As a child growing up in Dakar, Cheikh Ibra sang spiritual songs in the Baye Fall tradition, heard Afro-Cuban music on the home stereo and fell in love with the voice of Otis Redding. Later, he became enamored with hip-hop and released 3 albums under the stage name Freestyle. After 6 years singing with the legendary Orchestra Baobab, Cheikh Ibra Fam launched his solo-career in 2022 with his album Peace in Africa. His appealing blend of Afropop with funk, jazz, soul, and roots music helped earn him the prestigious Radio France International (RFI) Talent award. Cheikh Ibra Fam is now living in Reunion Island and will be releasing his sophomore album on the Cumbancha label in 2025.
Featured Songs:
On the Groove World song "Yolele" Cheikh Ibra Fam sings in the Wolof language, encouraging us to learn from our history and strive for a better world. The song's title refers to a traditional Fulani song and dance that is well-known in Senegal. The colorful music video is filled with symbolism and was filmed on the island of Goree, which for many centuries was a brutal outpost of the slave trade. As with his music, Cheikh Ibra Fam looks to the past for inspiration, but brings in new influences and attitudes to promote a positive vision of the future.
Cheikh Ibra Fam wrote the Café International song “Shabida” to honor the many young Africans who take the risk of a dangerous journey to Europe or the US in search of a better life. “They see their mothers, fathers, and siblings struggling, and despite wanting to help, they lack the means to do so. They don’t leave out of desire; they leave out of necessity,” notes Cheikh. “These young people are strong, proud, and capable of creating positive change. Given the chance, they could help build a brighter future for the continent.”
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