Malian guitarist and singer Amadou Bagayoko, part of the musical duo Amadou & Mariam, has died at the age of 70 after an illness, his family said. Amadou and his wife, Mariam Doumbia, created a group that fused traditional Malian music with Western rock and blues guitars, selling millions of records worldwide.
Throughout their career, they achieved successes such as composing the official song for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and participating in the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Amadou, who had been ill for some time, died after being admitted to a clinic for fatigue.
Amadou and Mariam met in 1976 at the institute for blind youth in Bamako, where they discovered their musical affinity. From the 1980s they began touring together, fusing traditional African instruments with rock and blues influences. Their 2004 album Dimanche à Bamako was an international hit.
Throughout their career, the duo have shared the stage with artists such as Damon Albarn, David Gilmour, Coldplay, U2 and Stevie Wonder. They were also nominated for a Grammy in 2010 and won several awards in France and the UK.
Amadou Bagayoko leaves behind three children and a musical legacy that has marked generations.
Source: theguardian.com | africanews.com 06/04/2025