Ben Aylon (Israel / Senegal)
Updated: Aug 31
Ben Aylon is a percussionist, xalam player, producer, and documentarian whose work has grown through more than fifteen years of musical exchange in Senegal. A student of Doudou Ndiaye Rose and Aly Ndiaye Rose, he creates original music rooted in Senegalese traditions while exploring new forms of composition and collaboration. His album Xalam (2021), featuring Khaira Arby, Amy Sacko, and Doudou Ndiaye Rose, was named among the year’s best albums by Songlines.
Featured Song:
“Fragile” appears on Small Room in Dakar, a collection of xalam compositions shaped by Aylon’s experiences in Senegal. The album takes its name from a small room near the ocean in Dakar, which became a private space for writing, reflection, and transforming personal experiences into music. Roei Hermon’s subtle, unconventional piano accompaniment allows the melodies to unfold with openness and restraint. On “Fragile,” the earthy resonance of the xalam meets minimalist piano, creating an intimate piece that carries both hope and quiet melancholy.
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