Benkadi (which means “Coming Together Sweetly” in the Bamanankan language of Mali) is an eclectic group of artists and educators dedicated to performing, teaching and researching African dance and musical forms. The company is based in the Boston area and has performed at schools, camps, colleges, festivals, hospitals parks, churches, and community centers. It was founded in 2008 by Sory Diabate a professional drummer from Bamako, Mali and the late great Marianne Harkless, a gifted educator, dancer, and a visionary community builder.