Africa
Iconic Malian musician Amadou Bagayoko dies at 70
Malian music icon Amadou Bagayoko has passed on at the age of 70.
According to report, Bagayoko, half of the famous duo Amadou & Mariam, died on Friday April 4, 2025, in Bamako.
Mali’s Minister of Culture, Mamou Daffé, confirmed the singer’s death on national television.
Daffé described Bagayoko as ‘a national treasure and cultural pillar’ during the broadcast.
He did not reveal the cause of death or further medical details.
Bagayoko was born in Bamako, Mali, where he also took his final breath.
He lost his sight at 15 due to a congenital cataract condition.
He later studied music at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind.
There, he met Mariam Doumbia, his future wife and musical partner.
Together, they formed Mali’s Blind Couple in 1980.
The band gradually grew to become Amadou & Mariam, a global musical force.
They fused African sounds with rock, blues, and pop to global acclaim.
The duo released more than 10 albums over their decades-long career.
Their 2005 album Dimanche à Bamako brought them international stardom.
That album won France’s Victoire de la Musique, the equivalent of the Grammys.
In 2006, the BBC Radio Awards for World Music also honoured the album.
In 2013, Folila brought them a second Victoire de la Musique award.
Their 2008 album Welcome to Mali earned them a Grammy nomination.
They were nominated for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
Bagayoko’s final major performance was in 2024.
He performed at the Paris Paralympic Games closing ceremony with Doumbia.
Fans cheered as the legendary couple lit up the stage one last time.
Bagayoko leaves behind his wife, Mariam Doumbia, and his son, Sam, also a musician.
Tributes have poured in across Africa and beyond.
Fans describe him as a cultural ambassador and inspiration.
Many remember his powerful guitar work and warm vocals.
His legacy remains alive in Mali and the global music scene.
Bagayoko’s journey has ended, but his music will play on.
The Culture Minister, Mamou Daffé, confirmed Bagayoko’s death during a live address on Mali’s state television.
He described the late singer as “a cultural icon and national hero.”
Daffé gave no further details about the cause of death.
Bagayoko, known worldwide as half of Amadou & Mariam, died in his birthplace, Bamako.
He rose to fame alongside his wife and musical partner, Mariam Doumbia.
Bagayoko lost his sight at 15 due to congenital cataracts.
Despite his blindness, he picked up the guitar and mastered it.
He studied at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, where he met Doumbia.
In 1980, the couple formed their first group, Mali’s Blind Couple.
They later rebranded as Amadou & Mariam, gaining international stardom.
Their sound blended African rhythms with rock, pop and blues.
They released over 10 albums that rocked stages across the globe.
In 2005, Dimanche à Bamako won France’s Victoire de la Musique award.
The album also bagged a BBC Radio Award for World Music in 2006.
Their 2008 project, Welcome to Mali, earned a Grammy nomination.
In 2013, Folila secured another Victoire de la Musique trophy.
Their music brought African stories to global ears.
Bagayoko’s final major stage moment came in 2024.
He performed at the closing ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games.
Fans cheered as he and Doumbia lit up the arena.
His last chord on that stage now echoes with deeper meaning.
Bagayoko leaves behind his wife, Mariam, and their son, Sam.
Sam is also a musician, continuing the family’s musical legacy.
Tributes have flooded social media from fans, musicians and leaders.
Many called him a symbol of hope and resilience.
Others hailed his commitment to music despite physical challenges.
Bagayoko proved disability is not inability.
His guitar may be silent, but his music will never die.
Mali mourns a star whose light touched the world.
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