Qehbe Xalam Official

: It has a percussive, earthy, and intimate tone that is often described as "speaking straight to the heart". Modern Relevance

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 Qehbe Xalam

While rooted in tradition, the xalam remains a staple in contemporary African music: : It has a percussive, earthy, and intimate