Born Cheikh Ibrahima Ousmane Fame in Mbour, Senegal, Cheikh Ibra Fam grew up amid constant relocation due to his father’s role as director of the Senegalese Customs Office. From Dakar to Kaolack, he was immersed in the country’s diverse cultures. At seven, he joined Kourels, traditional spiritual choirs, developing an early bond with music while peers gravitated toward sports.
Cheikh was raised in a household shaped by the love of the arts. His father was a poet and storyteller; his mother, a painter, and fashion designer. Their home echoed with soul, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, from Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin to Cuba’s Orquesta Aragón. Yet, it was his uncle Coly Cisse, a guitarist for Youssou N’Dour, who inspired him most, introducing him to performance and songwriting.
Notably, Cheikh began composing as a teenager, encouraged by his mother. His first song, “Djo Dja,” revealed an instinct for melody and narrative. After his father heard the track, he offered full support, helping Cheikh record and build a home studio. In 2006, under the moniker “Freestyle,” Cheikh released his debut album and toured Senegalese schools. A critical review of one of his songs became a turning point, prompting him to refine his musical identity.
Initially influenced by American hip-hop, Cheikh’s musical direction thankfully shifted after joining Senegal’s legendary Orchestra Baobab. The experience deepened his appreciation of African traditions. He began singing in Wolof and Bambara and embraced a distinctly pan-African style, combining traditional rhythms with contemporary genres.
A follower of the Baye Fall Muslim brotherhood, Cheikh infuses spiritual and social themes into his work. Tracks like “Midadi” (2012) promote love and peace, while “Jerejef” (2022) honors spiritual leader Serigne Touba.
“It’s not about me,” he says. “It’s about the messages in my songs: love, tolerance, understanding, and justice.”
Cheikh’s six-year tenure with Orchestra Baobab included global tours and a notable performance in Jerusalem. In 2023, he received the Charles Cros Academy Award for “Cosaan,” a tribute to African ancestry. In 2024, he collaborated with Christine Salem on Niama, a musical commemorating the abolition of slavery on Reunion Island.
Now based on Reunion Island, Cheikh continues to evolve. Inspired by his late mentor Issa Sissokho, he has taken up the tenor saxophone. He advocates for music education in Senegal, particularly in jazz. His second album, Adouna (Life), is set for release by Cumbancha in October 2025. The lead single, “Xam Xam,” debuts April 10, launching a global promotional tour.
Discography:
Peace in Africa (Soulbeats Records, 2022)
Adouna (Life) (Cumbancha, 2025)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.