During bustling evenings in Dakar, 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.

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Years later, that boy has become an internationally celebrated musician, and those lessons are the foundation of his new single, "Xam Xam", a tribute to the wisdom passed down to him. The title of this song, which means “Knowledge” in Wolof, is not just a reflection on learning—it’s an ode to the power of wisdom, to the teachers who shape us, and the journeys we take to find understanding.

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On April 10, 2025, Cumbancha releases "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.”

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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 soulful voice of Otis Redding. His uncle, the celebrated guitarist Coly Cisse, played alongside Youssou N’Dour, igniting Cheikh’s passion for performance.

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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" reflects that journey—one that spans from the bustling streets of Dakar to the recording studios of The Gambia, France, Reunion Island, 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.

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Alongside the single, Cheikh will unveil a striking music video that visualizes the song’s core message. Filmed in the picturesque city of Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the mouth of the Senegal River, 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.

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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.

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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. 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.

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“Xam Xam” is more than just a song. It is an entreaty to listen, to learn, and to honor those who light the way.
 

For more information, music samples, or to arrange interviews, contact:

Cumbancha: info@cumbancha.com / 802-425-2118
 

Bios, photos, music videos, tour dates more available at www.cumbancha.com/cif

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