The Malian musician Amadou Bagayoko died on April 4 at the age of 70 after battling an illness, as reported by his family.
Amadou Bagayoko, who, together with his spouse, created the renowned blind music pair Amadou & Mariam, died on Friday in Bamako at the age of 70 after battling an illness, as reported by his relatives and the Malian authorities.
Amadou, born in Bamako on October 24, 1954, showed an innate aptitude for music early in his life.
At only two years old, he started studying percussion and then switched to playing the harmonica and flute by the time he was ten.
It was indeed his uncle’s guitar that really mesmerized him.
From 1974 to 1980, he was part of the Ambassadeurs du Motel, one of Mali’s leading groups, notable for including Salif Keïta as a member.
Following the loss of his vision during his teenage years as a result of congenital cataracts, he became associated with the Institute for Young Blind People in Bamako in 1975.
As his professional life was taking off and his love for music grew stronger, he came to the notice of Mariam Doumbia, who would go on to be his spouse.
"Rest in peace, Maestro," The celebrated Congolese artist Fally Ipupa made this statement soon after learning about the death of the esteemed Malian musician Amadou Bagayoko.
The Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour echoed similar feelings, expressing his thoughts as follows: I can never erase his friendship from my memory, Referring to Bagayoko, who formed an internationally recognized duo with singer Mariam Doumbia known as Amadou and Mariam.
