Despite earning worldwide acclaim and Grammy nominations, this ground-breaking husband and wife duo from Mali had not performed in their homeland since 2006. They became the first West African artists to sell more than one million records worldwide.
In 2017, Amadou and Mariam released the album La Confusion, which addressed the political turmoil in their homeland, where Islamic extremists had imposed Shariah law and banned music. The couple said they wanted to use their music to bring people together and promote understanding.
Bagayoko is survived by his wife, Mariam, and their son, Sam, who is also a musician.
The cause of Bagayoko’s death has not been disclosed, but his widow, Mariam Doumbia, described his final moments. She said she took his hand and tried to move it, but it did not respond. “Amadou,” she said, “don’t do this, speak to Mariam… but he did not speak again.”
Tributes have poured in from around the world, including from French singer Manu Chao, who produced Amadou and Mariam’s album Dimanche à Bamako in 2004. Chao said on Instagram: “We will always be together… Wherever you go. Mariam, Sam, the whole family, your pain is my pain. I love you.”
Other notable fans include Youssou N’Dour and Damon Albarn, who both praised Bagayoko’s musical legacy.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0zq4elez9o
