One Man Tribe
Ben Aylon is a percussion virtuoso, xalam player, and producer known for his innovative approach to Senegalese drumming. Over the past 15 years, under the mentorship of legendary drummers Doudou Ndiaye Rose and Aly Ndiaye Rose, Ben has developed a distinctive style that elevates traditional drumming with modern performance techniques. His solo act, One Man Tribe, captures the essence of massive Senegalese drum ensembles, transforming it into a powerful ten-piece drum set performance, complemented by his compositions on the xalam, a traditional Senegalese string instrument.
Over the years, Ben has documented his work extensively, releasing hundreds of videos showcasing his collaborations, ceremonies, and solo performances in Senegal and around the world. A key part of his creative process involves documenting and editing these performances, capturing the energy and spirit of each event. His online presence has attracted millions of views and many followers from Senegal and beyond. Ben’s approach to Senegalese drumming has earned him recognition from renowned Senegalese drummers and the international percussion community, inspiring musicians and audiences alike.
Ben’s mission focuses on uniting people from diverse cultures and religions through rhythm, prayer, and collaboration. His projects include documenting and releasing performances with the Ndiaye Rose family’s all-women drum group, Les Rosettes, an ongoing collaboration with the legendary Japanese Taiko ensemble Kodo, and his most recent project, Nio Far. This cross-cultural initiative with Sufi Senegalese singer Baye Dame brings together Sufi singers and Church choirs in Senegal, uniting musicians from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish backgrounds.
Through his extensive research and experience with Senegalese music, Ben has developed a profound understanding of how drumming can act as a powerful bridge between people. A core element of his mission is to share the complexities of Senegalese drumming by leading workshops worldwide, offering audiences an entry point into its intricate rhythms - often considered challenging for Western ears to fully grasp. His work not only contributes to the preservation of Senegalese drumming but also inspires many to travel to Senegal and study with the Ndiaye Rose family.
Ben’s debut album, Xalam, released in 2021 on World Music Network, features collaborations with renowned artists such as Khaira Arby, Amy Sacko, and Doudou Ndiaye Rose. The album received widespread acclaim, including being named "Best Album 2021" by Songlines Magazine and earning a nomination for Best Artist 2022.
Ben toured worldwide, performed and recorded with world-renowned musicians such as: Pino Palladino, Blake Mills, KODO, Estas Tonne, Noga Erez, Doudou Ndiaye Rose, Cheikh Lo, Bombino, Shye Ben-Tzur, Omar Pene, Khaira Arby to name a few.