Djékady featuring Balla Kouyaté & Mike Block

Grammy-winning musicians Balla Kouyaté (balafon, vocals) and Mike Block (cello, vocals) are the driving forces behind this six-piece band—three African and three American musicians—that includes djembe, talking drum, calabash, vocals, percussion, guitar, bass, and sinter. The band’s energetic nature and deep appreciation for each other’s cultures create an unexpected and beautiful display of music without limitations.

Djékady’s program will put Malian music into conversation with American folk music, weaving centuries of African, European, and American musical traditions into a fiery new sound, with danceable rhythms and interesting textures flowing from each instrument.

“A show that wove centuries of African, European, and American musical traditions into a fiery new sound that had audience members on their feet.”

— The Vineyard Gazette