Senegalese Singer Cheikh Ibra Fam Releases New Single “Xam Xam” | WATCH NEW VIDEO!
Cheikh Ibra Fam Unveils “Xam Xam”
A Song About Knowledge, Legacy, and
Hope for the Future
The song is the first single from the Senegalese stars upcoming album, Adouna (Life), to be released in October 2025 by Cumbancha
In the quiet of a Senegalese evening, when the power would flicker out and the world turned dark, Coly Cisse would sit outside, guitar in hand, playing melodies that carried through the night. A young boy named Cheikh Ibra Fam would sit at his feet, eyes wide, ears tuned to every note, unknowingly absorbing the lessons that would shape his future.
Now, years later, that boy has become an internationally celebrated musician, and those lessons have become the foundation of his new single, “Xam Xam”, a tribute to the wisdom passed down to him. Meaning knowledge in Wolof, the song is not just a reflection on learning—it’s an ode to the power of wisdom, to the teachers who shape us, and to the journeys we take to find understanding.
On April 10, 2025, the acclaimed record label Cumbancha will release “Xam Xam”, the first single from Cheikh Ibra Fam’s upcoming album Adouna. Infused with the hypnotic pulse of Caribbean zouk and Angolan kizomba, the ethereal strings of the kora, and the soul of West Africa, the song is a call to embrace knowledge as the most valuable treasure of all.
“Knowledge,” sings Cheikh, “if you have it, you have everything; if you lack it, you have nothing.”
Cheikh Ibra Fam’s journey—both literal and musical—has taken him far beyond his native Mbour, Senegal. Raised in a family where art, poetry, and storytelling were the heartbeat of daily life, he grew up absorbing everything from the spiritual choirs of Kourels to the Afro-Cuban rhythms of Orchestra Aragón and the soul of Otis Redding. His uncle, the celebrated guitarist Coly Cisse, played alongside Youssou N’Dour, igniting Cheikh’s passion for performance.
From singing in the bathroom as a teenager to traveling the world as a member of the renowned Orchestra Baobab, and now forging his own path, Cheikh’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and an unshakable commitment to his roots. “Xam Xam” is a reflection of that journey—one that spans from the bustling streets of Dakar to the recording studios of Reunion Island, The Gambia, the UK, and the USA.
The single features Cheikh Ibra on vocals and composition, Coly Cisse on guitar and bass, Ansoumane on kora, Jacob Edgar on trumpet, and Hakim Abdulsamad (The Boys, Akon) handling the arrangements and production.
Alongside the single, Cheikh will unveil a stunning music video that visualizes the song’s core message. Filmed in picturesque St Louis, a town near the Mauritanian border, the colorful and uplifting video brings the song’s encouraging message to life. Every frame serves as a reminder that wisdom is not found in one place alone—it is gathered in steps, in conversations, and in the lessons passed down from one generation to the next. Set a reminder by subscribing here.
For Cheikh, music has always been more than entertainment—it is a mirror to society, a tool for change, and a bridge between cultures. As a follower of the Baye Fall tradition, he weaves messages of tolerance, peace, and self-discovery into his work.
In a world where people search for meaning in distant places, “Xam Xam” is a reminder that sometimes the greatest wisdom is found in the voices of our elders, in the traditions of our ancestors, and in the stories of those who came before us. “Whoever teaches, whoever acts— Let them be those who share knowledge,” he sings.
With “Xam Xam”, Cheikh Ibra Fam sets the stage for Adouna, an album that explores themes of migration, love, faith, and the universal human search for purpose. Over the next year, he will embark on a global tour, bringing his message of music, memory, and movement to audiences worldwide.
“Xam Xam” is more than just a song. It is an entreaty to listen, to learn, and to honor those who light the way.
Photo Credit: Cumbancha
Follow Cheikh Ibra Fam:
Instagram: @cheikhibrafam
Spotify & Apple Music: Cheikh Ibra Fam
YouTube: Cheikh Ibra Fam Official
#XamXam #CheikhIbraFam #Adouna #Cumbancha #AfricanMusic #SenegaleseMusic #KnowledgeIsLife
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