In the two years that they've been together, Benkadi International has brought the Mandinka music of Africa to Holland and the Netherlands. Although they've incorporated influences of jazz and funk, the group continues to emphasize the traditional instrumentation of African music. Benkadi International was formed shortly after the emigration of Zoumani Diarra, a kora and guitar player who had built a solid reputation in Mali and the Ivory Coast, to Holland. The group's debut album, Djoulolou, was released in October 1998. ~ Craig Harris