The trio of Simon T. Bramley (bass), Phil Nelson (drums) and Neil Burditt (keyboards) formed in Leicester, UK in May of 1995. Live, the band expands to at least an eight piece, with guitar, horn section, percussion and vocals. The band's influences include Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Jeff Lorber (of whom the album artwork is a tribute to), Banda Black Rio, Earth Wind & Fire, Incognito & Masters At Work. The bands first release came when Internal Bass Records (home to Mr Gone & Down To The Bone amongst others) decided to include the cut 'Casa Del Ritmo' on their 'A Taste of Internal Bass' compilation. The track went down a storm with jazzheads, clubbers and DJ's around the world. They followed this up with a new cut entitled 'It Remains To Be Seen' released on 'Internal Bass...Another Taste' which was also released on vinyl as part of the band's 'Chocolat EP', with the title track appearing on the massively popular 'Nude Dimensions 2' compilation on Naked Music (NYC).
With Afro Elements appearing as backing band to Mr.Gone & other visiting artists throughout Europe, releases came to a brief stop. However many members of the band contributed to the soul-funk album 'Stories' released in 2005 under the name 'Black Gold Massive'. The album also featured renowned soul vocalist Cindy Mizelle (Steely Dan, Beyonce & Alicia Keys) and was mixed by Grammy winner Dave Darlington (Roger Sanchez, Wayne Shorter, MAW).
Around this time various members of the band backed a variety of legendary jazz-funk artists including Reuben Wilson, Eddie Henderson & Gary Bartz for tours of the UK & Europe. Indeed, when Eddie Henderson & the band appeared at London's Jazz Cafe for two nights the concerts were cited as one of the gigs of the year by Blues & Soul magazine. After all this The Afro Elements still found time to record their debut album, entitled 'It Remains To Be Seen'. includes newly recorded versions of previously released tracks 'It Remains To Be Seen', 'Ju Ju' and 'Casa Del Ritmo' along with a new vocal version of 'Chocolat'. The album features over 20 musicians including one of the bands heroes, keyboard legend Jeff Lorber on 'Volcano (Raydio Mix)'.