Benkan
Djékady
FOR YOUR
GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION
Best Global Music Album
Best Global Music Performance
Balla Kouyaté: Democracy
Best African Music Performance
Traditional Jamaican/Salif Keita: Koromanti # 1 / Primpin
ABOUT
LISTEN
Benkan is the debut album from Djékady, a six-piece ensemble led by Grammy-winning musicians Balla Kouyaté, born in Mali, and Mike Block, raised in Kansas, USA. The two met as members of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, and their collaboration has deepened through years of shared musical exploration. Rooted in both West African and American traditions, Djékady expands the possibilities of American music by celebrating the cultural richness shaped by global connection.
ABOUT DJÉKADY:
Djékady is a Mandinka phrase that means “coming together is good.” The result of the collaboration between Grammy-winning musicians Balla Kouyaté (balafon, vocals) and Mike Block (cello, vocals), this six-piece band puts Malian music into conversation with American folk music and contemporary styles. Featuring Mamoudou Konate (djembe), Idrissa Koné (talking drum, calabash, percussion, vocals), Luke Okerlund (guitar), and Mike Rivard (bass, sintir), the band’s energetic nature and deep appreciation for each other’s cultures create an unexpected and beautiful display of music without limitations.
