Israel-born Ben Aylon spent several years in West Africa studying sabar drumming and collaborating with Senegalese and Malian musicians before recording Xalam in 2013 with drum master Doudou N’Diaye Rose and singers Khaira Arby, Amy Sacko, and others. Playing the xalam and kamalengoni, he has absorbed the essence of different West African styles. A Top of the World in the July 2021 issue (#169).

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