**Thousands Gather to Honor Musician Amadou Bagayoko in Mali**

**Amadou Bagayoko, known for blending West African influences with rock, was honored by friends, family, and fans in a heartfelt ceremony in Bamako.**

 

In a poignant farewell, thousands gathered in Bamako, Mali, on Sunday to pay their respects to Amadou Bagayoko, cherished musician of the renowned duo Amadou & Mariam. A multitude of friends, family, fans, and prominent figures including musician Salif Keita and former prime minister Moussa Mara attended the ceremony, reflecting Bagayoko’s immense impact on the music world.

Amadou & Mariam rose to international fame in the 2000s with their innovative sound that fuses West African rhythms with elements of rock and blues. Their 2004 album, "Dimanche à Bamako," achieved significant commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide and led to collaborations with figures such as Damon Albarn of Blur. They performed at notable festivals including Glastonbury and Coachella, earning a place in the hearts of music lovers globally.

Culture minister Mamou Daffé confirmed that Bagayoko passed away at the age of 70 in Bamako on Friday after battling illness. His widow, Mariam Doumbia, shared a heartfelt account of his last moments, revealing the deep bond they shared.

The funeral service took on a solemn tone as Bagayoko's body was carried by the Protection Civile of Mali, a testament to his stature within the country. Franco-Spanish musician Manu Chao, who was instrumental in producing "Dimanche à Bamako," took to Instagram to express his sorrow and solidarity with the family, stating, “your pain is my pain. I love you.”

Musical peers, including Youssou N'Dour, lauded Bagayoko and Mariam as "ambassadors of African music," underscoring their influential role in representing African sounds to a global audience. Youssou noted that Bagayoko lived with dignity and served as an inspiration to many.

Born in 1954, Bagayoko lost his sight at the age of 15 due to congenital cataracts. After meeting Doumbia at the Mali Institute for the Young Blind, they formed a musical partnership that evolved through their journey in the music industry, eventually settling in Ivory Coast. The couple’s unique blend of Mali's culture and influences from legendary British bands enabled them to invent their own genre, dubbed "Afro-rock."

Their collaboration with Manu Chao led to the success of "Dimanche à Bamako," which earned prestigious awards, including a Victoire de la Musique and a BBC Radio World Music Award. Subsequent albums solidified their presence in the global music landscape, and they incorporated contemporary issues into their lyrics.

Despite facing challenges, including oppressive political climates in Mali, Bagayoko used music to convey messages of hope and resilience. With a career that spanned decades, the duo continued to produce music until last year, with Bagayoko's final performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

He is survived by his wife, Mariam, and a son, Sam, who follows in his father’s musical footsteps. Following the funeral, Bagayoko will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at their home. His legacy endures in the hearts of many, as his artistry continues to inspire future generations.