Malian music sensation Amadou Bagayoko, half of the Grammy-nominated duo Amadou & Mariam, has passed away at 70 after a long illness. The blind musician, who toured with his wife since their teenage years, left an indelible mark on global music.
Malian singer and guitarist Amadou Bagayoko, half of the Grammy-nominated music duo Amadou & Mariam, has died aged 70 after a long illness. He was blind and had been performing with his wife Mariam Doumbia since their teenage years.
Amadou Bagayoko is a Malian musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Born in 1954 in Bamako, Mali, he rose to fame as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the influential band Tamani.
Known for his soulful voice and masterful guitar playing, Bagayoko's music blends traditional Malian styles with Western influences.
He has released several albums, including 'Toumba' and 'Sia', which have gained international recognition.
Bagayoko's career spans over four decades, earning him a reputation as one of Africa's most renowned musicians.
A Musical Journey from Childhood to Global Success
Amadou and Mariam met at the institute for the young blind in Bamako, Mali, when they were both teenagers. They discovered that they shared similar tastes in music and began touring together in the 1980s, blending traditional West African instruments with Western blues and rock music. ‘We started playing together in our teenage years,’ said Amadou. Over time, their unique sound gained international recognition.
Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, known as Amadou & Mariam, are a Malian musical duo.
They met while attending the Institute for the Young Blind in Bamako, Mali's capital city.
The pair began performing together in the 1970s, blending traditional Malian music with Western influences.
Their unique sound features a mix of guitar-driven rhythms and heartfelt vocals.
Amadou & Mariam gained international recognition after collaborating with artists such as Damon Albarn and Santigold.
A Blend of Traditional and Modern Music
The duo’s music was a fusion of traditional Malian sounds, such as the kora and balafon, with modern influences from ‘Pink Floyd, James Brown, and other artists,’ said Mariam. They used their platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people living with blindness and disabilities.
Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, known as Amadou & Mariam, are a Malian musical duo composed of a blind musician and his wife.
They combine traditional Malian music with rock, pop, and blues influences.
Born in Bamako, Mali, they began performing together in the 1970s.
Their unique sound has gained international recognition, earning them multiple Grammy nominations and collaborations with artists like Paul Simon and Manu Chao.
Global Recognition and Accolades
Amadou & Mariam’s 2004 album, Dimanche à Bamako (Sunday in Bamako), brought them worldwide success, backed up by the title track. The duo played alongside prominent artists such as Damon Albarn of Blur, Gorillaz, and David Gilmour, and performed at festivals like Glastonbury, sharing bills with Coldplay, U2, and Stevie Wonder.
A Meeting with Barack Obama
In a 2024 interview, Amadou recalled meeting President Barack Obama, who had come to attend the Nobel Peace Prize award concert. ‘He liked our music and appreciated it as well,’ said Amadou. The musician expressed their happiness about being recognized by the US president.
Amadou Bagayoko is survived by three children. His death was confirmed by his family, with his son-in-law stating that he had been ill for a while before passing away. The Malian culture minister, Mamou Daffé, expressed dismay at the loss of this talented musician, who had made significant contributions to African music and beyond.
- theguardian.com | Amadou Bagayoko of music duo Amadou & Mariam dies aged 70
