Tribute to Amadou Bagayoko: Influential Musician of Amadou & Mariam Passes at 70

Amadou Bagayoko, the 70-year-old singer and guitarist of Amadou & Mariam, passed away in Bamako, Mali. Known for his blindness since 15, he profoundly influenced music by merging Malian rhythms with Western rock. The duo drew acclaim from global fans and artists, performing at major festivals and collaborating with notable figures. Their legacy includes Grammy nominations and participation in significant music events.

Amadou Bagayoko, a prominent singer and guitarist from the Grammy-nominated Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed on Friday by Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé, via state television. Bagayoko’s family noted he had been suffering from an illness for some time, although the specific cause of death has not been disclosed.

Losing his sight at 15 due to a congenital cataract, Bagayoko pursued his passion for music at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind. It was here he met his future partner, Mariam Doumbia. Both faced blindness at a young age, and they began performing together across Mali in the 1970s and 1980s before gaining European recognition in the mid-1990s.

Under the name Amadou & Mariam, the duo successfully brought Malian music to international audiences, charming many renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder and Damon Albarn, who collaborated with them on various projects, including the Grammy-nominated album “Welcome to Mali.” The duo also opened for Blur during their 2009 reunion shows, further solidifying their global influence.

Bagayoko’s innovative guitar style, blending traditional Malian music with rock elements, earned him a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 Best Guitarists. He once noted, “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 past twenty years, Amadou & Mariam have been featured performers at renowned music festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury and Coachella, and have supported significant tours by Coldplay and U2. Their latest albums include “Folila” (2012), featuring notable collaborations, and “La Confusion” (2017). In September 2024, they participated in the closing ceremony of the Summer Paralympics in Paris, performing Serge Gainsbourg’s “Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais.”

Amadou Bagayoko’s contributions to music through the duo Amadou & Mariam have left an indelible mark on the global music scene. His unique fusion of Malian sounds with Western influences not only captivated audiences but also inspired many musicians around the world. His legacy will endure through the music that continues to resonate with fans globally, highlighting resilience and creativity beyond physical challenges.

Original Source: www.rollingstone.com