Amadou Bagayoko of Iconic Malian Duo Amadou & Mariam Dies at 70

The celebrated musician, known for blending West African traditions with global sounds, passed away in Bamako following an illness, leaving a legacy of cultural advocacy and international acclaim.

• Amadou Bagayoko, guitarist and singer of the Grammy-nominated duo Amadou & Mariam, died on April 4, 2025, in Bamako at the age of 70 after an illness.
• He and his wife Mariam Doumbia, both blind, met in the 1970s at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind and formed the duo, achieving global fame with their 2004 album 'Dimanche à Bamako.'
• Their music fused traditional Malian instruments with Western rock, blues, and pop influences, earning them millions of fans and critical acclaim worldwide.
• Amadou & Mariam performed at major global events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize concert, and the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony.
• Tributes from global artists and Mali's Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé, highlight Amadou's contributions to music and his advocacy for the blind.

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