Benkan

Djékady

Release Date: October 17, 2025

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.

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Benkan

5:03

Koromanti #1 / Primpin

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:52

Democracy

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
5:23

Farewell to America

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:55

Diaraby

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
3:35

Shove the Pig's Foot a Little Further Into the Fire

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
6:00

Bani

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
3:38

This Land is Your Land

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:05

Gansan

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
3:47

Tune for Tunde

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:30

Zeed al Maal

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:44

This Must Be the Place

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)
4:33

Toumamasi

Djékady (feat. Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block)