Overview

• In her first detailed interview since April, Mariam says Bagayoko’s condition worsened within days, he trembled and stopped responding, and he died in the car on the way to hospital.
• She confirms the finished album, L’Amour à la folie, will be released on October 24 and says it is the last record where they sing together.
• The album was completed before his death across sessions in Paris, Barcelona and Bamako, with contributions from Fally Ipupa and Manu Chao.
• Mariam has returned to the stage accompanied by their son, Sam Backo, whom she credits with giving her the strength to continue performing.
• Two days after his death, thousands attended national funeral rites in Bamako, and tributes included messages from artists such as Matthieu Chedid.