Bamako | April 5, 2025 — Legendary Malian guitarist and singer Amadou Bagayoko, known globally as one half of the celebrated duo Amadou & Mariam, has died at the age of 70. The Malian Ministry of Culture confirmed his passing on Friday in a statement broadcast on state television.
Born in Bamako in 1954, Bagayoko became a towering figure in African music, weaving West African rhythms with rock, blues, and pop to create a sound that captivated global audiences. He met his musical and life partner Mariam Doumbia in the 1970s at the Institute for Young Blind People in Bamako. Their partnership would span decades and stages across the world.
Their 2004 breakout album Dimanche à Bamako, produced by Manu Chao, brought them international acclaim. It paved the way for their 2008 release Welcome to Mali, which earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category.
The duo opened for Coldplay on tour in 2009, performed at the Nobel Peace Prize concert during Barack Obama’s award ceremony, and became a fixture at major global festivals including Glastonbury. In 2006, they composed the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup.
Tributes poured in from across the music world. Manu Chao shared a heartfelt message: “Amadou! We’ll always be together… with you wherever you go.” Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour added, “I will never forget his friendship. My thoughts are with my dear Mariam.”
