Terranga

Terranga is a collaboration between Ben Aylon and Cheikh Lo, recorded between 2022 and 2023. Cheikh Lo is a widely respected Senegalese singer whose music has reached audiences worldwide, known for bridging traditional roots with contemporary song. His connection with Ben began in Senegal in 2020 and grew through shared time, conversations, and a long-term artistic dialogue based on trust and mutual respect.

Although both artists are respected percussionists, in Terranga the percussion is deliberately set aside to support Cheikh Lo’s captivating voice and Ben Aylon’s signature xalam playing. Produced by Ben Aylon, the song blends an Afrobeat-influenced rhythmic foundation with cello arrangements by Leat Sabbah, bringing together different sounds and musical traditions into a unified and balanced sound world.

The title Terranga refers to a core value in Senegalese culture, often translated as hospitality, but more accurately understood as the practice of making space for others. It is a lived social code that includes sharing food, time, music, and presence. The song reflects this value through openness and simplicity, creating a welcoming atmosphere shaped by listening, generosity, and shared ground.