottish fiddle music both in Australia and Ireland. She is an active member of several traditional and folk groups, including Seanchas and Blackwater, and has also performed with string quartets and orchestras. Drawing on her experience as a former bagpiper in pipe bands and highland dancer, Fiona infuses her fiddle playing with west coast and piping rhythms. Her unique style is in demand, making her a sought-after performer and teacher.

James Gastineau-Hills is a fiddle player and music teacher who fell in love with Scottish dance music. He has spent over twenty years playing traditional music in Scotland and Australia in sessions and for ceilidhs and country dances. His recordings include an album “Burns with a Fiddle” with performer Neil Morrison, an album collaborating with Scottish Trio “Luce Women” and most recently with Sydney world/jazz group “Broadland Trio”. James is passionate about sharing the tunes and craft of Scottish fiddle playing on both violin and viola, and currently leads the Sydney Scottish Fiddlers.

Ken O’Neill is an accomplished musician and performer skilled in guitar, octave mandolin and Irish bouzouki. Originating from County Tipperary, Ireland, he embarked on his musical journey in Clonmel as a guitarist in the alternative rock band Uforia. Since relocating to Australia in 2001, Ken has shifted his focus solely to traditional and folk music and is a sought-after collaborator among fellow musicians. He regularly accompanies Irish and Scottish sessions and musicians. Ken is a dedicated volunteer on the committee of the Irish National Association in Sydney, driven by his passion for promoting and supporting Irish culture.