Music warms the heart at the Alliance !

Come and meet singer and artist Cheikh Ibra Fam for a conversation interspersed with songs and music from Sénégal

Cheikh will give an acoustic performance with his guitarist and play percussion. He will also tell us stories about his native Africa in French.

Cheikh Ibra Fam has performed at a number of prestigious venues, including the main stage at Montreal’s Nuits d’Afrique Festival, headlining New Morning in Paris, at Lafayette Festival International de Louisiane, New Orleans Jazz Festival and the World Music Festival Chicago. He also collaborated with Maloyan artist Christine Salem in 2024 to produce "Niama," a musical commemorating the abolition of slavery on Réunion Island. This production specifically honors the forgotten story of Princess Niama, who was forcibly taken from Sénégal in the 18th century and later freed by her owner. 

Cheikh Ibra Fam is also a socially engaged artist whose work extends directly to opportunity on the continent, most notably through his support of the organization Innovation: Africa (iA). By collaborating with this non-profit, which uses solar-powered technology to bring clean water and light to remote African villages, Fam used his music to underscore his belief in technology, self-reliance, and education as the true pathway to a brighter future for Africa.

Cheikh Ibra Fam  

As a child growing up in Dakar, Cheikh Ibra Fam 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 recognition as an Radio France International (RFI) Talent. Cheikh Ibra Fam is now living in Reunion Island and will be releasing his sophomore album Adouna (Life) on the Cumbancha label in February 2026.

Website :  https://www.cheikhibrafam.com/

Cheikh Ibra Fam - Yolele (Acoustic Session)

Date: Friday, Feburary 6th
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Duration: 1, 5 hour
Location: Alliance Française de Philadelphie
Language: English/French
Fee: $25 for AF members / $30 for non AF members
Included in the price: One drink (wine, beer, sodas)