Djékady, Balla Kouyate, Mike Block - Benkan (2025) [Hi-Res]

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.

Balla Kouyaté, Balafon/Vocals
Mike Block, Cello/Vocals
Idrissa Kone, Percussion/Vocals
Sekou Dembele, Djembe/Vocals
Luke Okerlund, Electric Guitar
Michael Rivard, Electric Bass/Sintir

Tracklist:
01-01 Djékady - Koromanti #1 / Primpin [5:03]
01-02 Djékady - Democracy [4:52]
01-03 Djékady - Farewell to America [5:24]
01-04 Djékady - Diaraby [4:56]
01-05 Djékady - Shove the Pig’s Foot a Little Further Into The Fire [3:35]
01-06 Djékady - Bani [6:01]
01-07 Djékady - This Land is Your Land [3:38]
01-08 Djékady - Gansan [4:06]
01-09 Djékady - Tune for Tunde [3:47]
01-10 Djékady - Zidomal [4:31]
01-11 Djékady - This Must Be the Place [4:45]
01-12 Djékady - Toumamasi [4:33]