Xalam - Qehbe

: Historically, it is the instrument of the griots (storytellers and oral historians). It is used to praise nobility, recount history, and perform at ceremonies.

: Artisans and musicians today offer signature xalams with international shipping, keeping the craft alive for a global audience. Qehbe Xalam

: Modern artists like Ben Aylon have integrated the xalam into complex orchestral arrangements alongside percussion and electric bass, as seen on tracks like "SeneGambia". : Historically, it is the instrument of the

The (pronounced with a soft 'h' or 'kh' sound) is a traditional West African lute, primarily used by the Wolof, Serer, and Mandinka peoples in Senegal, Gambia, and Mali. It is widely considered an ancestor of the modern American banjo. Overview of the Xalam : Modern artists like Ben Aylon have integrated

: It typically features a wooden, oval-shaped soundbox covered in cowhide or goatskin, with a long neck and between one and five nylon or horsehair strings.

While rooted in tradition, the xalam remains a staple in contemporary African music: