Amadou Bagayoko of Amadou & Mariam Passes Away at 70

Amadou Bagayoko, a key figure in the Grammy-nominated duo Amadou & Mariam, died at 70 in Bamako, Mali. Blind since 15, he co-founded the duo with Mariam Doumbia, achieving international success and influencing many artists. Bagayoko was known for his innovative guitar style that merged Malian and Western music.

Amadou Bagayoko, the acclaimed singer and guitarist of the Grammy-nominated Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, passed away at 70. Confirmed by Mali’s Minister of Culture Mamou Daffé, Bagayoko died in his birthplace, Bamako. His family stated he had been ill for some time, although the specific cause of death was not disclosed.

Initially becoming blind at 15 due to congenital cataracts, Bagayoko studied music at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, where he met Mariam Doumbia, his future wife and bandmate. They began performing together in Mali during the Seventies and Eighties, eventually rising to international fame in Europe during the mid-Nineties.

As Amadou & Mariam, the duo showcased Malian music globally, gaining fans such as Stevie Wonder and David Gilmour. Damon Albarn notably featured them in his Africa Express project and co-produced their Grammy-nominated album, “Welcome to Mali,” while also having them open for Blur during their reunion concerts in 2009.

Bagayoko’s guitar style blended Malian music with Western rock, earning him a spot 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,” citing artists like Rod Stewart and Led Zeppelin as key influences due to their limited record availability in Mali.

In the past two decades, Amadou & Mariam became staples at major music festivals including Glastonbury and Coachella, and have opened for major bands like Coldplay and U2. Their latest albums included 2012’s “Folila,” featuring collaborations with notable artists, and 2017’s “La Confusion.” In September 2024, they performed at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Amadou Bagayoko will be remembered for his significant contributions to music and his role in bringing Malian sounds to a global audience. His unique fusion of styles and collaborations with international artists underscored his impact on the music industry. The legacy of Amadou & Mariam continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com