Amadou Bagayoko, half of the renowned blind musical duo Amadou and Mariam, has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed on April 4, 2025, by his family and Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé. The celebrated musician died in the capital city of Bamako, Mali.
Amadou had been unwell for some time, as confirmed by his son-in-law, Youssouf Fadiga, who spoke to the media. Alongside his wife, Mariam Doumbia, Amadou formed the famous duo that gained international recognition, particularly with the release of their 2004 album, which included the hit song Dimanche à Bamako. The album earned the duo a Victoire de la Musique award in 2005 in the “World Music” category. Their second album, Folila (2013), also received accolades, including a second Victoire de la Musique.
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Amadou and Mariam’s musical journey began in 1975 at the Institute for Blind Youth in Bamako, Mali, where they bonded over their shared love of music. The institute’s orchestra, composed of blind musicians, helped them hone their craft. Their career spanned decades, during which they released 12 albums, earning fans worldwide. Their music combined traditional Malian rhythms with global influences, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences everywhere.
The duo’s career reached even greater heights when they performed at the 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony, where they moved millions of viewers with a touching rendition of Serge Gainsbourg’s Je suis venu te dire que je m’en vais. This performance, broadcast to billions across the world, was one of their final major public appearances.
Their personal and professional lives were deeply intertwined. Amadou and Mariam married in 1980 and had three children, with their son Sam Bagayoko also pursuing a career in music. Sam once explained that “there is no Mariam without Amadou, and no Amadou without Mariam,” highlighting the powerful connection that defined their artistry. Their partnership, both in life and music, was at the heart of their success.
Though they achieved great success on the global stage, their roots remained deeply tied to Mali. Their contributions to both the Malian music scene and global music culture left an indelible mark. Amadou Bagayoko’s passing marks the end of an era for the duo, but their legacy in the world of music and their contributions to cultural diplomacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate.
Their music lives on, with the duo’s timeless songs still enjoyed by fans around the world.
This article is originally published on francetvinfo
