Malian music legend Amadou Bagayoko, blind guitarist and singer of the Grammy-nominated duo Amadou & Mariam, has died aged 70 after an illness. Born in Bamako in 1954, Bagayoko blended traditional Malian sounds with rock and blues, earning global acclaim and selling millions of records worldwide.
Bagayoko met his wife and musical partner Mariam Doumbia at the Institute for Young Blind People in Bamako, where they began touring together from the 1980s. They mixed traditional West African instruments with Western rock and pop influences, gaining international recognition. Their album “Dimanche à Bamako” (Sunday in Bamako), released in 2004, brought them worldwide success.
The duo performed alongside top artists, including Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, and Stevie Wonder. They also played at the closing ceremony concert for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and composed the official song for the 2006 football World Cup in Germany.
Grammy-nominated Malian musician Amadou Bagayoko has left behind a legacy of music that transcended borders. He will be remembered by fans worldwide, including Senegalese singer-songwriter Youssou N’Dour, who paid tribute to his friendship and Mali’s rich musical heritage.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250404-amadou-of-malian-blind-music-duo-amadou-mariam-dies-aged-70