Artist Info: Xalam

Xalam is the name of a Senegalese musical group founded in 1969 by brothers Prospère Niang and Magay Niang. In 1975 they went on an African tour with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.

The band takes its name from the lute-like instrument the Xalam. Xalam performed a mix of contemporary jazz tunes as well as African originals, usually sung in Wolof, the dominant local language. The band included sax, drums, African percussion, bass and electric guitar. [read more...]