Senegalese artist Cheikh Ibra Fam unveils “Sali”, a soulful tribute to African femininity. The track serves as the second single from his forthcoming album Adouna (Life), slated for release in October.
Named after “Salimata,” a widely used and symbolic name in West Africa, “Sali” combines laid-back mbalax grooves with intricate makossa-inspired guitar lines. Cheikh’s warm vocals anchor the track, which fuses traditional and modern elements with subtle elegance.
The song’s global production reflects Cheikh’s cross-cultural approach. Musicians from Senegal, The Gambia, Rwanda, Reunion Island, and the United States contribute to the project.
The accompanying music video, shot in the historic city of Saint-Louis, Senegal, features Leanne Nackobiane as Sali, a woman portrayed in moments of quiet connection with her community. The video emphasizes natural beauty, self-acceptance, and grace through everyday interactions.
Cheikh Ibra Fam, formerly of Orchestra Baobab and a recipient of the Charles Cros Academy Prize, continues to draw from a diverse musical palette. Influences range from his Baye Fall spiritual roots to artists like Otis Redding and Orquesta Aragón.
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Author: World Music Central News Room
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