Amadou Bagayoko, the renowned Malian musician who gained global fame as one half of the blind duo Amadou & Mariam, has passed away at the age of 70, according to a statement from the Malian government.
The Ministry of Culture expressed deep sadness over Bagayoko’s death, stating, “We learned with concern of the passing of artist Amadou Bagayoko this Friday.” The statement, broadcast on state television, continued, “Amadou was a blind man who made his mark on the Malian and international music scene.”
Born in Bamako in 1954, Bagayoko developed a passion for music at a young age. He met his wife and musical partner, Mariam Doumbia, at the Institute for Young Blind People in Bamako during the 1970s, forming a partnership that would propel them to international stardom.
Their 2004 album Dimanche à Bamako (Sunday in Bamako) brought them global recognition, while their 2008 album Welcome To Mali earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
The duo went on to perform on prestigious stages around the world, including opening for Coldplay in 2009, performing at the Nobel Peace Prize concert that same year when U.S. President Barack Obama received the award, and appearing at major music festivals such as Glastonbury in the UK. They also composed the official song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
International artists have expressed their condolences online following his death. French-born Spanish musician Manu Chao, who produced Dimanche à Bamako, said, “Amadou! We’ll always be together … with you wherever you go.” Senegalese singer-songwriter Youssou N’Dour shared, “I will never forget his friendship. My thoughts are with my dear Mariam.”
