Amadou Bagayoko of Acclaimed Malian Duo Amadou & Mariam Passes Away at 70

Amadou Bagayoko, the celebrated guitarist and vocalist of the Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, has died at 70. He was known for blending Malian music with Western rock influences, achieving international fame. The duo’s contributions have been recognized globally, including performances at prestigious music festivals and collaborations with notable artists.

Amadou Bagayoko, the renowned singer and guitarist of the Grammy-nominated Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, passed away at the age of 70. Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé, announced Bagayoko’s death on state television, confirming he died on Friday in Bamako, his birthplace. His family indicated that he had been ill for some time but did not disclose the specific cause of death.

Bagayoko lost his sight at 15 due to a congenital cataract and later studied music at the Institute for the Young Blind in Mali, where he met his future wife and musical partner, Mariam Doumbia. They began performing together in Mali during the 1970s and 1980s, gaining international recognition in the mid-1990s as Amadou & Mariam, showcasing Malian music on the global stage.

The duo garnered a fanbase that included prominent artists such as Stevie Wonder and Damon Albarn, the latter of whom collaborated with them on their Grammy-nominated album “Welcome to Mali” and enlisted them in his Africa Express project. Their unique style combined Malian music with Western rock influences, propelling Bagayoko onto Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 Best Guitarists.

Amadou & Mariam became regulars at music festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury and Coachella, and they toured with major acts like Coldplay and U2. Their recent albums include 2012’s “Folila,” featuring collaborations with various artists, and 2017’s “La Confusion.” Notably, the duo performed at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, delivering a rendition of Serge Gainsbourg’s “Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais.”

Amadou Bagayoko’s passing marks a significant loss in the world of music. As a member of Amadou & Mariam, his contributions to Malian music and his ability to bridge cultures through his art will be remembered. Their influence extended globally, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. The duo’s legacy of innovation and collaboration highlights the cultural richness of Mali and the power of music to transcend boundaries.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com