Help us kick of our 2026 with the Argentine Jam hosted by the ever incredible Alejo de Los Reyes! We can’t think of a better way to start the year than with friends, food, fellowship and of course wonderful music. Bring your instrument or just come to listen, as always, this is sure to be a night to remember.
Doors at 7, show at 7:30
No tickets required, $10 suggested donation
1440 W Ritner St. Philadelphia Pa
Cheikh Ibra Fam will give an acoustic performance and will tell 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, New Morning in Paris, Lafayette Festival International de Louisiane, New Orleans Jazz Festival and the World Music Festival Chicago. He collaborated with Maloyan artist Christine Salem in 2024 to produce Niama, a musical commemorating the abolition of slavery on Réunion Island. He is a socially engaged artist whose work extends to the African continent, most notably through his support of the organization Innovation: Africa. Collaborating with this non-profit, which uses solar-powered technology to bring clean water and light to remote African villages, Fam has used his music to emphasize his belief that technology, self-reliance, and education are the true pathways to a brighter future for Africa.
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 three albums under the stage name Freestyle. After six years singing with the legendary Orchestra Baobab, he launched his solo-career in 2022 with his album Peace in Africa. His appealing blend of afropop, funk, jazz, soul, and roots music helped earn him recognition as a Radio France International Talent. Cheikh Ibra Fam is now lives in Reunion Island and will be releasing his sophomore album Adouna (Life) on the Cumbancha label in February 2026. Check out his website here!
Keen to listen? Check out Cheikh Ibra Fam's Yolele (Acoustic Session) here!
Date : Friday, February 6, 2026
Time : 7:00-8:30 PM
Location : Alliance Française de Philadelphie, 1420 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Language : English, French
Cost : $25 for Members / $30 for Non-Members - One beverage (wine, beer, soda) included with price of admission!
Tanyaradzwa is a visionary leader committed to African liberation. She is a scholar, healer, composer, singer, and Zimbabwean gwenyambira (mbira player)
She holds a Doctorate of Music in Voice Performance, a Master of Music in Voice Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition (cum laude) with minors in Voice Performance and French.
Bassist Bakithi presents a joyful musical journey from the Roots and Rhythms of South Africa. Bakithi Kumalo always brings the most talented artists together for the ultimate musical experience that promises to move you in multiple ways. He has just completed a US tour with his lifelong friend, Paul Simon.
YOUBA CISSOKHO plays the kora, a type of harp made from a calabash gourd. West African kings commissioned the kora to recount songs of folklore and love.
Abou “Lion” Diarra is a Malian musician known as a master of the n’goni, a traditional Malian harp-guitar, who blends traditional sounds with modern influences like blues, jazz, and reggae. He has also worked as a drummer, performing with notable musicians and creating music for theatre. His journey began in West Africa, traveling between cities like Abidjan and Bamako, and he is celebrated for his innovative playing style and his ability to use the n’goni as a guitar, bass, or even a drum.
