Bio

Kejafi’s music stems from their love of traditional folk tunes and songs that celebrate the deep cultural connections between Australia and Scotland and Australia and Ireland. Their music re-imagines older tunes and songs to the modern era, some of which have strongly influenced folk music in Australia. They also bring beautifully composed original material that keeps the living tradition of folk music alive and thriving.

Intertwining fiddles, playfully switching between countermelody and unison accompanied by octave mandolin bring a fresh and modern interpretation to traditional folk music, connecting to the present time and place.

The band released their first album ‘Coast’ in late 2019 and have performed widely, including at the Sydney Opera House, National Celtic Festival, Cobargo 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 the wonderful 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.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Ken O’Neill is an accomplished musician skilled in guitar and octave mandolin/Irish bouzouki. Hailing from Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Ken started his musical journey playing guitar in rock bands Uforia in Clonmel, blending a mix of covers and original songs in an alternative/rock/blues genre. Since relocating to Australia in 2001, Ken has shifted his focus solely to traditional and folk music. He accompanies Irish and Scottish sessions and musicians on DADGAD guitar and octave mandolin, and is a valued member of the folk bands Kejafi and Seanchas, having performed at numerous gigs and festivals over the years.