Apartheid – Xalam, 1986

🎸🇸🇳🎷🌍💥 Xalam (2) was formed on the Plateau in Dakar at the end of the 1960s, taking its name from their predecessors—also called Xalam—who disbanded around the same time. Xalam 2 would soon revert simply to Xalam. The group met Hugh Masekela and toured across Africa throughout the 1970s, blending funk, jazz, soul and mbalax into a powerful cocktail that struck a chord. In 1984, the band contributed to the soundtrack of Marche à l’Ombre and appeared in the film. The three tracks were released in 1986 on the album Apartheid, widely regarded as the group’s creative peak. The record became one of the defining works of the “world music” boom of the mid-1980s, alongside artists such as Touré Kunda, Salif Keita and many others. It takes only the first few bars of Doley to fall under the spell of this afro-funk fusion, driven by Baye Babou’s bass and Prosper Niang’s drums—relentless from start to finish. Kaniane evokes the spirit of afrobeat, powered by the Senegalese sabar drums of Taffa Cissé. Up front, Brams Coundoul and Souleymane Faye alternate on vocals. The horns are razor-sharp, answering the soaring rock guitar of Samba Ygo Dieng. Guest appearances include Luther Allison, Richard Raux (of Magma), Talib Kibwe and Jean-Philippe Rykiel, who would go on to become a full-time member of the group on the next album. The sudden death of Prosper Niang in 1988 struck like a thunderclap, slowing the band’s activity. Xalam eventually regrouped and continued on its path.