Renowned guitarist and singer Amadou Bagayoko of Mali’s music duo Amadou & Mariam has died at 70. Born in Bamako, the city where he passed away, Bagayoko went blind at 15 due to a congenital cataract.
After studying music at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, he met his future wife, Mariam Doumbia, and formed the band “Mali’s Blind Couple” with her in 1980. The duo later changed its name to Amadou & Mariam.
Their unique blend of traditional African influences and international elements has earned them a global following and numerous awards. Notable wins include France’s Grammy equivalent, Victoire de la Musique, for their albums “Dimanche à Bamako” (2005) and “Folila” (2013).
Bagayoko’s last performance was at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony. He is survived by his wife, Mariam Doumbia, a musician and son Sam, also a musician.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/06/nx-s1-5354064/amadou-bagayoko-dies-at-70