Amadou Bagayoko, a Malian guitarist known for his work with his wife in the duo Amadou & Mariam, passed away at the age of 70 in Bamako. The couple created a unique sound that blended Afro-rock with other influences and found international success in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Their music, which evolved over time, featured political themes and local topics that resonated with a global audience. Despite being categorized at times as “world music,” the couple’s classic rock style and musicianship garnered praise from critics and fellow artists.
Mr. Bagayoko’s passion for music stemmed from a young age, despite losing his sight to a preventable infection as a child. He and Mariam both attended Mali’s first school for the blind, where they discovered a shared love for music and began collaborating.
Their partnership blossomed into a successful musical career that saw them perform at prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Their hit songs, such as “Dimanche à Bamako” and “Bofou Safou,” received critical acclaim and further solidified their status as cultural icons.
Even as their production slowed down in later years, Amadou & Mariam continued to captivate audiences with their timeless sound. Their legacy lives on through their children and grandchildren, who carry on the musical tradition of the Blind Couple From Mali.
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