: Historically, it is the instrument of the griots (storytellers and oral historians). It is used to praise nobility, recount history, and perform at ceremonies.

: It typically features a wooden, oval-shaped soundbox covered in cowhide or goatskin, with a long neck and between one and five nylon or horsehair strings.

While rooted in tradition, the xalam remains a staple in contemporary African music:

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

: It is frequently paired with other traditional instruments like the ngoni or kora to create layered, rhythmic structures that resemble classical compositions.

Qehbe Xalam -

: Historically, it is the instrument of the griots (storytellers and oral historians). It is used to praise nobility, recount history, and perform at ceremonies.

: It typically features a wooden, oval-shaped soundbox covered in cowhide or goatskin, with a long neck and between one and five nylon or horsehair strings. Qehbe Xalam

While rooted in tradition, the xalam remains a staple in contemporary African music: : Historically, it is the instrument of the

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

: It is frequently paired with other traditional instruments like the ngoni or kora to create layered, rhythmic structures that resemble classical compositions.