Amadou Bagayoko, the influential singer and guitarist of the Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, has died at 70 in Bamako. He became blind at age 15 and studied music, where he met his wife, Mariam. The duo achieved global recognition, captivating audiences with their fusion of Malian music and rock. They performed internationally and released several acclaimed albums, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.
Amadou Bagayoko, the renowned singer and guitarist of the acclaimed Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, has passed away at the age of 70. The announcement was made by Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé, on state television, confirming Bagayoko’s death on Friday in Bamako, his birthplace. According to family members, Bagayoko had been suffering from an illness for some time, although the cause of death was not specified.
Bagayoko lost his sight at age 15 due to a congenital cataract. He subsequently pursued music at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, where he met Mariam Doumbia, his future wife and musical partner, who became blind at age 5. The duo began performing together in Mali during the Seventies and Eighties and achieved recognition in Europe in the mid-Nineties.
As Amadou & Mariam, they gained international fame, captivating audiences with their fusion of Malian music and Western rock influences. Esteemed artists such as Stevie Wonder, David Gilmour, and Damon Albarn expressed admiration for the duo. Albarn notably involved them in his Africa Express project and co-produced their Grammy-nominated album, “Welcome to Mali,” released in 2009.
Bagayoko’s unique guitar style, which blends Malian musical elements with Western rock sounds, earned him recognition on Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 Best Guitarists. He once remarked, “People are often surprised when we explain how much we were influenced by Western pop music. I grew up listening to records by Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, and others, because they were the only records we had in Mali!”
Over the last two decades, Amadou & Mariam became prominent figures at major music festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. They also served as opening acts for renowned stadium tours featuring Coldplay and U2.
Their last two studio albums were 2012’s “Folila,” which included collaborations with various artists, and 2017’s “La Confusion.” The duo was also part of the closing ceremony at the upcoming 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, where they performed Serge Gainsbourg’s song “Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais.”
The passing of Amadou Bagayoko marks a significant loss in the music industry, particularly for those who valued the rich tapestry of Malian artistry that he and Mariam Doumbia shared with the world. Their influence extended beyond borders, demonstrating the power of music to unite diverse cultures. Through their contributions, Amadou & Mariam have left an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Original Source: www.rollingstone.com
